5 cleaning tips—and 5 rebates—to ‘spring forward’ into energy savings
WINOOSKI, VT
Combine spring cleaning with home energy improvements to boost comfort and savings
WINOOSKI, VT—Spring cleaning and saving energy go together like seeds in the garden. That’s why Efficiency Vermont is sharing 5 tips—and 5 rebates—that can help Vermonters save money and use less energy during their spring cleaning. Keeping energy in mind while preparing for warmer weather can also kickstart planning for home improvements in the months ahead, like Efficiency Vermont’s increased heat pump rebates as of April 1.
April is "Earth Month,” and Tuesday, April 22 is Earth Day. Just around the corner is the Vermont tradition of Green Up Day, on Saturday, May 3. Efficiency Vermont is among the many Green Up Day sponsors who supported more than 30,100 volunteers last year who together collected over 400 tons of trash and disposed of some 15,800 tires.
In the spirit of Earth Month and Green Up Day, and with spring cleaning on everyone’s agenda, Efficiency Vermont has 5 tips to help you tidy up—and 5 rebates to save this spring—which can improve your home’s comfort and reduce your energy bills.
Here are 5 spring cleaning tips for a more energy efficient home:
- Work efficiency into your spring cleaning routine. Clean appliances and systems in your home to optimize their performance. Dust bathroom fan covers and behind your fridge. Remove grease and dust from your kitchen’s stove hood or exhaust fans. Clear lint and debris from your clothes dryer’s exhaust and filter. And sweep or vacuum near any vents, ducts, or registers. Keeping these systems clean means they’ll use less energy and save money on your power bills.
- Replace or clean filters in the equipment that keeps you warm. Check filters on your heat pump, furnace, or boiler. Replace or clean any filters on your heat pump or connected ductwork. Consider replacing these filters every few months (for some circumstances, like homes with pets, more frequently may be best). Portable air purifiers and window AC units also have filters to clean or replace.
- Schedule annual maintenance for your heating system. Book a professional to clean and service the indoor and outdoor components of your heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system. This ensures they’re working and ready for next winter (or the next chilly day).
- Manage your home’s moisture. Moisture and water in your basement can be a serious hazard to the health of your home and the people living inside. Take steps to fix a wet, damp, or leaky basement. Follow CDC guidelines to clean any mold you find. You can use an ENERGY STAR-certified dehumidifier to remove moisture, but addressing the underlying issues can save energy and money in the long run.
- Plan ahead for projects—and savings. Spring is the perfect time to think ahead and plan home energy projects. Start with a free Virtual Home Energy Visit to get expert advice on your home’s biggest areas for improvement—and learn about our rebates to save big on those projects.
Planning ahead is a great time to review Efficiency Vermont’s rebates for weatherization, heating/cooling systems, and energy-saving appliances. Here are 5 spring cleaning rebates to consider for your home energy goals:
- Cool off with DIY Weatherization and get a cool $100. Sealing around windows and doors isn’t just for winter weather. Air sealing can help keep your home comfortable all year long—using less energy to stay cool in warmer months. Now you can get $100 back for completing a qualifying DIY home weatherization project, including weather-stripping, insulation, and air sealing.
- Stay cool—or warm up—with boosted heat pump rebates. Starting in April 2025, Efficiency Vermont is offering increased heat pump rebates. That means bigger savings on these efficient heating and air conditioning systems. Plus, your utility may offer additional rebates. Learn how heat pumps can cool (and heat) your home, then explore our heat pump rebates.
- Complete comprehensive weatherization while the sun is shining. Weatherizing a whole home can take time, so starting those projects in warmer weather makes sense. But comprehensive weatherization makes sense in other ways, too: it can reduce household energy bills year-round, and address health and safety concerns in a home. Get up to $9,500 cash back for comprehensive weatherization, and explore ways to pay for your project over time.
- Tidy up your monthly bill with more efficient appliances. Find energy-saving options for dehumidifiers, window AC units, heat pump clothes dryers, and more. Pair these appliances with a smart thermostat to keep your home at the perfect temperature no matter the season.
- Electrify your lawn care. Using a gas-powered lawnmower for one hour emits as much pollution as driving a car 45 miles,according to the EPA. Battery-powered or plug-in lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers avoid those noxious emissions—and electric lawn care tools are a lot quieter, too.
Your household income could qualify you for bonus rebates and additional partner offers. Income-eligible homes can get free services and products through Efficiency Vermont, including a voucher to replace an inefficient appliance that may be impacting your electric bill. Low-income households can also qualify for free weatherization from Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Programs. Unsure if you’re eligible for income-related rebates and programs? Contact Efficiency Vermont’s Energy Advisors—call (888) 921-5990.
Updated annually, income guidelines vary by county, household size, and annual income. Currently, a family of four earning $142,700 in Chittenden, Franklin, or Grand Isle Counties qualifies as moderate-income, while in Washington County, earning $126,500 qualifies as moderate-income. Visit our website for details on income-based programs.
About Efficiency Vermont
As the nation's first Energy Efficiency Utility, Efficiency Vermont has helped Vermont save more than $3.3 billion in lifetime savings and avoid over 14.1 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions since 2000. Operated by clean energy nonprofit VEIC, Efficiency Vermont has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® program Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence award over eight consecutive years. Efficiency Vermont works with partners to help our state transition to more affordable, low-carbon energy use through education, incentives, and support for our clean energy workforce. Learn more at www.efficiencyvermont.com.
Efficiency Vermont Press Contact
Matthew Smith
Phone: (802) 540-7662
[email protected]