Free Window Replacement Programs

Window replacement grants help homeowners that live in older houses. Drafty windows are less efficient and cost you more heating and cooling. New windows make a difference; however, they can be costly.

No-cost window replacement falls under the weatherization assistance program or WAP. They provide free home energy updates to eligible households and homeowners to help them save energy while ensuring their home stays healthy and safe.

What is the Weatherization Assistance Program?

The Weatherization Assistance Program, run by the Department of Energy, US, is administered at the local and state levels. You can apply for window replacement by visiting your area’s state weatherization agency. [https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance].

Seniors with low-income households can receive free window and door installation grants through the free weatherization program. Additional benefits include repairing or replacing faulty water heaters and heating systems. The program’s primary purpose is to reduce cooling and heating costs by improving the energy efficiency of homes.

Homeowners can apply for the free window replacement grant through the local WAP-affiliated agency. The designated contractor or the state agency determines whether or not you are eligible.

• Find a local service provider. Your state may have a single application.
• Fill out the application, including income verification for the household. 
• Expect someone to visit your home to perform an energy audit. This audit will determine whether or not you are eligible for free services.

How Does the Window Replacement Grant Work?

Weatherization programs work with other companion grants to provide the necessary aid to disadvantaged people. Additionally, the energy assistance programs reduce energy bills and save money for lower-income households.

If your home is qualified for weatherization, you may get free window replacement, doors, and heating unit repairs, among other benefits. The purpose of this grant is to make every effort to,

• Sealing drafty doors and windows and wrapping uninsulated pipes
• Repairing or replacing windows, doors, and water heaters as needed
• Ensure heating, and air conditioning systems work correctly.
• Repairing or replacing water heaters

How Window Replacement Grant Helps Low-Income Households 

Well-fitted windows will save you 10 to 20% of heating costs after replacement if broken beyond repair. You know you need to replace your windows when your thermostat is reasonable, and you still feel drafts in the winter and warm in summer. Thankfully, window replacement is now affordable to low-income families with limited funds. Local agencies, state governments, and non-profits distribute these grants.

Who Funds the Window Replacement Program? 

State agencies and local providers offer free upgrades to eligible homeowners. New windows are a luxury for most low-income families. However, specific programs that replace old windows do exist. Additionally, low-income families can get insulation doors and energy-efficient windows through the same weatherization services.

Florida 

You can apply for window replacement grants in Florida. Visit this page [https://www.growingfamilybenefits.com/florida-home-improvement-grants/] to know more about the programs and agencies through which you can get support for home repair. The grants are for low-income families, senior citizens, preparing or recovering from a hurricane, and others.

California 

You can visit the WAP website and apply for free window replacement grants. The Department of Community Services and Development, California, runs the program.

Besides the federal WAP scheme, California provides Low-Income Weatherization Program, a separate fund managed by the state. The LIWP can help more families. Following are some organizations that support the program.

Farmwork Housing 

Website: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-and-research/intersectional-policy-work/farmworker-housing

Phone number: 800-952-8356

Community Solar Pilot 

Website: https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/Community-Solar-Pilot.aspx

Phone number: (866) 675-6623

Multi-Family Energy-Efficiency 

Website: https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/Multi-Family-Energy-Efficiency-and-Renewables.aspx

Phone number: (916) 576-7109

Texas

For window replacement grants in Texas, you can apply through the website [https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/wap/], maintained by the Department of Housing & Community Affairs, Texas. The department publishes links to other government resources along with the WAP.

The department receives the money while allocating the funds to local organizations that disburse them further. All you have to do is identify the entities and contact them. For example, here are some organizations that support WAP in Dallas.

Texas Information & Referral Network 

Website: www.211texas.org

Phone number – 211

Texoma Council of Governments 

Website: https://www.tcog.com/

Phone number: 800-677-8264, 903-893-2161

*Department of Health and Human Services, Dallas County 

Website: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/

Phone number:  214-819-2000

What are the Qualifications for WAP?

Families with low income and senior citizens must meet specific qualifications before the WAP utilizes the grant for free window replacement and door replacement at zero cost. Here are the capabilities.

• Below or at 200% of Federal Poverty guidelines
• Receiving other free money programs from the government
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance or LIWP
• Aid to Families with Dependent Children
• Supplemental Security Income

The LIWP helps save energy, reduce gas emissions, and generate electricity. And the WAP prioritizes the physically disabled, elderly, households that have children below 12 years, and families with high utility bills.

Additional Window Replacement Grants for Low Incomes

Households with low income can apply for free windows replacement as conservation measures through other programs initiated by the government. These programs assist homeowners like senior citizens and promote energy efficiency.

The federal department screens applicants and provides funds. You have to apply for the grants through a county or state-level agency.

The LIHEAP, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, provides grants for replacing windows because its primary purpose is to help lower home utility bills, and weatherization is the secondary objective.

The LIHEAP, run at the federal level by the Department of Health and Human Services, distributes grants to each state. The state agencies allocate the money to several local providers so they can administer the program quickly.

Each state determines how to spend the money dispersed by federal grants. Hence, the levels of assistance vary a bit depending on the areas where you live.

• Caulking and insulation
• Audits to find out the need
• Free replacements and repairs
• CFL light bulbs
• Water conservation measures

Energy Star 

It is another intuitive program that works for energy conservation. Through the Energy Star program, you can get window replacement grants. The grants provide future cost savings on utility bills for electricity, gas, or oil.

Installing Energy Star windows in your house will lower utility bills by around 12% throughout the United States. Moreover, Energy Star is backed by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Besides, it increases energy efficiency, cooling, heating program, and light bulbs and supports rebates for certain appliances [https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder]. However, they don’t produce efficient doors or windows. The Energy Star grant works only as an investment with a reasonable return spread over a project’s lifetime.

Providing the necessary funds for window replacement can spread over several years in terms of payments. That way, the numbers work better as well.

• Cost to replace 25 frames and panes on average – $15,000
• Energy savings for 25 years – $12,000
• Expenses incurred annually on electricity and gas – $4000
• Savings on utility bills on average of 12% – $480

Senior Citizens

Window replacement grants for senior citizens include the free government plans conducted through the United States Department of Agriculture or USDA.

Many senior citizens live on fixed incomes and retirement benefits from Social Security. These benefits only take care of some of their needs. Because of their limited income, they are eligible for free window replacement programs: LIHEAP and WAP.

Additionally, senior homeowners will see a 12% annual savings from Energy Star utility bills for replacement windows have less impact on ROI.

 USDA Section 504 grants can be up to $7500, which can help seniors buy and install replacement windows. However, legitimate reasons for repairs or replacement must be safety or energy savings. Senior citizens must meet the following criteria to qualify for the grant.

• They should live in rural areas where the scheme works
• They should live in residence and be the homeowner
• Unable to get a loan because of bad credit
• Failed to repay the restoration loan, if any
• The family income is lower than 50% of the area median

Conclusion 

This program is a tremendous help to lower-income families and individuals. Without it, many would suffer high electric bills and be uncomfortable in their homes. LIHEAP and WAP make it possible for disadvantaged households to maintain their property while saving money. These window replacement grants are available to those who work but are still considered low-income and those on fixed incomes. Contact the agencies listed in this post for more information if you qualify for these programs.

References:

https://lowincomefamilies.com/window-replacement-grants/
https://freehomegrants.blogspot.com/2022/04/low-income-window-replacement-grants.html
https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer-assistance/wap/
https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance
https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/Residential-Energy-Efficiency.aspx
https://www.growingfamilybenefits.com/window-replacement-grants/