Are there free home energy audits in Virginia?
Yes, for some households. Dominion Energy's Income and Age Qualifying program provides in-home assessments at no cost to qualified Virginia customers, and the state's Weatherization Assistance Program is free to approved income-eligible households. Other customers can try a no-cost virtual audit with a free kit, or a reduced-cost utility assessment.
Free to ask. Local shops send quotes, and you pay only when you book one.
By Kasra Taheri, Founder, LoclisPublished
Researched and drafted with AI, then checked claim by claim against the sources listed below before it was published. Prices and rules change; the dates beside each source say when it was last checked.
Step by step
Read when to stop and call a pro, further down this page, before you start.
Step 1: Identify your electric utility
Look at your bill to see whether Dominion Energy or another utility serves you, since each runs its own programs.
Step 3: Call the program line
For Dominion's income-based program, call 888-366-8280 and select option 2.[1]
Step 4: Contact your local weatherization provider
The state does not take applications, so contact the local agency serving the area where the home is located.[3]
Step 5: Verify the visitor
Ask to see the provider's identification and look for printed materials with the utility's logo before letting anyone into the home.[1]
Yes, for some Virginia households. Free energy assessments are tied to income, age or a utility program, so the first step is finding out which one fits you. If none does, there are still no-cost and reduced-cost options.
Dominion Energy's income and age program
Dominion Energy Virginia's Income and Age Qualifying Energy Savings Program provides in-home energy assessments and installation of select energy-saving products at no cost to you.[1] You qualify with one of two routes:
- A household whose annual income does not exceed 80% of the local area median income as set forth by Virginia Housing or 60% of the state median income as determined by Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, whichever is greater.[1]
- A customer 60 years or older with a household income that does not exceed 120% of the state median income, as defined by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.[1]
You must be a Dominion Energy (Virginia) residential customer.[1] To check eligibility, call 888-366-8280 to contact the weatherization service provider that serves your community and select option #2 for Income and Age Qualifying Programs.[1]
The resident is required to be home during the assessment.[1] No upgrades will be installed without the homeowner's permission.[1] A tenant can sign if authorized by the homeowner.[1]
The state's Weatherization Assistance Program
Virginia's Weatherization Assistance Program, run through the Department of Housing and Community Development, works through local agencies. Is there a cost? No, the work is provided at no cost to an approved income eligible household.[3]
Part of the process is an audit. A trained residential energy auditor will inspect the home, conduct diagnostic tests and collect information about the structure.[3] If a member of the household receives cash payments under Titles IV (TANF) or XVI (SSI) of the Social Security Act, the household is automatically eligible.[3]
Where to apply matters. The DHCD WAP office does not provide, accept or process applications.[3] Instead, contact the local agency serving the area in which the home is located.[3] Typical weatherization services include sealing air leaks with insulation, caulking, or weather-stripping.[3] WAP does not offer assistance with paying utility bills.[4]
If you do not qualify
Dominion also offers a virtual audit. You answer questions on your home's energy usage and receive a personalized list of energy-efficiency recommendations. Plus, get a kit of energy-efficient products shipped at no cost.[1] A no-cost energy savings kit will be sent to your door at no charge to you.[2]
Other utilities run their own programs. Many utilities offer professional energy assessments at no or reduced cost to their customers.[5] Call yours, or read how much a home energy audit costs in Virginia before paying an independent assessor.
Protect yourself
Before anyone enters your home, ask to see their weatherization service provider identification.[1] Look for printed materials with the Dominion Energy logo explaining the program.[1] If you are unsure, call the program number yourself rather than a number the visitor gives you.
Stop and call a pro if
- You do not qualify but have a real problem. A free audit does not fix a failing furnace; a licensed contractor can quote repair or replacement.
- The assessment finds moisture, mold or a combustion safety issue. The Department of Housing and Community Development says a home may be deferred from weatherization because of its condition, and severe mold is one example.[3] A qualified pro comes first.
- Someone asks for payment, bank details or a signature before showing credentials. End the visit and call the utility.
Getting help in Virginia
Start with your own checklist in how to do a DIY home energy audit. Loclis has more inspection answers and a directory of energy audit pros for when you want a paid, independent assessment.
When you are ready, describe the job and local pros will respond.
Common questions
- Do I have to rent or own to qualify for Dominion's free program?
- You must be a Dominion Energy Virginia residential customer, and no upgrades will be installed without the homeowner's permission. A tenant needs authorization from the homeowner to sign the application. The program covers single-family, multifamily and mobile homes.
- Will the state weatherization program pay my utility bill?
- No. The Department of Housing and Community Development says the program does not offer assistance with paying utility bills. It installs cost-effective measures such as air sealing, insulation and heating and cooling repairs for approved income-eligible households.
- Where do I apply for weatherization?
- With the local provider that serves the county where the home is located, not with the state office. The Department of Housing and Community Development says its weatherization office does not provide, accept or process applications.
- What if I do not qualify for a free audit?
- Try Dominion's virtual audit, which sends a free energy savings kit, or its Home Energy Evaluation program, where participating contractors perform assessments and some of the recommended work can earn rebates. Other utilities run their own programs, so ask yours.
- Is someone knocking on my door offering a free audit legitimate?
- Be careful. Dominion advises you to ask to see the weatherization provider's identification and look for printed materials with the Dominion Energy logo explaining the program, and to call its program number if you feel uncomfortable or are skeptical about their identification.
Sources
- [1] Save Energy: Income and Age Qualifying Energy Savings Program, Dominion Energy Virginia. Checked October 27, 2026.
- [2] Home Energy Evaluation, Dominion Energy Virginia. Checked October 27, 2026.
- [3] Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) FAQ, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Checked October 27, 2026.
- [4] Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Checked October 27, 2026.
- [5] Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessments (archived copy), U.S. Department of Energy. Checked October 27, 2026.
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