Weatherization programs play a vital role in alleviating the high energy bills faced by millions of low-income households across the United States, contributing to improved health and safety outcomes, enhanced comfort, and reduced energy consumption. The cornerstone of these efforts is the federally funded Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), complemented by expanding utility sector programs for low-income customers, and various other funding streams such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and state and local programs. WAP and some utility programs provide energy efficiency retrofit services at no cost to qualifying households.
Participation in these programs, however, is often hampered by existing home conditions and repair needs that restrict the ability of implementors to install energy saving equipment and measures. This report explores the frequency, causes, and factors associated with deferring homes from WAP. We estimate the costs to address issues that cause deferrals from WAP and project potential energy and greenhouse gas emissions reductions that could be unlocked by treating these homes. We examine the benefits both from the weatherization readiness repairs themselves and from enabling the deferred homes to participate in WAP.
