Maryland does not run a single program called the “Maryland Window Replacement Program.” Instead, several government and utility programs cover or reduce the cost of replacing windows, almost always as part of a free whole-home weatherization project. The two largest are the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the EmPOWER Maryland Limited Income Energy EfficiencyRequirements for projects that promote energy conservation and efficiency. Program (LIEEP), both run by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). For income-eligible households, this work is free. In the Baltimore area, a typical window replacement project costs about $6,006, so the savings are real.
This guide explains which Maryland window replacement programs exist in 2026, who qualifies, how to apply step by step, and how to avoid the scams that target people searching for this help. If you think you qualify, you can apply through DHCD right away.
Key Takeaways
- No single state program: Maryland covers window replacement through weatherization and utility efficiency programs, not a standalone window grantA sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose, usually without....
- Free for income-eligible homes: WAP and EmPOWER LIEEP replace qualifying windows at no cost when a home energy auditA systematic examination of financial records and project activities to ensure compliance with grant... flags them as a problem.
- Income sets the door: A family of four can qualify for WAP at $92,470, which equals 60% of Maryland’s state median income.
- Windows are rarely first: Windows cause only 10 to 20% of home heat loss, so programs prioritize air sealing and insulation before windows.
- Federal credit is gone: The federal window tax credit (Section 25C) expired December 31, 2025, and no replacement exists for 2026 projects.
- Renters can qualify: Maryland weatherization covers renters when the tenant meets the income limit, and the landlord approves the work.
- Scams are common: No legitimate Maryland window program charges an application fee or contacts you out of the blue to offer benefits.
Does Maryland Have a Window Replacement Program?
Maryland does not have a dedicated window replacement program. It has several energy assistance programs that pay for new windows when a home energy audit determines the existing windows cause significant heat loss or pose a health and safety risk. Windows are one possible measure inside a larger weatherization project, not a benefit you apply for on their own.
The Weatherization Assistance Program focuses first on high-impact, low-cost fixes like insulation and air sealing. A certified auditor inspects your home, then prioritizes the upgrades that save the most energy. Window replacement enters the plan when the auditor finds the windows are badly deteriorated or leaking enough to justify the higher cost. WAP serves both homeowners and renters, and the work is free to income-eligible households.
Government Window Replacement Programs in Maryland
Two state-run programs deliver free weatherization, including window replacement when needed. Both are administered by DHCD and screened through a single application. Eligibility comes down to your income and, for one program, which utility serves your home.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
You may qualify for WAP if:
- Your household income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) or 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), whichever is higher. For a family of four, the 60% SMI limit is $92,470.
- You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)A federal assistance program that provides temporary financial assistance to low-income families wit..., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)A federal aid program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income individuals an..., or Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) benefits. Enrollment in any of these makes you automatically income-eligible.
- You are a renter whose landlord signs a building owner agreement. Only the tenant needs to meet the income limit.
Priority goes to households with a member over 60, a person with a disability, children, or a high energy burden. The Maryland DHCD weatherization page confirms the current income limits, which were updated in February 2026.
EmPOWER Maryland Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP)
You may qualify for EmPOWER LIEEP if:
- Your household income is at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level or 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), whichever is higher.
- You are a customer of a participating utility: BGE, Delmarva Power, FirstEnergy (Potomac Edison), Pepco, SMECO, or Washington Gas.
LIEEP is funded by a surcharge on Maryland energy bills and delivers upgrades at no out-of-pocket cost. You can start your EmPOWER LIEEP application through DHCD or by calling 1-855-583-8976.
Utility Rebates for Higher-Income Homeowners
If your income is above the WAP and LIEEP limits, the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program is the main path. Run through your utility, which pays rebates based on the energy savings calculated during a home energy audit. BGE and Pepco offer rebates up to $10,000, or up to 75% of the project cost. That rises to as much as $15,000 when the project includes a qualifying switch to an electric heat pump. Windows usually qualify for a rebate when they are part of a larger air sealing and insulation project, not when replaced on their own.
Which Maryland Window Replacement Program Is Right for You?
The table below compares the four pathways Maryland residents ask about most. Your income and your utility decide which one fits.
| Program | Who qualifies | Income limit (family of 4) | What you get |
| WAP | Low-income homeowners and renters statewide | $92,470 (60% of state median income) | Free whole-home weatherization; windows replaced if the audit flags them |
| EmPOWER LIEEP | Limited-income customers of participating utilities | Higher of 250% federal poverty level or 80% area median income | Free energy efficiency upgrades, no out-of-pocket cost |
| Utility rebates (Home Performance with ENERGY STAR) | Any residential utility customer, all income levels | None | Up to $10,000 (75% of project cost), or up to $15,000 with a qualifying heat pump conversion |
| Federal tax credit (Section 25C) | All homeowners (now expired) | None | Expired December 31, 2025; no credit for 2026 projects |
How to Apply for Window Replacement Help in Maryland
Maryland keeps the application centralized, so one form screens you for several programs at once. Follow these steps for the free state programs (WAP and EmPOWER LIEEP):
- Submit one application to DHCD or the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) to be screened for WAP, EmPOWER LIEEP, and MEAP at the same time.
- Verify your income with documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, or proof of enrollment in SNAP, SSI, TANF, or MEAP.
- Complete a home energy audit. Once you are deemed eligible, a local weatherization agency schedules an inspection and prioritizes the upgrades your home needs.
- Let the certified contractor do the work at no cost, followed by a final inspection that confirms the efficiency gains.
If you use the utility rebate route instead, choose a contractor certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) from your utility’s approved list, get a diagnostic assessment, complete the upgrades you choose, and let the contractor submit the rebate application within 30 days of finishing the job. Maryland’s services are delivered through local agencies that each serve specific counties, so your local weatherization agency depends on where you live.
Key Terms You Need to Know
Government energy programs use a lot of acronyms. Here is what each one means in plain language:
- Weatherization: Sealing air leaks and adding insulation so a home loses less heat in winter and stays cooler in summer.
- WAP: The Weatherization Assistance Program, the largest residential energy conservation program in the country, is run in Maryland by DHCD.
- EmPOWER Maryland: A statewide energy efficiency effort funded by a charge on utility bills.
- LIEEP: The Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program, the no-cost weatherization arm of EmPOWER for income-qualified households.
- State Median Income (SMI): The midpoint of household incomes in Maryland, used to set WAP eligibility at 60% of that figure.
- Federal Poverty Level (FPL): A national income measure used to set program limits, such as 200% of FPL for WAP and 250% for LIEEP.
- Home Performance with ENERGY STAR: A utility rebate program for homeowners above the free-program income limits.
- OHEP: The Office of Home Energy Programs, the state office that processes energy assistance applications.
Are New Windows Worth It? What Energy Experts Say
New windows improve comfort, cut outside noise, and update a home’s appearance, but they are rarely the fastest way to recoup an energy investment. Most heat loss happens through walls, attics, and floors, not windows. That is why Maryland programs fund air sealing and insulation first, and only replace windows when they are severely deteriorated.
The Community Action Council of Howard County, a local weatherization agency, makes the case plainly: for fixing drafts and lowering bills, comprehensive weatherization usually beats window replacement because it costs less, saves more energy, and improves comfort more, since most heat escapes through walls, attics, and floors.
The numbers back this up. Windows account for only 10 to 20% of a home’s heat loss. Upgrading from single-pane to ENERGY STAR-certified windows lowers household energy bills by an average of 7 to 13% nationwide, but the high installation cost means the payback period often stretches past 15 to 20 years. By comparison, weatherization saves households an average of $283 to $372 a year at a fraction of the cost. If your windows are sound, insulation and air sealing will likely give you a faster return.
What Happened to the Federal Window Tax Credit?
As of 2026, there is no federal tax credit for replacing windows. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) expired on December 31, 2025, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which moved the cutoff up from its earlier 2032 date. Windows installed in 2026 do not qualify for any federal credit.
There is one exception for past projects. If your qualifying ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows were installed and placed in service on or before December 31, 2025, you can still claim up to $600 for windows, within a $1,200 annual cap on building-envelope improvements, on your 2025 federal tax return filed in 2026. You claim it on IRS Form 5695. For 2026 work, the Maryland state and utility programs above are now the main way to offset costs.
⚠ Scam Warning: How to Spot Fake Maryland Window Replacement Offers
People searching for free home upgrades are a frequent target for fraud. Before you apply anywhere, here is how to tell a real Maryland program from a fake one:
- Real programs are free to apply for. Any website or caller charging a fee to submit your weatherization or window application is not part of an official Maryland program.
- Official sites end in .gov. Maryland programs live at addresses like dhcd.maryland.gov and energy.maryland.gov. A site that uses the program name but ends in .com or .net is not the government.
- The state will not cold-contact you. No agency calls, texts, or emails to offer free windows you never applied for. Treat any unsolicited offer as a red flag.
- No real program asks for payment to release benefits. If someone wants your credit card number to “approve” free windows, it is a scam.
If you receive an unsolicited offer, do not reply and do not click any links in the message. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Final Takeaway: Maryland Window Help Comes Through Weatherization, Not Standalone Grants
As of 2026, the clearest path to free or reduced-cost window replacement in Maryland runs through weatherization, not a standalone window grant. Income-eligible homeowners and renters can get qualifying windows replaced at no cost through WAP or EmPOWER LIEEP, while higher-income households can claim utility rebates worth up to $10,000 to $15,000. With the federal tax credit gone, these state and utility programs are now the strongest financial help available.
Your next step is simple. Submit one application to DHCD or your local Office of Home Energy Programs office, or call 1-855-583-8976, to be screened for WAP and EmPOWER LIEEP at the same time. One form starts the process for every program you may qualify for.
Learn more about government assistance programs that help reduce household costs by exploring our guide on disaster relief grants, and find out whether they cover temporary housing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is window replacement free in Maryland?
Yes, for income-eligible households. WAP and EmPOWER LIEEP replace windows at no cost when a home energy audit determines the windows need replacing. Higher-income households can offset costs through utility rebates instead, but those rebates cover part of the cost, not all of it.
Who qualifies for free weatherization in Maryland?
Households at or below 60% of the state median income or 200% of the federal poverty level qualify for WAP. A family of four qualifies at $92,470. Anyone receiving SSI, TANF, SNAP, or MEAP benefits is automatically income-eligible for weatherization services.
Can renters get window replacement help in Maryland?
Yes. Renters qualify for WAP when the tenant meets the income limit, and the landlord signs a building owner agreement allowing the work. Only the tenant needs to income-qualify. The landlord’s approval confirms that the property owner agrees to the improvements.
How much does window replacement cost in Maryland in 2026?
In the Baltimore area, a typical project costs about $6,006, with most falling between $3,447 and $8,591. Installed cost averages about $630 per window. Vinyl windows run $100 to $900 each, while fiberglass windows run $500 to $1,500, depending on size and frame material.
Is there still a federal tax credit for windows in 2026?
No. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) expired on December 31, 2025. Windows installed in 2026 do not qualify. Projects finished by the end of 2025 can still be claimed on a 2025 federal tax return using IRS Form 5695.
How long does the Maryland weatherization process take?
Timelines vary by local agency and demand. After you apply and verify your income, your home is scheduled for an energy audit, and then a certified contractor completes the approved work. Priority scheduling goes to seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.
