Customer Stories:

“There are no words to adequately thank you for the weatherization work that was done in my home. From the new boiler to the insulation, everything that was done provided drastic and desperately needed improvement to my home. For all this and more, I am sincerely grateful.”
Bess K., Brooklyn


“This is winter now, and I am very happy with the warmth I am enjoying in the house...I know my gas bill will be much less this year. Thank you very much for placing me on your program.”
Hyacintha C., Brooklyn
Read the rest of Hyacintha's story

“My house was built around 1925. CEC insulated all the way to the basement. Now there is a marked difference in both winter and summer.”
Arta P., Queens
“CEC put in a new heating system, energy-efficient refrigerators and lights, new shower heads, smoke detectors, a new roof. We are a very low-income building, and savings are very welcome.”
Pilar Caba, manager of a multifamily building at 392 South 5th Street, Brooklyn

Weatherization Assistance Program

Weatherization Client Photo

Community Environmental Center weatherizes 1-4 family homes, multifamily buildings, and community facilities.

Weatherization means adding insulation to walls and attics, and sealing drafty areas around windows and doors.

Weatherization means replacing old, inefficient appliances with new, energy-efficient ones and installing energy-efficient light bulbs.

Weatherization means making sure that smoke detectors are working properly and that your household or building has carbon monoxide detectors.

Finally, Weatherization means:

weatherization work collage

Please click on any line below or continue reading to learn how Community Environmental Center (CEC) can help weatherize your home or building.

[+]What is the Weatherization Assistance Program?

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is an energy efficiency and conservation program administered by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal.

Funding is provided by The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, The Department of Energy, and The Department of Health and Human Services.

EmPower is a program of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) that provides free, energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures to income-eligible families and individuals.

[+]How Does Weatherization Work?

Step 1: A certified CEC inspector visits your home or building to perform an energy audit and determine the amount and kind of weatherization services your household needs.

Step 2: After the audit, CEC analyzes the results and a representative discusses recommendations with you.

Step 3: A trained and experienced CEC team weatherizes your home or building.

Step 4: After the weatherization is completed, a CEC inspector visits your home or building to make sure that the weatherization has been performed according to the original plan.

[+]What Does Weatherization Include?

Weatherization can include some or all of the following:

  • Replacing or repairing heating systems, including boilers and hot-water heaters.
  • Applying superior weather-stripping and caulking.
  • Installing high-efficiency cellulose insulation in walls and attics.
  • Replacing inefficient appliances with Energy Star® models.
  • Installing health and safety hardware, especially smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Installing low-flow shower heads, aerators, and energy-saving light bulbs.

    • CEC uses only recycled cellulose insulation. Cellulose is denser than abrasive fiberglass insulation and keeps structures warmer. Cellulose is also 100 percent fire-resistant and pest-resistant and is made entirely from recycled materials. Read more.

[+]Benefits and Savings

Weatherization saves consumers an average of 32 percent on their heating bills. But even if you do not pay utility bills, weatherization increases your health and safety by reducing drafts and preventing accidents due to high carbon monoxide levels.

[+]How Can I Qualify for Weatherization?

You are eligible for FREE weatherization if someone in your household receives:

  • Food stamps
  • Public Assistance
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Home Energy Assistance (HEAP)
  • Has an income lower than 60 percent of the New York State median: Under $30,804 for a 2-person household; under $45,312 for a 4-person household
[+]How Can I Qualify for Weatherization Through CEC?

If you live in Brooklyn or Queens, call CEC at 718-784-1444 to determine if CEC is your Weatherization provider, and CEC will help you begin the application process.

[+]Frequently Asked Questions

How much time will it take to weatherize my home?

That depends on the amount of work to be done. Once your weatherization is scheduled, the work can take from 3 days to 2 weeks.

I rent an apartment in a multifamily building. Can I receive weatherization for my apartment or does the entire building need to be weatherized?

Under the Weatherization Assistance Program, CEC can perform weatherization for entire buildings but not for individual apartments. But talk with your landlord and suggest that he or she call CEC to determine if the building is eligible.

I live in a rent-controlled apartment. If my building is weatherized under this program, is my landlord allowed to raise my rent?

If your building receives subsidized weatherization through the Weatherization Assistance Program, the landlord is NOT allowed to raise your rent.

OTHER QUESTIONS? Call CEC at 718-784-1444 or click here to email us.

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