Grants for Windows for First-Time Homeowners in Delaware

Windows play a big role in the overall energy efficiency of a home.David Sacks/Lifesize/Getty Images

First-time home buyers generally don't have a lot of disposable income remaining after escrow closes and may not be able to tackle costly fixes or repairs in their new home. Those planning to purchase a home in Delaware should know that this state encourages home ownership and offers grants to first-timers that can help them replace the windows in their newly acquired homes.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program is nationally funded but is administered at the state level. The goal of the program is to provide funds for low-income households to make their dwellings more energy-efficient. There are a number of different types of renovations that fall under the purview of this program, but installing more-efficient windows or improving the efficiency of existing windows can certainly qualify.

While the program was previously managed by the Department of Health and Social Services, it has recently been reassigned to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

The Delaware Green for Green program is designed to assist people who are buying new homes within a specially designated growth area. The rebates offered can range from $3,000 to $6,000. The program requires that homes be upgraded to meet certain green standards (and must be certified as such) in order to receive funding.

These funds can cover many different types of upgrades to homes; windows are just one possible upgrade. There are also water conservation, materials, air quality and a number of other conservation-related facets of a complete home build that might qualify for rebates under this program.

The program amounts awarded are $300 for a National Green Building Standard Silver-certified home, $5,000 for a Gold Certification and $6,000 for an Emerald. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification can also earn you $5,000.

Energy Star has become synonymous with energy efficiency. Residents of Delaware now have access to programs that encourage replacing appliances with Energy Star-approved equipment, as well as improving the overall efficiency of their entire homes. This can include funding of up to $400 for windows.