COVID-19 Advisory

Routine weatherization and heating system work has resumed. In response to the coronavirus, our Energy Department is keeping current with any changes in the science and advisories put forth by the governing entities. Our staff is equipped with current PPE gear and trained on the latest safety procedures. If you have any questions or concerns about having an Energy Assessment done in your home during this time, please call so we can answer your questions

If you need immediate assistance with a housing issue, please call 508-771-5400 or email hac@haconcapecod.org.

Energy Efficiency Programs

Often, the one thing that makes an otherwise affordable home unaffordable is the cost of energy. Weatherizing your home results in increased comfort throughout the year, especially during the hot summer and cold winter months. You’ll also benefit by saving money on your utility bills. Through its Energy Department, Housing Assistance offers a number of services that help low-income homeowners and tenants on Cape Cod save energy and money.

If you are eligible for the Fuel Assistance program or you are currently on a discounted electric or gas rate, you may qualify for our Energy programs that save you money by making your home more energy efficient and lowering your overall energy expenses. Housing Assistance is funded to provide weatherization to households that receive fuel assistance, a discounted utility rate or whose household income falls under 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

2023 LIHEAP program year income guidelines (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023

Number of people in household –  60% of Estimated State Median Income

1 – $42,412

2 – $55,462

3 – $68,512

4 – $81,562

5 – $94,611

6 – $107, 661

The first step is to call to schedule an energy assessment. Our certified energy auditors visit your home to conduct a free home energy assessment of your weatherization, heating system, appliance and lighting needs, and the auditor will tell you if you qualify for any of our free weatherization services. The first step is to schedule your free energy assessment.

Note: This is an energy efficiency program, not a repair program. We do not repair or replace broken appliances, and our programs do not cover window replacement.

Single family homes (1 to 4 units), contact:

Barnstable and Dukes County – Call Cape Light Compact, 800-797-6699

Wareham and Nantucket – Call Suzanne at Housing Assistance at 508-771-5400, ext. 123, or send an email.

Multi family homes (5+ units), contact:

Services are available to residents of multifamily buildings of 5 or more units through Cape Light Compact. 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).

To be considered for Low Income Multi Family Energy services , property owners and/or managers need to call 617-348-6425 or visit http://leanmultifamily.org to register for insulation, air sealing and ventilation services.

How to Apply For Fuel Assistance

The Fuel Assistance Program, provides low income households with help paying home heating bills.
Call South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) in Plymouth 508-746-6707.

In addition, all senior centers in our region offer help with applications for Fuel Assistance. Households will be required to verify their income; household characteristics; address; and homeownership.

Tip: Check oil tank and heating system regularly for evidence of leaks. Remember in order to be compliant with MA Code, oil lines have to be sleeved, contact your fuel provider if they are not.

Appliance Replacement Program

When we conduct your free home energy assessment, our energy auditors will evaluate your appliances to determine if they qualify for new energy efficient upgrades, and offer energy efficiency devices to help you reduce your monthly electric bills. If eligible, your refrigerator; freezer; window air conditioner; dehumidifiers; and washing machines may be replaced, free of charge. You will also receive energy-saving light 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.

Weatherization Services

Note: Our funding does not cover window replacement. In most homes the windows are rarely the biggest source of air leakage.

Housing Assistance is funded to provide weatherization 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 call to schedule an energy assessment.

HEARTWAP – Heating System Repairs and Replacement

NOTE: The heating program does not pay for repair or replacement of hot water heaters. Domestic plumbing repairs are not covered by our programs.

Throughout the heating season (November 1-April 30), Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program (HEARTWAP) provides heating system services to low-income homeowners on Cape Cod, the Islands, and Wareham. If you are receiving fuel assistance, you are likely eligible for: emergency heating system repairs (during heating season); heating system replacements; burner replacements; oil tank replacements; limited asbestos removal; heating system clean and tune (when funding is available).

Eligibility for HEARTWAP services is based on eligibility for the current year’s Fuel Assistance Program, also called LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).

For information on HEARTWAP contact: Jo Ann at 508-771-5400 ext.106 or send an email.

When HAC’s certified auditors inspect your home, they will determine what weatherization measures should be installed and if you qualify for no cost upgrades. Weatherizing your home helps lower your energy bills and creates a more comfortable and healthier environment for you and your family. During a HAC energy audit the auditor will identify how we can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The auditor will identify areas in your home that need insulation, air sealing weather-stripping and more. The auditor will also check the home for any health and safety issues that should be addressed. Weatherization work will be performed by licensed and insured area contractors.