Cash back rebates to reach more Vermont households thanks to new income limits
WINOOSKI, VT
More households now qualify for increased incentives on heat pumps, weatherization, and efficient appliances through expanded income criteria.
WINOOSKI, VT—More Vermont households than ever can now access Efficiency Vermont’s rebates and incentives for appliances, weatherization, and heating systems. That’s thanks to updated eligibility criteria offering additional cash back and bonus incentives for households based on their income.
“This annual update means more households can take advantage of thousands of dollars in extra incentives for new heating systems and efficient appliances. That’s more people able to access higher rebates to save money and meet their energy needs,” said Peter Walke, Efficiency Vermont’s Managing Director. “While many Efficiency Vermont offers are available regardless of income, it’s important to offer additional support to households that may need extra help.”
Efficiency Vermont has expanded multiple statewide offers for low- and moderate-income (LMI) households through an annual update to income criteria. These rebates give income-eligible households additional savings and support. The 2025 income qualifications vary by county, meaning a family of four in Chittenden County earning less than $155,750 qualifies as moderate-income, while a household of four in Washington County earning $134,100 or less would be eligible for moderate-income offers.
Expanded LMI rebates from Efficiency Vermont and partners include:
- Up to $9,500 cash back for comprehensive weatherization. Low-income households can get 90% of their costs back, up to $9,500, on comprehensive Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® weatherization. Moderate-income households can get 75% of costs back, up to $9,500. Other income levels can get 75% cash back, up to $4,000. VPPSA member utility customers can get an additional $500 back on a Home Performance weatherization project.
- $500 to $2,200 cash back for heat pumps. Heat pumps—whether ductless “mini-splits” or units that can work with existing ductwork—can both heat and cool a home to provide year-round comfort. LMI households across the state can also get Efficiency Vermont’s $200 income bonus for installing a heat pump. Income-eligible VPPSA member utility customers can get an additional $800 back on a new heat pump, while Green Mountain Power low-income customers can get an additional $2,000 rebate.
- Get a $600 discount on a heat pump water heater. These highly efficient water heaters use heat pump technology to provide a home’s hot water. They can help save on monthly energy bills because they use just a fraction of the energy needed by fossil fuel water heaters or traditional electric resistance water heaters.
- 0% financing with a Home Energy Loan. Low- and moderate-income households can access 0% financing on up to $25,000 as a flexible way to pay for home energy projects. Low interest rates are available for longer loan terms up to 15 years.
- Appliance vouchers, free weatherization, and other assistance for low-income households. The state’s Weatherization Assistance Programs offer free weatherization for low-income households. Efficiency Vermont also offers rebates on qualifying appliances. Low-income households can get a voucher to replace one appliance and access other free or reduced-cost products and services.
Income limits are updated each year by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Vermont’s income calculations consider county, income, and the number of people in a household. The tiers for Vermont’s 14 counties for 2025 are:
| Annual household income limit by household size | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| Chittenden, Franklin & Grand Isle counties |
Low Income | $72,700 | $83,100 | $93,500 | $103,850 | $112,200 |
| Moderate Income | $109,050 | $124,600 | $140,200 | $155,750 | $168,200 | |
| Addison County | Low Income | $65,050 | $74,350 | $83,650 | $92,900 | $100,350 |
| Moderate Income | $97,500 | $111,450 | $125,400 | $139,300 | $150,450 | |
| All other Vermont counties | Low Income | $62,550 | $71,500 | $80,450 | $89,400 | $96,550 |
| Moderate Income | $93,825 | $107,250 | $120,675 | $134,100 | $144,825 | |
Renters can also take advantage of expanded income limits. Efficiency Vermont’s rebates for renters use updated rent limits rather than renter income. That means more renters in manufactured homes, multifamily units, and studio or multi-bedroom apartments are now eligible to access free products for renters and other offers and services. Updated 2025 rent levels are:
| Monthly rent levels by rental unit size | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom | ||
| Chittenden, Franklin & Grand Isle counties |
Low Income | $1,818 | $1,948 | $2,338 | $2,701 | $3,013 |
| Moderate Income | $2,726 | $2,921 | $3,505 | $4,049 | $4,518 | |
| Addison County | Low Income | $1,626 | $1,743 | $2,091 | $2,416 | $2,695 |
| Moderate Income | $2,438 | $2,612 | $3,135 | $3,622 | $4,040 | |
| All other Vermont counties | Low Income | $1,564 | $1,676 | $2,011 | $2,324 | $2,593 |
| Moderate Income | $2,346 | $2,513 | $3,017 | $3,487 | $3,889 | |
To find your household income, take the monthly amount (before taxes) from your last one or two paychecks—including paychecks for other family and non-family members 18 and older living in your household—and multiply that amount by 12. Find more details on calculating household income, including for households with six or more.
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]