REGION – As cooler weather arrives and Vermont faces soaring heating fuel prices this winter, a statewide coalition of energy partners is reminding Vermonters to “button up” their homes. Through weatherization rebates, energy-saving tips, and professional contractors, the annual Button Up Vermont campaign can help all Vermonters prepare for a warmer and more affordable heating season.
“At a time when we continue to see the cost of heating fuel increase, we need to do everything we can to help Vermonters,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “Button Up Vermont offers resources, information, and rebates that can help homeowners button up their homes so they can save money and use less energy.”
On Oct. 1, Button Up launched with a slate of informative webinars and events throughout October. Homeowners already noticing drafts or cold rooms, or looking to reduce their heating bills, can contact an Efficiency Excellence Network (EEN) contractor to learn how insulation, air sealing, and other weatherization improvements can keep their homes warmer and their monthly costs lower. Rebates can help make these improvements more affordable.
With winter on the horizon, contractors’ schedules can fill up quickly, making now the best time to plan projects, big or small, to button up. An EEN contractor can deliver comprehensive weatherization that improves comfort while also lowering heating bills.
Vermonters looking to do their own work can get $100 cash back for DIY weatherization projects, like adding weatherstripping to doors or air sealing small leaks.
With nearly 70% of Vermont households heating with fossil fuels, homeowners face rising fuel prices ahead of winter. The average expected savings for a home heating with oil is more than $380 a year after completing comprehensive weatherization, based on current fuel prices. For homes heating with propane, the average expected savings is more than $350 a year.
Professional weatherization can also reduce drafts, improve indoor air quality, address moisture or ventilation issues, and help a home’s heating system operate more efficiently. Overall, it makes homes more comfortable during Vermont’s cold winters.
“With heating fuel prices near historic highs this winter, buttoning up with weatherization is one of the best ways to keep your home warm while lowering your heating bills,” said Peter Walke, Efficiency Vermont’s managing director. “Whether you’re starting with a low-cost DIY project or choosing professional weatherization, rebates can help make these improvements more affordable. Now’s the time to get your project started.”
Efficiency Vermont’s Home Performance with Energy Star weatherization rebate offers 75% cash back on professional weatherization, up to $7,000. Customers of Vermont Gas Services (VGS) can access similar rebates, with low-income VGS customers eligible for coverage of 90% of a weatherization project, up to $9,500. Both Efficiency Vermont and VGS work with Vermont lenders to offer no-interest or low-interest financing for weatherization and related home energy improvements. Rental property owners can also get up to $7,000 per unit in weatherization rebates, improving comfort and affordability for occupants.
Statewide, Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Programs offer free weatherization services for income-eligible households. To help Vermonters get started, several free Button Up webinars are being offered throughout October. The schedule of these webinars and other events can be viewed at www.buttonupvermont.org/events.
Visit the Button Up Vermont website to register for webinars, find events, and explore weatherization rebates and financing options. Vermonters ready to “button up” can connect with an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor to start their weatherization project.