Weatherization Assistance Program

Weatherization refers to protecting a building from weather elements. For your home, this means making upgrades and improvements that will save energy and make your space more comfortable. That can include air sealing around doors and windows, upgrading insulation in exterior walls and attics, or repairing furnaces and boilers. Weatherization services can decrease energy costs by up to 30%! 

The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy upgrades to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help save energy and make homes healthy and safe places to live.

Weatherization works closely with the Energy Assistance Program to help permanently reduce the energy bills for low-income Minnesotans.

1. Find out if your household income meets the eligibility guidelines, available on the Weatherization Assistance Program page.
   - Note: these income guidelines are different than the Energy Assistance Program income guidelines and Weatherization Assistance uses the previous calendar month's household income to determine eligibility.
2. Complete a joint application for Energy Assistance and Weatherization Assistance.
3. Submit your application to your local Weatherization Assistance Program provider over the phone, online, by mail, or in person at your local Community Action Agency.

A local Weatherization service provider may conduct a free home energy assessment to determine if cost-effective energy efficiency improvements can be completed in your home.

During the home energy assessment, an adult will need to be present, and pathways will need to be cleared throughout the home. The Weatherization service provider will do the following:

• Blower door test: determines how much air is leaking from your home.
• Visual checks of any weather stripping, caulking, light bulbs, fans, thermostats, radiators or registers on all floors.
• Attic inspection: checking for insulation levels and areas that can be improved.
• Basement inspection: checking your furnace, boiler, and water heater; inspecting ductwork and pipe insulation.
• Exterior home inspection: siding, exterior walls, doors, windows, etc.

Following the inspection, you'll make a plan for free repairs and improvements.

Learn more about home energy audits