Iowa Community Action Association - Weatherization Assistance Program
Iowa Community Action Association - Weatherization Assistance Program
Northeast Iowa Community Action Corp Operation: New View Community Action Agency Operation Threshold North Iowa Community Action Organization Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. Mid-Sioux Opportunity Community Action Agency of Siouxland West Central Community Action New Opportunities, Inc. MATURA Action Corporation South Central Iowa Community Action Program Des Moines Community Action Agency Red Rock Area Community Action Program Mid-Iowa Community Action Hawkeye Area Community Action Program Community Action of Eastern Iowa Community Action of Southeast Iowa Southern Iowa Economic Development Association


Last year 1,905 Iowa families reduced their heating costs through weatherization programs, and 14,363 families received financial support for emergency energy assistance (Read More).

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Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal grant program established to help reduce the heating and cooling costs for low income persons, particularly the elderly, disabled, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The WAP has developed from a program that stressed low cost, temporary measures installed by volunteers, to a program that uses trained crews and contractors to install permanent cost effective measures that address both the building shell and the heating and cooling systems in the dwelling.

The installation of energy efficiency measures for each dwelling is based on a computerized energy audit which determines the cost effectiveness of each measure. Energy efficiency measures include high density wall and attic insulation and blower door - guided infiltration reduction. Because the weatherization procedures result in "tightening" homes, indoor air quality and other client health and safety issues are also addressed. Health and safety measures include safety checks of all combustion appliances.

Besides the obvious benefit of conserving energy, the Iowa WAP also provides other benefits to Iowa and its residents. The program results in millions of dollars of additional value added to the Iowa economy. The program also mitigates certain health and safety problems in the client's homes, maintains affordable housing for low-income persons, reduces utility averages, and reduces environmental pollution.

WAP History
Developed as a pilot project in 1975, the WAP was institutionalized in 1979 within U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and is operated in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The funds provided by Congress are used to improve the energy efficiency of low-income dwellings using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry. The energy conservation resulting from the efforts of state and local agencies helps our country reduce its dependency on foreign oil and decrease the cost of energy for families in need while improving the health and safety of their homes

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is governed by various federal regulations designed to help manage and account for the resources provided by DOE. WAP funding is derived from annual appropriations from Congress. Each year Senate and House Interior Appropriations committees decide how much will be allocated.

Visit the WAP Web Site »