Overview
Often, the one thing that makes an otherwise affordable home unaffordable is the cost of energy. Through our energy-efficiency programs, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Appliance Management Program (AMP), we provide weatherization and appliance upgrades to households that receive fuel assistance, a discounted utility rate, or whose household income falls under 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The first step is to schedule a no-cost in-person energy assessment. During your assessment, an Energy Specialist will evaluate your home for energy-saving opportunities and provide a custom home energy report outlining your recommended upgrades and any incentives you may qualify for. The programs are available to qualifying renters and homeowners.
In 2023, we conducted energy assessments on 634 single-family & 291 multi-family homes to reduce electrical use.
How to Schedule an Energy Assessment
Schedule an Energy Assessment for Single Family Homes (1-4 Units)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Appliance Management Program (AMP) are income eligible programs. To qualify, you must have been deemed income eligible by a utility or utility program by having one of the following:
- Discount Rate on your Electric or Natural Gas utility bill.
- Current Approval for the Home Energy Assistance Program (commonly known as Fuel Assistance).
- Household income falls under 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Live in a 1–4-unit dwelling or an individually owned condominium unit.
- Live in Barnstable County, Nantucket County, Dukes County, or the town of Wareham. If you live in Wareham, you must live in a 1–4-unit home and NOT have Natural Gas as your primary heating fuel.
To schedule an energy assessment in Barnstable or Dukes County, call the Statewide Client Solution Center at 1-833-888-1326.
To schedule an energy assessment in the town of Wareham or Nantucket County, call us at 508-771-5400 ext. 205.
Do you live in Barnstable or Dukes County and do not qualify for our program? Call 1-866-527-7283 to register for the Residential Energy Program.
Don’t live in Barnstable, Nantucket, or Dukes County? Call 1-866-527-7283
Schedule an Energy Assessments for Multi-Family Homes (5+ Units)
Low-income multi-family properties owned by public housing authorities, non-profit or for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for assistance to improve the energy usage of their buildings. The program installs approved, cost effective energy efficiency measures. Property owners and/or managers must apply through the LEAN Multifamily Program.
Public housing, private non-profit, and private for-profit housing can qualify if 50% or more of the residents are at 60% or under of AMI (area median income).
If you are a resident of a multi-family or housing authority property, contact your property manager for inclusion in the program.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
When the energy specialists conduct your no-cost home energy assessment, they will identify areas in your home that need insulation, air sealing, weather-stripping, and more. Additionally, they will check the home for any health and safety concerns that need to be addressed.
Weatherizing your home not only lowers your energy bills, but it also improves your family’s comfort and health by keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The weatherization work will be performed by licensed and insured area contractors.
In 2023, we weatherized 302 single-family homes to reduce energy usage and increase comfort.
In 2023, we weatherized and/or installed energy-saving measures to 436 rental units.
How to Schedule an Energy Assessment
Schedule an Energy Assessment for Single Family Homes (1-4 Units)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Appliance Management Program (AMP) are income eligible programs. To qualify, you must have been deemed income eligible by a utility or utility program by having one of the following:
- Discount Rate on your Electric or Natural Gas utility bill.
- Current Approval for the Home Energy Assistance Program (commonly known as Fuel Assistance).
- Household income falls under 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Live in a 1–4-unit dwelling or an individually owned condominium unit.
- Live in Barnstable County, Nantucket County, Dukes County, or the town of Wareham. If you live in Wareham, you must live in a 1–4-unit home and NOT have Natural Gas as your primary heating fuel.
To schedule an energy assessment in Barnstable or Dukes County, call call the Statewide Client Solution Center at 1-833-888-1326.
To schedule an energy assessment in the town of Wareham or Nantucket County, call us at 508-771-5400 ext. 205.
Do you live in Barnstable or Dukes County and do not qualify for our program? Call 1-866-527-7283 to register for the Residential Energy Program.
Don’t live in Barnstable, Nantucket, or Dukes County? Call 1-866-527-7283
Schedule an Energy Assessments for Multi-Family Homes (5+ Units)
Low-income multi-family properties owned by public housing authorities, non-profit or for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for assistance to improve the energy usage of their buildings. The program installs approved, cost effective energy efficiency measures. Property owners and/or managers must apply through the LEAN Multifamily Program.
Public housing, private non-profit, and private for-profit housing can qualify if 50% or more of the residents are at 60% or under of AMI (area median income).
If you are a resident of a multi-family or housing authority property, contact your property manager for inclusion in the program.
Appliance Management Program (AMP)
When the energy specialists conduct your no cost home energy assessment, our energy auditors will also evaluate your appliances to determine if they qualify for new energy-efficient upgrades and offer energy-efficient devices to help you reduce your monthly electric bills.
If eligible, the items below may be replaced, free of charge.
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Window air conditioner
- Dehumidifier
- Washing machine
- You will also receive energy-saving light bulbs (LED Bulbs); a kit with other energy-saving devices; and educational materials with pertinent information on the health and safety of your home.
Note: This is an appliance exchange program, not a repair program. We replace working, but energy-inefficient appliances with new energy-efficient appliances. We do not repair or replace broken appliances.
In 2023, we replaced 291 old, inefficient refrigerators, 28 freezers, 104 Washing Machines, 39 Air Conditioners, and 111 Dehumidifiers with new Energy Star models.
How to Schedule an Energy Assessment
Schedule an Energy Assessment for Single Family Homes (1-4 Units)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Appliance Management Program (AMP) are income eligible programs. To qualify, you must have been deemed income eligible by a utility or utility program by having one of the following:
- Discount Rate on your Electric or Natural Gas utility bill.
- Current Approval for the Home Energy Assistance Program (commonly known as Fuel Assistance).
- Household income falls under 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Live in a 1–4-unit dwelling or an individually owned condominium unit.
- Live in Barnstable County, Nantucket County, Dukes County, or the town of Wareham. If you live in Wareham, you must live in a 1–4-unit home and NOT have Natural Gas as your primary heating fuel.
To schedule an energy assessment in Barnstable or Dukes County, call the Statewide Client Solution Center at 1-833-888-1326.
To schedule an energy assessment in the town of Wareham or Nantucket County, call us at 508-771-5400 ext. 205.
Do you live in Barnstable or Dukes County and do not qualify for our program? Call 1-866-527-7283 to register for the Residential Energy Program.
Don’t live in Barnstable, Nantucket, or Dukes County? Call 1-866-527-7283
Schedule an Energy Assessments for Multi-Family Homes (5+ Units)
Low-income multi-family properties owned by public housing authorities, non-profit or for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for assistance to improve the energy usage of their buildings. The program installs approved, cost effective energy efficiency measures. Property owners and/or managers must apply through the LEAN Multifamily Program.
Public housing, private non-profit, and private for-profit housing can qualify if 50% or more of the residents are at 60% or under of AMI (area median income).
If you are a resident of a multi-family or housing authority property, contact your property manager for inclusion in the program.
Reduce your energy use!
We conduct no-cost energy assessments, a great way for residents to reduce their energy usage and lower their utility bills. More energy saving tips include:
- In the winter, if you are currently heating with a boiler or a furnace set your thermostat to 68° F/day and 55° F/night. Hot water 120° F. (Close off unused rooms).
- Set your A/C to 78° F during the day and keep windows closed and lower the shades to keep the heat outside in the summer. In the evening, open windows and turn on fans to cool off the house.
- Use LED light bulbs.
- Use low-flow faucets and shower heads. Air or towel dry your dishes.
- Laundry: Wash full loads. Use the second spin cycle. Use warm or cold-water cycles only. Dry clothes on a line outside or on a drying rack. Use your dryer sparingly e.g., 5 min. to soften your clothing fabric.
Weatherization Tips
- The best time to weatherize is in early spring to late fall. Don’t wait for the winter season to come around!
- Caulk and seal windows, doors, and attic hatch. At sundown, cover windows with blankets or thick drapes.
- Place an old blanket or draft stopper at bottom of any outside door.
- During the day, let sun rays warm up your rooms.
- In late Fall remove A/C units from windows or cover the unit on outside with a thermal blanket.
- Fireplace: if no fire burns, close the damper and consider using a Chimney Balloon. If you never use the fireplace, seal the chimney flue by covering up the opening with tempered glass or board. Use weather stripping or tape to close any additional area where warm air might leak out.
- Bulkhead doors in basement: Install weather stripped doors or insulation fiber board at bottom of stairs or cover up with heavy drape or blanket.
How to Schedule an Energy Assessment
Schedule an Energy Assessment for Single Family Homes (1-4 Units)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Appliance Management Program (AMP) are income eligible programs. To qualify, you must have been deemed income eligible by a utility or utility program by having one of the following:
- Discount Rate on your Electric or Natural Gas utility bill.
- Current Approval for the Home Energy Assistance Program (commonly known as Fuel Assistance).
- Household income falls under 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Live in a 1–4-unit dwelling or an individually owned condominium unit.
- Live in Barnstable County, Nantucket County, Dukes County, or the town of Wareham. If you live in Wareham, you must live in a 1–4-unit home and NOT have Natural Gas as your primary heating fuel.
To schedule an energy assessment in Barnstable or Dukes County, call the Statewide Client Solution Center at 1-833-888-1326.
To schedule an energy assessment in the town of Wareham or Nantucket County, call us at 508-771-5400 ext. 205.
Do you live in Barnstable or Dukes County and do not qualify for our program? Call 1-866-527-7283 to register for the Residential Energy Program.
Don’t live in Barnstable, Nantucket, or Dukes County? Call 1-866-527-7283.
Schedule an Energy Assessments for Multi-Family Homes (5+ Units)
Low-income multi-family properties owned by public housing authorities, non-profit or for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for assistance to improve the energy usage of their buildings. The program installs approved, cost effective energy efficiency measures. Property owners and/or managers must apply through the LEAN Multifamily Program.
Public housing, private non-profit, and private for-profit housing can qualify if 50% or more of the residents are at 60% or under of AMI (area median income).
If you are a resident of a multi-family or housing authority property, contact your property manager for inclusion in the program.
