What to Expect During Your Home Weatherization

Our Weatherization Program helps make your home safer, more comfortable, and easier to heat and cool. This page explains what will happen, step by step—from checking if you qualify to the final inspection.

1) Eligibility & Application

Getting started:

• You fill out an application, and return the application with the required documents.
• BWCA will verify household income, who lives in the home, and enter utility information.

What you need to do:

• Turn in required paperwork (ID, proof of income, utility bills, etc.).
• Answer phone calls or letters if we need more information.

2) Home Energy Audit

After approval:

• BWCA will call you to set up a home energy audit once you are pulled from the waitlist. Waitlist can be up to one year long. 
• An adult (18 or older) must be home during the energy audit.

What happens during the visit:

• The Energy Auditor looks at insulation, heating, cooling, air leaks, and safety.
• Special tools may be used to check airflow and safety.
• The energy audit usually takes 4- 6 hours.

How to Prepare for an Energy Audit (Prep Checklist)

Please help us by doing the following before assessment , installation, or inspection visits:

• ✅ Make sure an adult (18+) will be home
• ✅ Clear paths to the furnace, water heater, attic access, basement, and crawl space
• ✅ Move items away from walls where work may be done
• ✅ Secure pets in another room or area
• ✅ Let us know about leaks, drafts, or comfort issues
• ✅ Tell us if anyone in the home has health concerns we should know about

These steps help the visit go faster and safer.

3) Your Work Scope

Next steps:

• We build a work plan just for your home & review it with you.
• The plan follows program rules and focuses on health, safety, and energy savings.

Examples of work may include:

• Adding insulation
• Sealing air leaks
• Fixing or improving heating systems
• Adding fans or ventilation

4) Installation & Repairs

Scheduling the work:

• Our contractors contact you to set up appointments.
• Work can take days, weeks, or months, depending on what is needed in your home.

During the work:

• An adult must be home.
• Crews protect your home and clean up when finished.
• Power or heat may be shut off for short times for safety.

5) Learning About the Improvements

Before crews leave:

• The work that was done will be explained.
• How to use or care for new equipment is explained.
• You can ask questions and share concerns.

6) Quality Control Inspection (QCI)

Final check:

• A Quality Control Inspector visits your home.
• This person did not do the work.
• They make sure the job is safe, complete, and done right.

If changes are needed:

• BWCA will fix any problems at no cost to you.
• Once approved, your weatherization is complete, and your 18-month warranty will begin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does weatherization cost me anything?

No. Approved services are done at no cost to you.

How long does the whole process take?

Every home is different. The full process can take several weeks from application to final inspection.

Do I need to be home for visits?

Yes. An adult (18+) must be home for assessments, installation, and inspections.

Will workers enter all parts of my home?

They may need to access areas like the attic, basement, or crawl space.

Will my heat or electricity be shut off?

Sometimes, for short periods, to keep everyone safe.

What if I rent my home?

Renters may qualify, but the property owner must give written permission.

Can I refuse a service?

Yes. We will explain all work before it begins.

Who do I call if I have questions?

Contact our office anytime—we are happy to help.

✅ What We Can’t Do

To make sure everyone understands the program, here are some things weatherization cannot do:

❌ We cannot do work that is not allowed by the Weatherization Program

❌ We cannot remodel or upgrade kitchens, bathrooms, or living spaces or do work on a home that is currently being remodeled

❌ We cannot repair major home damage or major structural problems

❌ We cannot move or store large amounts of furniture or personal items

❌ We cannot work in unsafe areas until they are fixed by the homeowner or landlord

❌ We cannot do work if the home is unsafe

❌ We cannot promise lower energy bills, but many homes do save energy

If a problem must be fixed first, we will explain what needs to be done before weatherization can move forward.

These rules help keep people safe and make sure the program is fair for everyone.

Our Promise to You

• ✅ No‑cost services if approved
• ✅ Trained and licensed workers
• ✅ Safety comes first
• ✅ Clear communication

We’re here to help make your home safer, healthier, and more comfortable.