1. How does the THRHA Weatherization Program work?
The THRHA Weatherization Program provides free weatherization services to Southeast Alaska residents. Qualified homeowners or renters can apply for these services by contacting THRHA. Once you contact THRHA, you will need to follow a few simple steps to receive weatherization services:

• Complete an application. THRHA will provide an application and assist you with completing it.
• Once your application is approved, THRHA will schedule a free home energy audit. The home energy audit will identify the most appropriate and cost-effective improvements to be applied to your home.
• After your home’s appropriate measures are identified, THRHA will schedule the service appointment. A qualified crew of weatherization technicians will install the appropriate improvements in your home.
• Once the work has been completed, an inspector will return to your home to assess the work for quality and completion.
• You’ll save energy, cut your utility bill and enjoy a more comfortable home.

2. What are the benefits of weatherizing my home?
There are numerous reasons for homeowners or renters to participate in the Weatherization Program. Whether you are looking to save money, improve the comfort and value of your home, or help protect our environment, weatherization can help. Here are some benefits to weatherizing your home:

• Lower your monthly energy costs
• Save money
• Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions
• Do your part to slow climate change
• Help preserve our natural resources
• Keep your home cool in the summer
• Keep your home warm in the winter

3. Do I qualify?
Income eligibility is determined by the annual household unit gross taxable income for the 12 months preceding the month in which an application is completed.
A household unit that meets one of the following conditions during the income review period automatically meets income eligibility requirements for state funds only. 
AQ-A: The household unit:

1. lives in an owner-occupied, single-family Mutual Help Housing unit constructed and/or operated by a Grantee, which has not been conveyed; and
2. already undergoes an annual income review by the Grantee or the Grantee conducts an AHFC-authorized income review.

AQ-B: An occupant has received ATAP, TANF, SSI, Food Stamps, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), or SeniorCare benefits at least once during the 12 months preceding application approval.
AQ-C: The household unit is comprised of one person who has received APA/IA at least once during the 12 months preceding application approval.
AQ-D: The household unit:

1. lives in a multi-family rental unit not owned by the Grantee, which is restricted by an affordable housing program that uses the 24 CFR Part 5 Definition of income to qualify tenants; and 
2. already has undergone an annual income review by the landlord 12 months prior to making application for Weatherization Assistance.

Household units that have not received an AQ during the income review period must undergo a full income review.

Households can be eligible if they meet required income guidelines. You can use the chart below to see if you qualify:

Click on image for full view
* Gross income means before tax.

(Download Median Family Income Chart 2010/2011 in PFD format HERE)

  4. How do I apply?
Before you fill out an application, you should contact THRHA to see if your home has been previously weatherized. If a home was weatherized prior to May 14, 2008, it will be eligible to be re-weatherized in the Weatherization program for those individuals meeting income guidelines. However, these previously weatherized homes will not be as high a priority as those never weatherized. Once your local weatherization agency confirms that your home is eligible for weatherization, you can fill out and return an application.

5. What if I rent my home?
If the landlord agrees, renters in single-family, multi-family and mobile home residences can qualify for the free Weatherization Program. Contact THRHA for details.

6. What if I live in an apartment?

For rental buildings of four units or less, the dollar amount of materials and labor provided shall not exceed $4,000 per dwelling unit, unless the owner is willing to contribute cash or in-kind services. For any owner contribution, the weatherization program will provide up to $4,000 in materials and labor, and then match dollar-for-dollar any owner contribution up to an amount estimated by the Weatherization assessor, not to exceed $8,000 of Weatherization funding per dwelling unit.

7. What if I live in a mobile home?
Mobile homes are also be eligible for the program..

8. How does the client ensure that the work completed by THRHA is high quality?
Once the weatherization work is completed, an inspector will return to your home to assess the work done and make sure no work was missed.

9. What is the Multi-family Weatherization Program, and how does it work?
For all units in a rental dwelling of five or more units, the dollar amount of materials and labor provided shall not exceed $3,000 per dwelling unit, unless the owner is willing to contribute cash or in-kind services. For any owner contribution, the weatherization program will provide up to $3,000 in materials and labor, and then match dollar-for-dollar any owner contribution up to an amount estimated by the Weatherization assessor, not to exceed $6,000 of Weatherization funding per dwelling unit.