Contact your local center to apply or start by completing a LIHEAP application (online is available November-April, any other time: by phone, mail or in person).

Income Guidelines for weatherization.

Community Action’s Weatherization Program is funded by federal, state and local money. The work done varies depending on the area, the amount of funding available, and the cost limits set by each funding source.

Weatherization work may include:

  • Insulating attics, sidewalls, banjoists and crawlspaces
  • Stopping air infiltration
  • Venting attics
  • Minor foundation repairs
  • Installation of high-efficiency light bulbs

Recipients of weatherization services can be home owners or renters. If they are a renter the landlord must agree to have the residence weatherized.

During fiscal year 2022 the agency weatherized 48 homes. There are many more applications for weatherization than we are able to complete.

Community Action’s weatherization auditors make a health and safety check for the safe operation of combustion appliances and clean and tune gas furnaces. If needed, they may request the repair or replacement of water heaters and furnaces to resolve health and safety issues. Weatherization specialists also provide energy-saving tips and suggestions to clients.

Community Action of Southeast Iowa has a Weatherization Program with one of the state’s highest energy cost savings per home many times during the past twenty years. $467 is the average yearly savings a household sees after receiving weatherization services.

The Weatherization Program has also been busy repairing homes with the Senior Home Repair Program with funding from the local Area Agency on Aging. Repairs such as building ramps and making bathrooms accessible has allowed senior citizens to remain in their homes.

To be eligible for Weatherization you must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Homes eligible for weatherization are pulled from a priority list based on those who have applied the previous year and a home’s energy usage. Each year in southeast Iowa, over 4,000 people apply. Due to funding, we are only able to weatherize around 50 homes each year.

Weatherization information from the Iowa Department of Human Rights.