‘Button Up Vermont’ campaign preparing homes for winter launches with new offer for up to $15,000 in home repairs

WINOOSKI, VT

Repair program is on top of weatherization rebate for 75% cash back—up to $9,500

WINOOSKI, VT—The best time to weatherize your home for a warm, comfortable, and more affordable winter is today. That’s the message from dozens of partners launching the annual “Button Up Vermont” campaign on October 1. Homes that have needed repairs to “Button Up” can now get up to an additional $15,000 through a new Home Repair Program that prepares homes to be weatherized.

Button Up Vermont encourages Vermonters to get their homes ready for winter with rebates and resources that make “buttoning up” any home more accessible and affordable. This year, the campaign launches alongside a new Home Repair offer to address underlying issues in a home that need to be fixed before weatherization can happen. Up to $15,000 for improvements is available to homeowners through the new Home Repair Program.

• Available to low- or moderate-income homeowners planning to weatherize. All repair projects must be deemed necessary as part of a planned weatherization project in a home, including manufactured homes. Homes served by Burlington Electric or Vermont Gas Systems are not eligible for the Home Repair offer.
• Many home repairs are eligible, like roof repair, ventilation and ductwork, asbestos/vermiculite remediation, window repair/replacement, foundation repair, plumbing, siding/sheathing, and more.
• All contractors are eligible. Any contractor can install or complete Home Repair measures, including members of the Efficiency Excellence Network of independent contractors.

After repairs, the next step to “Button Up” a home is a weatherization project. Efficiency Vermont’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® rebate offers 75% of project costs back, up to $9,500. Vermont Gas Systems also offers weatherization rebates. Income-eligible households can also get free weatherization from the state’s Weatherization Assistance Programs.

Telltale signs a home has opportunities to button up include drafts even when the heat is on (a sign that cold air is leaking in and heat is leaking out), snow melting unevenly on a roof (indicating an attic in need of air sealing and insulation), and icicles or ice dams forming on a rooftop from escaping heat.

“Buttoning up is one of the best ways to make a home more comfortable year-round—and making essential home repairs is a great first step,” said Peter Walke, Efficiency Vermont’s managing director. “Once a home is ready, air sealing and insulating as part of a weatherization project means a warmer home that uses less energy—and lower energy bills for years to come.”

Here’s how Vermonters can join in and “Button Up” this fall:

• Attend a Button Up event in your community. Learn about reducing heat loss and trimming energy bills through energy fairs, webinars, and other opportunities. No events in your area? Host one!
• Not sure where to start? Try a free Virtual Home Energy Visit. An Efficiency Vermont energy expert can assess your home by video chat and give you a personalized list of projects and improvements. (Vermont Gas customers may also qualify for an energy audit.)
• Complete three DIY Weatherization projects—and get $100 back. These “Do It Yourself” weatherization projects may not reduce your heating bills, but they can limit drafts and make your home more comfortable. Follow this DIY Weatherization Guide to start your buttoning up efforts.
• Find a qualified contractor through Efficiency Vermont's Efficiency Excellence Network. An EEN contractor can get you started on a weatherization project to air seal and insulate your home.

As part of this year’s Button Up efforts, Efficiency Vermont is hosting four “Weatherization Wednesdays” webinars offering weatherization tips and information about climate-friendly heating with heat pumps. Learn more and register at https://www.buttonupvermont.org/

• Join a “Weatherization 101” webinar on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m., or on Oct. 23 at 12 p.m.
• Join a “Heat Pumps 101” webinar on Oct. 16 at 6 p.m., or on Oct. 30 at 12 p.m.

Partners are encouraged to continue promoting Button Up initiatives in their community through November.

About Button Up

Button Up Vermont is supported by a partnership of service providers and clean energy champions. The annual campaign runs each fall to raise awareness around the importance of weatherization. From tips on air sealing and insulation, to weighing the benefits of upgrades like energy efficient heat pumps, Button Up Vermont provides Vermont residents with the tools and resources needed to weatherize their homes and save. Button Up Vermont is sponsored by Efficiency Vermont. Learn more at https://www.buttonupvermont.org/

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]