How It Works - Free Home Weatherization

Austin Energy offers free home-energy improvements to customers with low-to-moderate incomes. Improvements reduce energy costs and enhance comfort. If needed, Austin Energy provides materials for and installation of attic insulation, minor duct repair and sealing, caulking around plumbing penetrations, weather stripping around doors, and solar screens.

The process can be initiated by simply filling out and submitting a Free Home Improvements application. Once reviewed and approved, Austin Energy will assign a contractor to make an appointment with the homeowner to inspect the home. A home may be disqualified if it has been weatherized within the last 10 years, is missing walls or has large holes in walls, has a leaking roof, or has serious foundation problems. The contractor will determine what needs to be done to the home and then will schedule another appointment to make the improvements. The contractor will also note any old or broken appliances that should be replaced with energy-efficient appliances and any other areas where energy or water can be conserved. The improvements will then be made by the contractors and the work will be inspected by Austin Energy to ensure quality.