Weather­­ization

Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN)

A LEAN energy assessment is the best way for a housing nonprofit to engage in clean energy programming and lower utility costs. The LEAN program provides multifamily, low-income housing with assessments, then weatherization, heating, and LED lighting support upgrades. The upgrades are no-cost, and provide a huge savings for participating partners. If you’re ready to get started with a LEAN assessment, click the button below to learn more.

LEAN PROGRAM

Household Programs

Massachusetts Low-Income Pre-Weatherization Barrier Mitigation Program

The Massachusetts Low-Income Pre-Weatherization Barrier Mitigation Program helps income-eligible households address health, safety, and structural issues that would otherwise prevent energy-efficiency upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, and weatherization work. The program is offered through the state’s low-income energy-efficiency network and is designed to remove barriers before weatherization services can be installed.

Examples of eligible barrier-removal work may include:

  • Remediation of active knob-and-tube wiring
  • Removal or treatment of asbestos and vermiculite insulation
  • Combustion-safety corrections
  • Other repairs necessary to allow weatherization measures to proceed safely and effectively

The program primarily serves households that qualify for Massachusetts’ Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP/LIHEAP) or other low-income energy programs. Eligible participants can often receive barrier mitigation and weatherization services at no cost. Massachusetts has also expanded funding to address pre-weatherization barriers in additional multifamily housing properties, helping more low-income renters benefit from energy-efficiency improvements.

Key Benefits

  • Removes obstacles that prevent insulation and weatherization work
  • Reduces energy costs for low-income households
  • Improves home comfort and safety

Official Information

Massachusetts Low-Income Energy Efficiency Incentives Program

Massachusetts offers no-cost energy efficiency upgrades to eligible low-income households through the Mass Save® Income Eligible Program. The program is funded by the Mass Save Sponsors (including participating gas and electric utilities) and delivered through local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies and the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN). Eligible homeowners and renters can receive comprehensive energy-saving improvements at no cost to help reduce utility bills, improve comfort, and increase home energy efficiency.

Available no-cost upgrades may include:

  • Insulation and air sealing to reduce heat loss and drafts
  • HVAC repairs and replacements, including high-efficiency heat pumps
  • Replacement of inefficient appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, window air conditioners, and clothes washers
  • Energy-saving devices including smart or programmable thermostats, LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, and faucet aerators
  • Certain pre-weatherization repairs needed to complete energy-efficiency improvements safely and effectively

How to Get Started

The program begins with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment, during which an energy specialist identifies opportunities for savings and determines which upgrades are appropriate for the home. Many income-qualified households may receive 100% coverage of recommended energy-efficiency measures.

Massachusetts Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Massachusetts Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free home energy-efficiency improvements to income-eligible households to help reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and increase home safety. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered through local Community Action Agencies, the program serves households that qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP/LIHEAP).

Eligible homeowners and renters (with landlord approval) may receive no-cost weatherization services, including:

  • Air sealing to reduce drafts and heat loss
  • Attic, wall, floor, and pipe insulation
  • Duct insulation and energy-related repairs
  • Heating system evaluations and safety testing
  • Additional energy-efficiency improvements based on a home energy assessment

All work is performed by licensed and insured contractors at no cost to eligible residents and is inspected by local agencies to ensure quality and effectiveness. Priority is often given to households with elderly residents, people with disabilities, young children, and those with high energy burdens.
Massachusetts households can apply for WAP through the same application used for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), creating a streamlined process for accessing weatherization, heating assistance, and related energy programs.

More Weatherization Information

Insulating hot water pipes is very advantageous.

  1. Energy efficiency
    • Insulating hot water pipes can reduce heat loss, so your water heater won’t have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature. It can increase water temperature by 2°F–4°F compared to uninsulated pipes. This can result in energy savings and lower utility bills.
  2. Faster hot water delivery
    • Insulated pipes can help reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach your faucets and shower heads, which can be especially helpful in larger homes. This means you don’t have to wait as long for hot water, again saving water and costs.
  3. Reduced risk of pipe freezing
    • Insulation can help prevent hot water pipes from freezing during cold weather, saving you the stress of dealing with burst pipes and water damage.