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WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE

 

FAQs

Navigating the world of energy efficiency and weatherization assistance programs can be confusing. This page is designed to answer any questions you may have about our weatherization services. Take a look at the weatherization FAQs below, and feel free to contact CAC if you still have any unanswered questions.

What is weatherization and how can it help me?

Weatherization helps eligible households with low to moderate income across the State of Maryland make energy-saving upgrades to their homes at no charge. Weatherization services that can make your home safer, healthier, and more energy efficient include:

  • Air sealing – closes up cracks and holes in your home and decreases drafts that can cause heating/cooling loss
  • Insulating the attic, floors, and walls
  • Hot water system improvements – water heater repair/replacement and pipe insulation
  • Lighting upgrades – LED bulbs in all compatible fixtures
  • Heating and cooling system – clean/tune, safety repairs, and/or unit replacement
  • Health and safety items, including installation of smoke/CO detectors

What’s not included?

The weatherization program does not offer:

  • Roof replacement
  • New stove installation
  • New oven installation
  • Door repairs/replacement
  • Window repairs/replacement
  • Or any major home repairs

How do I apply for weatherization assistance?

First, see if you meet the income guidelines for CAC weatherization assistance here. Then, fill out our online intake form. We’ll ask you some basic questions about yourself and your home. After we review your submission, we’ll reach out to confirm your approval or let you know if a full application is needed.

How does the weatherization process work?

  1. Find out if you and your home qualify for weatherization assistance here.
  2. Fill out our online intake form. We’ll ask you some questions about your home and any assistance programs you currently participate in. After we review your responses, we’ll reach out to let you know whether you’re approved or if you’ll need to fill out a full application.
  3. After your application is certified, we’ll work with you to schedule an in-person energy assessment (sometimes called an energy audit) of your home.
  4. Based on the assessment results, you’ll be given a list of recommended upgrades to your home. If you wish to move forward, we’ll connect you with a qualified local contractor to complete the work.
  5. After work is finished, you will be contacted by our office to schedule a final Quality Control Inspection.

How do I check my weatherization assistance eligibility?

Learn more about our program’s income guidelines here. Both homeowners and renters can qualify.

I live outside of Howard County; can I receive services?

Yes, CAC provides weatherization services to homeowners and renters across the state of Maryland, in 18 counties plus Baltimore City.

Central Region: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford, Howard, Montgomery

Eastern Shore: Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worchester

Southern Region: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s

Western Region: Carroll, Frederick, Washington

If you live outside our service areas, please contact us and we’ll be happy to connect you to an agency that can help.

How did you get my information? I don't remember applying for weatherization assistance.

When you applied for energy or utility assistance, you indicated your interest in energy efficiency programs. Don’t worry, no one is selling your information. These two programs work together for your benefit.

If you prefer not to move forward with weatherization, please contact us and we’ll remove you from our list. We understand circumstances change and now may not be the best time for you. You are welcome to reapply at any time. Please note, grant guidelines require us to continue to reach out until you tell us otherwise.

What happens during the energy assessment?

During an energy assessment (which is known as an energy audit), our auditors will perform a series of tests throughout your home to determine how your home uses energy. Please review our Safe Assessment Procedures and Practices and follow the list below to prepare your home for your energy assessment:

  • Remove all personal items blocking access to the attic, crawlspace/basement, and bathrooms
  • Provide access to all major appliances such washer, dryer, refrigerator, oven, water heater, and heating and cooling systems
  • Remain in one room while the assessment is being conducted
  • Be sure all pets are contained
  • Your signature will be needed on all required documents
  • If you would like the auditor to wear PPE, please let them know at arrival

Assessments can take up to 3 hours to complete. The auditor will review the initial results of the assessment before leaving. Please be aware if your home is not “weatherization-ready,” you will receive a deferral form.

Why was I told my home was not weatherization-ready? Why did I receive a deferral form? What happens next?

If you’ve received a deferral form or were told that your home is not weatherization-ready, it is likely because there are health and safety issues that need to be addressed before weatherization services are performed. These issues can include:

  • Structural, electrical or plumbing issues
  • Sewage or sanctuary problems (including pest infestations)
  • Lead-based paint hazards
  • Mold and mildew issues present
  • Asbestos that is in need of remediation

This does not mean you are no longer eligible to receive weatherization assistance. However, you will have to address the issues noted on your deferral form before work can continue. If you have additional questions about your deferral form or next steps, please contact our office.

How long after the energy assessment will the work start?

Our crew will contact you directly to schedule a start date. It typically takes up to two weeks from the energy assessment to prepare the work order.

How long will it take for the work to be completed?

Each weatherization job is customized to meet the home’s energy needs. Some jobs may require two or three specialized crews to complete the work order. Depending on the parts needed, weatherization work can take several weeks.

Do I need to leave my house while my home is weatherized?

You will still be able to live in your home while weatherization work is performed. You’ll need to be there in person when the initial energy assessment is completed. You can coordinate with the contractor as to whether you need to be home during the actual weatherization process itself. Pets should be contained while work happens.

What happens after the work is done?

All weatherization jobs must be inspected by CAC after the crew leaves. You will be contacted by our office to schedule a Quality Control Inspection. Some jobs may require additional inspections from the county—our crew will keep you informed.

What happens during the quality control inspection?

During the Quality Control Inspection (QCI), our trained inspectors perform all of the same tests from the initial energy assessment. We want to be sure the work that was completed by our contractors will truly save you money on your utility bills. The QCI is a required step of the weatherization process.

I'm a renter, can I participate?

Yes! Please complete the intake form and a weatherization staff member will help you get started. Please be sure to have your landlord’s name, phone number, and email address ready so we can contact them to receive the necessary permissions. Click here to read the Renter’s Pathway to Weatherization for more information.

I've received a letter from DHCD. What happens next?

Please call the number on your letter and we will get you scheduled for an energy assessment. If you are a renter, please have your landlord’s name, phone number, and/or email address ready so we can contact them to receive the necessary permissions.

How much money will I save every month if my home is weatherized?

Every home is different, and how much you’ll save on monthly energy bills will depend on the condition of your home before it’s weatherized. On average, a home that participates in one of the CAC’s weatherization assistance programs will see annual savings of about $283!

How is weatherization assistance different than a repair company?

When you call a repair company, it’s because you’ve noticed something is broken in your home. The company will make repairs and send you a bill. Weatherization through CAC is a no-cost service that does more than fix broken appliances. Our energy assessers are trained to look for potential energy efficiency improvements that you may not even know about. With our weatherization programs, we’ll make sure every part of your home is working together to lower your energy costs.

How much will this cost me? How is the program funded?

Weatherization services combine a variety of grants including:

  • Department of Energy
  • EmPOWER Utility partners (BGE, Delmarva Power, FirstEnergy, Pepco, SMECO, or Washington Gas​)
  • Maryland Energy Administration

Weatherization services are provided at no cost to homeowners and renters. For landlords, we strive to keep their contributions low and, in most cases, also no cost. Any costs are discussed upfront prior to work starting.

Can weatherization work be done in the winter?

Yes, weatherization work can be performed at any time of the year and will result in energy savings and improvements to home comfort. It’s always better to weatherize a home sooner rather than later. Every month you wait to schedule an assessment is a month where you pay more in energy bills!

My home was already weatherized. Can it be weatherized again?

Reach out to our offices and we will look into your specific situation further. Because the funding for our weatherization programs comes from federal, state, and utility grants, there are specific guidelines we must follow for homes that may have received weatherization assistance in the past. This includes homes that were owned by someone else at the time.

I was told I was over income for utility assistance, will I be denied for this too?

Weatherization services are available for families with low to moderate income levels and have different income limits which are often more inclusive than other services. If your income falls below the maximum outlined on our Income Eligibility page, please complete our online intake form to learn more about the services available to you.

Have a question about CAC’s weatherization services that isn’t answered here? Call us at (410) 313-6440 or email us here.