No official page DuloCore checked on October 13, 2026 promises free new windows to every California household. The pages belong to the state weatherization agency, the U.S. Department of Energy and four utilities. Only one program lists new windows as a no-cost service, and it serves low-income farmworker households in 18 counties only.
Which California Programs Replace Windows at No Cost in 2026?
As of October 13, 2026, two programs name windows on official pages: federally funded weatherization, which can repair or replace windows for low-income households, and the state farmworker housing program, which lists new windows at no cost in 18 counties.
| Program | What its official page says about windows (October 13, 2026) | Who it serves |
|---|---|---|
| Weatherization Assistance Program, run in California by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) | Improvements include repairing or replacing windows, after a home assessment; no price stated | Low-income homeowners and renters |
| Low-Income Weatherization Program, Farmworker Housing Component (CSD) | New windows listed under weatherization services; services are no-cost | Low-income farmworker households in 18 counties |
| Energy Savings Assistance (SCE, PG&E, SoCalGas, SDG&E) | No window repair or replacement listed | Income-qualified utility customers |
CSD's Weatherization Assistance Program page says local providers install the measures for low-income homeowners and renters who qualify. CSD's energy assistance page describes the weatherization funded by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program as free energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households, without naming windows.
Does Weatherization Always Include New Windows?
No. The energy auditor recommends the most cost-effective measures for each home, so windows are one possible measure, and repair is listed alongside replacement.
The Department of Energy's whole-house weatherization page lists typical building shell measures, including repairing or replacing primary windows and doors, installing storm windows and doors, and installing window film, solar screens, window louvers and awnings.
The work starts with an energy audit, a computerized assessment of the home's energy use that includes an inspection. The Department's how to apply page says the auditor then gives the household a recommended scope of work made up of the most cost-effective energy conservation measures for that home.
Who Can Get Free Windows Through the Farmworker Housing Program?
A household qualifies when at least one member is an agricultural employee, it meets the income guidelines, and lives in one of 18 counties.
CSD's Farmworker Housing Component page says the program provides no-cost rooftop solar and energy efficiency upgrades to low-income farmworker households. Its list of available weatherization services is attic insulation, door weather-stripping and new windows. After a household qualifies, the home is evaluated to decide which services fit, so new windows aren't promised to every participant.
The page says the program currently serves 18 counties: Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, Napa, San Joaquin, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tulare, Imperial, Kern, Monterey, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Diego and Ventura. It gives (833) 367-5497 for information.
Do Utility Energy Savings Assistance Programs Replace Windows?
None lists it. On October 13, 2026, the Energy Savings Assistance pages of SCE, PG&E, SoCalGas and SDG&E named no window repair or replacement.
- SCE. The Energy Savings Assistance page names a window once, for replacing a window or wall air conditioner. Its list of free upgrades ends with weatherization services, with no detail.
- PG&E. The program page names no window measure.
- SoCalGas. The program page lists attic insulation and water heating items. No window measure is on it.
- SDG&E. The program page lists attic insulation, an envelope and air sealing measure and minor home repair. No window measure is on it.
All four pages describe the listed improvements as free or no-cost.
What Income Qualifies, and How Do I Apply?
For Department of Energy weatherization, CSD's table effective July 1, 2026 sets $2,660.00 a month for one person and $5,500.00 for four.
CSD's income eligibility page lists the limit for each household size and says eligibility may vary with sources of income and other factors. CSD's Weatherization Assistance Program page adds that programs may prioritize households with the greatest need.
To apply, find the local provider with CSD's Find Services in Your Area page and contact that agency. The Department of Energy's how to apply page, linked above, says an income-eligible household is placed on a waitlist. CSD publishes separate income guidelines for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, covered in DuloCore's weatherization income guidelines page. The eligibility check shows which programs fit a household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Renters Get Windows Replaced Through Weatherization?
Renters can apply. The Department of Energy's how to apply page says the provider works with the renter and the landlord to get permission before work begins.
Is There a Rebate If I Pay for New Windows Myself?
That depends on the utility. DuloCore's window rebate program page lists which California utilities state a window rebate and which don't.
Will Weatherization Replace Every Window in My Home?
No official page promises that. The audit sets the scope of work, and the Department of Energy lists window repair and storm windows next to replacement.
Looking for help with home upgrades? Estimate rebates for your ZIP code with the free rebate calculator.