Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Frequently Asked Questions

• WAP is a no cost program that saves qualified Colorado residents money on energy bills.
• WAP makes homes safer and more comfortable through energy efficiency improvements and upgrades.
• WAP creates good paying jobs with low barriers to professional entry. It also offers paid training for trade skills that allow for career mobility.
• WAP reduces energy waste through proven energy conservation solutions, contributing to the state’s GHG reduction goals.

Program background

• What is the main goal of the program?

• WAP lowers energy bills by reducing home energy waste through proven conservation solutions. 

• What is WAP?

• The Weatherization Assistance Program provides services to income-qualified Colorado residents (see chart/details below on eligibility) to decrease energy bills, improve energy efficiency, and increase the safety of their homes.

• What is the cost of receiving WAP services?

• Weatherization services are provided at no cost for approved clients.

• What kind of work does WAP do in the home?

• All WAP services begin with a home energy audit. Energy efficiency improvements or upgrades are determined by the audit. Common improvements include air filtration sealing, furnace repair or replacement, insulation in the attic floors and walls, and LED light bulbs. WAP uses the “whole-house” approach to ensure that all parts of the home work together to maximize efficiency, comfort, and safety.

• Who does the work?

• The Colorado Weatherization Assistance Program works with six verified local weatherization service providers around the state to perform weatherization upgrades: Arapahoe County Weatherization Division, Energy Resource Center, Housing Resources of Western Colorado, Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, Pueblo County Department of Housing and Human Services, and Energy Outreach Colorado for multifamily buildings. Interested residents can find their local service provider on the Colorado Energy Office website.
• Is there a map to locate my local weatherization service provider?

• Yes, a contact list is available at the bottom of this document and an accessible map can be found on the Colorado Energy Office website.

• What are the benefits of weatherizing a home?

• Save money
• Reduce energy waste
• Increase safety and comfort of home
• Reduce greenhouse gas pollution

• When did WAP launch?

• WAP was born as a federal program during the 1973 oil crisis, when unemployment and energy prices were exceptionally high. Energy conservation measures emerged as one of the nation’s top priorities. In 1976, Congress passed the Energy Conservation Policy Act and WAP became an official program. Colorado has provided weatherization services for over 40 years, and  now serves more than 3,000 residents a year.

How it works

• What is the process after a client is approved for WAP?

Once a client is approved for WAP, an energy auditor will come to their home and perform an energy audit using technologies such as thermal imaging cameras and air pressure tests using blower doors to determine where the home is wasting energy. The energy audit determines the work that needs to be done, and crews will be scheduled to do the work.

• Can a client choose what work is done in their home?

• The program performs energy audits on each home to identify the energy inefficiencies. The energy audit determines what work needs to be done to maximize energy efficiency.  Refusal of certain conservation upgrades may result in forgoing WAP services. If a client is concerned about recommended upgrades, the local weatherization service provider will work with them to determine how to proceed to ensure the no cost upgrades are a benefit to their home.

• Will a client get new windows through WAP? (Common question from applicants)

• The repairs and upgrades installed in a home are determined by the results of an energy audit that identifies energy inefficiencies in the home. These upgrades must meet certain cost-saving standards, and, in most cases, windows do not meet those standards. Every home is unique, so it is not out of the question; however, whether a home will get new windows or any other specific upgrade is determined by the audit.

• How long does it take?

• Each home is different, the local weatherization service provider will work with the client to determine the timeline for their home.

Program Requirements

• Who does WAP serve?

• WAP serves income-qualified Colorado residents. If a home has been weatherized within the last 15 years, that home will not qualify.

• What are the income qualifications?

• Meeting income requirements alone does not guarantee services will be provided. Program participation is subject to available funding and resources. Eligible households may be placed on a waiting list, and service timelines can vary significantly based on program demand and capacity. For the most current information about program status and estimated wait times, please contact your local weatherization service provider.  
• Income eligibility is determined by household size, location and income. Find your county’s income limit using this WAP Income Eligibility chart. 

• The WAP Income Eligibility chart notes the highest income level for each county between 60% State Median Income, 80% Area Median Income, and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. View each of the income criteria individually in the charts below:

• 80% Area Median Income Chart
• 60% State Median Income Chart
• 200% Federal Poverty Level Chart

• For households with more than 10 people, contact your local weatherization service provider.
• If a resident currently receives financial assistance from any of the following programs, they may automatically qualify for weatherization services:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

• Do you need to receive LEAP to be eligible?

• No, LEAP is one of several ways to be income qualified.

• Does a client need to provide evidence of legal presence

• No, legal presence is not required to receive WAP services. However, if the applicant or someone (even a child) in the applicant household is able to attest to lawful presence affidavit, that is encouraged.

• Does WAP serve renters?

• Yes, if the homeowner/property manager agrees, renters in single-family, multifamily, and manufactured residences may qualify.

How to apply

• How can a resident apply?

• Residents can apply online at the Colorado Energy Officials website, or through your local weatherization service provider.

• Who is the best person to contact with questions?

• Contact the  local weatherization service provider with questions about the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Program Workforce

• Why is the WAP workforce important?

• WAP cannot happen without a qualified workforce - and current labor shortages are challenging.

• Why would I want to work for WAP?

• WAP provides a career pathway with competitive wages, paid training, and low barriers to entry - all while serving your community and taking climate action.  

• What credentials do I need to work for WAP?

• A valid driver’s license and be 18 years or older.

• How can I apply to work for WAP?

• You can find the local weatherization service provider closest to you, and a link to their open positions on the Colorado Energy Office website

Weatherization Assistance Program Local Service Providers

• Arapahoe County Weatherization Division (303) 636-1982
  Counties served: Arapahoe, Adams
• Energy Resource Center Denver Metro Regional Office: Denver (720) 236-1321
  Counties served: Broomfield, Denver, Jefferson, Gilpin
• Energy Resource Center Northern Regional Office: Berthoud (970) 617-2801
  Counties served: Boulder, Larimer, Weld
• Energy Resource Center Northeastern Regional Office: Sterling  (970) 463-7020
  Counties served: Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Yuma
• Energy Resource Center Pikes Peak Regional Office: Colorado Springs (719) 591-0772
  Counties served: Cheyenne, El Paso, Douglas, Elbert, Fremont, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Teller
• Energy Resource Center San Luis Valley Regional Office: Alamosa (719) 587-9492
  Counties served: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, Saguache
• Housing Resources of Western Colorado (970) 241-2871
  Counties served: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mesa, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, San Miguel
• Northwest Colorado Council of Governments 1-800-332-3669
  Counties served: Chaffee, Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Lake, Moffat, Park, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, Summit
• Pueblo County Weatherization (719) 583-6315
  Counties served: Baca, Bent, Crowley, Custer, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo
• Energy Outreach Colorado (303) 825-8750
  Serves multifamily residence buildings statewide