The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) is designed to help eligible households conserve fuel and save money, while increasing the comfort of their homes.

Program eligibility depends upon:

• the household's annual income and number of household members.
• whether or not the applicant can provide proof of ownership, or the landlord complies with program requirements.

Depending on the circumstances and condition of the dwelling, some of the following weatherization work may be done:

• insulate attics and walls
• repair windows and doors
• caulk and weather-strip

Weatherization services include having an experienced heating contractor examine the heating system. The contractor will make sure that the heating system is safe and in good operating condition. Work on the furnace may include:

• clean and tune
• repair
• retrofit
• replacement of the unit

Community Contacts' Weatherization staff determines if the household is income eligible and notifies them within 30 days after all of the documentation has been received. If the household is eligible, one of the agency's trained staff will assess the home and conduct an energy audit (survey) that will determine what work can be done in order to save the most energy.

The work to be done on the home is scheduled and the contractor contacts the applicant to arrange a time for the weatherization work to be done. The contractors, using the work order generated from the computerized audit, install the appropriate materials in the home. After the work is completed, the home is inspected to make sure that the work is complete and correct.

The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Community Contacts, Inc. provides weatherization services throughout Kane and DeKalb counties.