Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP are open, and another program is available to Iowans to assist with preparing homes for the cold months.

The Weatherization Assistance Program is a federal grant program established to help reduce the heating and cooling costs for low-income persons, particularly the elderly, disabled, and children. The program’s goal is to improve the energy efficiency of homes and to help reduce the households’ energy bills. States administer the program following Department of Energy rules and regulations.

There may be an impact to this service with the ongoing Government shutdown, but individuals should still apply. This program is open to both homeowners and renters. Weatherization services include a cost-effectiveness energy audit, air leakage checks, insulation, and all combustion appliances inspection for repair and, or replacement.

For application information, those living in Washington County should contact HACAP in Washington.