Weatherization is a blanket term for a variety of measures that improve the energy efficiency of a home. These cost-effective improvements and upgrades reduce energy usage, save money, and improve the overall comfort of a home year-round. Benefits of weatherization begin with reducing the energy bills of recipients for a long period of time. Some measures, such as insulating walls or roofs, can provide savings for the lifetime of a house – 30 years or more. 

To receive weatherization assistance, the household must have outstanding utility bills, live at the residence, and be at 200% of the current U. S. Poverty Guidelines.

Applications for the Weatherization Program can be submitted at any Panhandle Community Services Center.

What are the benefits of weatherizing my home?

• Keep your home warm in the winter
• Keep your home cool in the summer
• Save money
• Save energy
• Preserve national energy independence
• Help preserve our natural resources

CLICK HERE to fill out a survey.

HOW IT WORKS

Complete and submit an application. The application is available at any Panhandle Community Services Center or on this web page. 

If the application is approved, PCS will determine the priority of the application based on households with seniors, disabled persons, or children under the age of 6 years. Households within these priority groups may receive assistance before households that do not. 

Due to limited funding, applicants may be placed on a waiting list according to the household priority.
Upon the availability of the funds, PCS WAP staff will schedule an appointment to perform a home energy audit to assess the condition of your home.* 

Based upon the home energy audit, PCS staff prepare a home needs assessment using the computerized National Energy Audit (NEAT) Audit Program. The computerized Audit determines what measures will be addressed on the house based on potential energy savings for that house. Only measures approved by the NEAT audit in conjunction with program rules and regulations can be performed.

Potential energy saving measures:

• Insulation in attic, floor and/or walls
• Air infiltration reduction/sealing
• Furnace and air conditioning repair 
• Refrigerator replacement
• Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulb Retrofits 

Once appropriate measures are determined, a qualified crew of weatherization technicians will install the measures in your home. In some instances, the client may notice that comfort levels and energy savings improve within days. Each client will receive Energy Conservation Education to maximize potential energy savings. 

When work is completed, a Quality Control Inspector will return to your home to assess changes for quality and completion. 

*The home will be checked for excessive amounts of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and gas leaks (if applicable) prior to any work being done on the home. PCS will notify the client if a possible gas leak or CO problem exists. The WAP program does not remedy gas leaks, but in special cases appliances may be replaced or repaired when there are high levels of CO. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What documents do I need when I apply for Weatherization?

1. Completed and signed application
2. Birth Certificate 
3. Social Security Card 
4. Drivers License 
5. Copy of Income documentation for last 30 days. 
6. Utility Billing Histories (if applicable)

How soon will I receive services?

Once the application is approved, PCS will determine the priority of the application based on households with seniors, disabled or with children under the age of 6 years. Households that meet these priority groups may receive assistance before households that do not contain a priority group. Due to limited funding, applicants may be placed on a waiting list according to the household priority.

What if I only need windows or doors?

Due to the intent of the program, PCS cannot assist eligible clients with only windows or doors. Only measures approved by the NEAT audit, in conjunction with program rules and regulations can be performed. After PCS staff visit a client’s house and prepare a home needs assessment, the information is entered into the computerized National Energy Audit (NEAT) Audit Program. The computerized Audit determines what measures will be addressed on the house based on potential energy savings for that house. 

What may deny my ability to obtain Weatherization services?

At a minimum, denial of services may be attributed, but not limited, to:

1. Household has been previously weatherized.
2. Household is over the maximum limit.
3. Household does not provide required documents.
4. NEAT Audit determines that any potential work will not benefit the home. 
5. Work on house is beyond the scope of the program. (House requires extensive work beyond the ability of the program.)
6. Household has major roof leaks.
7. Health and/or safety issues for PCS staff or its contractors.

What happens if I am denied?

Clients have the right and opportunity to appeal a denial. Denied applicants will receive a “Denial notice” along with appeals information. Applicants must comply with the requirements and timelines identified in the appeals procedures. 

How do I prepare for an Energy Audit?

1. Ensure you or an adult are home at the appointment time. PCS will not perform a home assessment if there is not an authorized adult on the premises throughout the assessment. 
2. Ensure that PCS has access throughout the house, in each room and around the house. Pets and/or animals must be secured for the protection of PCS staff. 
3. Ensure that PCS there is access into the attic and/or the crawlspace under the home (if applicable). 

Will I get the same items that my neighbor received?

Eligible WAP clients may not receive the same services as other previously weatherized clients. Each home is difference and services are based on the needs and condition of each house.

What are types of Energy Conservation?

1. Turning off lights when you are not in a specific room.
2. Switch to Energy Star-Qualified compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs)
3. When purchasing new appliances, purchase appliances that are Energy Star rated. 
4. Repair leaky faucets.
5. Purchase the right size of water heater. 
6. Use a programmable thermostat for air conditioning and heating needs. 
7. Set your thermostat to the recommended energy saving settings. 
8. Replace Central HVAC air filters at least once a month.
9. Clean refrigerated window unit air filters at least once a month. 
10. Use one (1) refrigerator, not two (2).

Additional Information

Contact us for Further information at 806-372-2531 or info@pcsvcs.org

Funding for Weatherization comes through many sources including the Housing Preservation Grant, LIHEAP, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, and the Department of Energy, 

For additional information, visit www.tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/wap/guidance.htm.