Home Energy Savings and Energy Assistance Programs

Heating and cooling a home can take a big bite out of a family budget, especially during very cold winters or hot summers. Energy bills also tend to rise and fall with the seasons, which can make them hard to plan for.

This guide explains energy assistance programs worth researching, utility options that can make bills more predictable, and simple steps that may help your household use less energy.

Federal energy assistance programs

Two long-running federal programs help households with energy costs. Both are funded at the federal level but run by states, tribes, and local agencies, so the details depend on where you live.

LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households with home energy costs. Depending on your state, LIHEAP may help with:

• Heating or cooling bills
• Energy-related emergencies, such as a shutoff notice
• Repairs to heating or cooling equipment, in some areas
• Low-cost weatherization or energy-related home repairs

Each state decides its own rules, including income limits, application periods, and how much help is available. Some states take applications year-round, while others accept them only during certain seasons or until funds run out. Limits vary by state and change over time.

To learn more, find your state’s LIHEAP office through the federal LIHEAP website or by calling 211. Local community action agencies often handle applications.

The Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), run through the U.S. Department of Energy, focuses on making homes more energy efficient. Instead of paying a bill directly, it supports improvements that may help lower energy use over time.

Weatherization services may include:

• An energy audit of your home
• Adding insulation
• Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings
• Repairing or tuning up heating and cooling systems
• Health and safety checks, such as testing for carbon monoxide

Local agencies run the program and decide which homes are served first. Waiting lists are common in some areas. Renters may be able to take part, but landlord permission is usually needed.

What to have ready

When you contact an energy assistance office, it helps to have:

• Recent utility bills
• Proof of household income
• Identification for household members
• Proof of address
• Any shutoff or past-due notice you have received

Ask the agency for its exact document list, since it can vary.

Options through your utility company

Your utility may offer its own programs, separate from state and federal help. These can include:

• Budget billing. Your yearly energy costs are spread out into similar monthly payments, so winter or summer bills don’t spike as sharply. The amount is usually reviewed and adjusted periodically.
• Payment plans. If you fall behind, many utilities will set up an arrangement to pay a past-due balance over time.
• Discount or assistance programs. Some utilities offer reduced rates or bill credits for certain households, funded by the utility or by state programs.
• Medical certificates. In some states, a household member with certain medical needs may receive added protection from shutoffs. Ask your utility how this works.
• Free or low-cost energy audits. Some utilities offer home energy checkups and efficiency kits.

The key is to call early. Utilities often have more options available before an account is far behind.

Low-cost ways to use less energy

Small changes can add up over time. ENERGY STAR, a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, offers many free tips. Here are some low-cost places to start.

Heating and cooling

• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees when you are asleep or away from home.
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat if you have one, and set a schedule.
• Change or clean furnace and air conditioner filters regularly.
• Keep vents and radiators clear of furniture and curtains.
• Use ceiling fans to help move air.

Drafts and insulation

• Add weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Seal small gaps with caulk.
• Use door sweeps or draft stoppers at the bottom of exterior doors.
• Close curtains at night in winter and during hot afternoons in summer.

Water heating and appliances

• Set your water heater to a moderate temperature.
• Wash clothes in cold water when possible.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
• Switch to LED light bulbs as older bulbs burn out.
• Unplug chargers and electronics you are not using, or use a power strip.

Things to consider

• Funding can be limited. Some energy assistance programs serve households on a first-come, first-served basis. Learning the application window in your state can help.
• Rules differ by location. What a neighbor in another state receives may not match what is available to you.
• Watch for scams. Be cautious of anyone who calls or knocks on your door claiming to be from the utility and demanding immediate payment by gift card or app. Call your utility using the number on your bill.
• Renters have different steps. If you rent, energy costs may be included in your rent or billed separately. Talk with your landlord about drafts, insulation, or broken equipment.
• Confirm details directly. Eligibility is set by the organization that runs each program, so check with the agency or utility for current information.

Where to start

If energy costs are a concern, start with three calls: your utility company, your state or local LIHEAP office, and 211. Together they can help you understand what programs may be available in your area. Other guides on this site cover lowering internet bills and renting basics if you are working through other household costs as well.