Happy Weatherization Day! But wait . . . What is Weatherization Day?

Happy Weatherization Day But wait . . . what is Weatherization Day? I am glad you asked! Read on to learn more about what the Weatherization Assistance Program is, the impact Newcap’s WAP Program has made in the past year, find out if you are eligible for the program and how to apply! 

The Weatherization Program (WAP) is administed by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources. The Wisconsin Weatherization Assistance Program is funded with a combination of state and federal funds including U.S. Department of Energy. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and State Public Benefits funding. The Weatherization Assistance Program helps homeowners and renters reduce energy consumption while increasing comfort in their homes. Weatherization improvements may also make the home’s environment healthier and safer.

The Weatherization Program is an additional benefit available to households to receive Energy Assistance. Your home may be eligible for Weatherization services if it has not been previously weatherized. The Weatherization program is designed to reduce energy usage and lower your energy costs. Some things that would be assessed and may be addressed are appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, heating units, water heaters as well as energy efficient lighting, air leakage, insulation, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and ventilation in your home. All homes have different needs so the treatment that is done may vary and are specific for that home.

This past year Newcap’s Weatherization Program annual energy cost savings per home post Weatherization is $490. Projected energy cost savings per home (over the life of measures) is $10,410. The top measures for energy savings are attic insulation, heating system fuel switch, water heater fuel switch, and heating system replacement. 

There is NO COST to eligible households for Weatherization services. 

Do you think you may be eligible for this program? Eligibility guidelines are as follows: applicants must have an annual income at or below 60% of the State Median Income Guidelines and have applied for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (Energy Assistance). Use our eligibility calculator to find out if you may be eligible for this program. 

Once eligibility has been established, the client will be contacted by one of Newcap’s certified Energy Auditors who will perform a comprehensive energy audit on the home to determine what energy efficiency measures can be done within the scope of the program. Upon completion of the energy audit a Weatherization crew will be scheduled to come to the home to perform the work prescribed by the audit under the careful supervision of a Field Coordinator. Energy efficiency measures may include insulating of attics, sidewalls and crawlspaces or basements; sealing air leaks; repair or replacing inefficient furnaces or boilers; installing energy saving products such as Energy Star rated light bulbs, refrigerators and/or freezers. A sign-off of acceptable work is required from the owner or renter of the property, with quality control performed on a percentage of the completions. 

To apply for weatherization services, please call the Oconto Newcap, Inc. office at 920.834.4621 or 1.800.242.7334 and ask for the Weatherization Department. You can also apply online here.