Thousands of dollars in rebates now open to more Vermont households as updated income levels expand eligibility
WINOOSKI, VT
Free weatherization, plus rebates for heating & cooling systems and home appliances are accessible to more households as new tiers for low and moderate income take effect
WINOOSKI, VT—More Vermont households can now take advantage of Efficiency Vermont’s rebates for home weatherization, energy-saving heating systems, efficient appliances and more thanks to updated income levels that expand eligibility to dozens of existing rebates and programs.
“Whether you’re updating your home’s heating or hot water systems, or switching to more efficient appliances, this update means more Vermont households can now take advantage of thousands of dollars in rebates,” said Suzanne Elowson, Efficiency Vermont’s residential portfolio manager. "Making these offers accessible to more low- and moderate-income homeowners and renters is an important step in ensuring all Vermonters share the benefits of climate-friendly and budget-friendly upgrades.”
Many Efficiency Vermont programs are designed around median household income, with additional savings available for households considered low- or moderate-income. Updated income levels for 2024 mean a family of four earning $142,700 in Chittenden County now qualifies as moderate-income. In Washington County, a 4-person household earning $126,500 also qualifies as moderate-income. The updates mean more households now qualify for Efficiency Vermont’s low- and moderate-income (LMI) offers, including:
- $350 to $450 off a ductless heat pump—plus a $200 income-based bonus. Heat pumps bring the added benefits of air conditioning as well as heating, keeping you comfortable all year long. Homes with ductwork can get $1,000 to $2,000 back on a ducted heat pump, plus the income-based $200 bonus.
- 100% of costs back—up to $5,000—to buy and install a heat pump water heater. These water heaters use heat pump technology to provide your home with hot water for cooking, bathing, laundry, and more. Heat pump water heaters can cut a home’s water heating energy costs by about half.
- 75% off weatherization costs (up to $9,500) through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®. Air sealing and insulation help homeowners save money by using less energy to heat and cool their homes, keeping indoor temperatures comfortable in summer and winter. Low-income households can qualify for free weatherization through the state’s Weatherization Assistance Programs.
- 0% interest financing for 100% of your project with a Home Energy Loan: Zero-interest loans help spread out the cost of home weatherization and other improvements. Working with an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor, a Home Energy Loan can be used for heating upgrades, air sealing and insulation, wood or pellet boilers or stoves, and health and safety improvements.
- Help for efficient home appliances: Qualifying ENERGY STAR-certified appliances—like refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers, air purifiers, and more—are eligible for 0% interest financing. They use less electricity while still offering the latest features. Additional rebates are also available for clothes dryers, dehumidifiers, washer/dryer combination units, and window air conditioners. These can save households money and water, and improve indoor air quality and comfort.
- Up to $29,500 for households damaged by 2023 summer flooding: Flood-impacted homeowners and renters can get up to $10,000 on qualifying appliances, heating systems, and water heating systems. Another $10,000 is available to upgrade a home electric panel, and an additional $9,500 is available for weatherization projects.
New income thresholds are established annually by the federal Department for Housing and Urban Development. The Vermont Housing Finance Agency then calculates income tiers for Vermont’s 14 counties. Those 2024 tiers are:
| Annual household income limit by household size | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle counties | Low Income | $66,600 | $76,100 | $85,600 | $95,100 | $102,750 |
| Moderate Income | $99,900 | $114,150 | $128,400 | $142,700 | $154,100 | |
| High Income | >$99,900 | >$114,150 | >$128,400 | >$142,700 | >$154,100 | |
| Addison County | Low Income | $61,050 | $69,750 | $78,500 | $87,200 | $94,200 |
| Moderate Income | $91,550 | $104,650 | $117,700 | $130,800 | $141,250 | |
| High Income | >$91,550 | >$104,650 | >$117,700 | >$130,800 | >$141,250 | |
| Washington County | Low Income | $59,050 | $67,450 | $75,900 | $84,300 | $91,050 |
| Moderate Income | $88,500 | $101,200 | $113,850 | $126,500 | $136,600 | |
| High Income | >$88,500 | >$101,200 | >$113,850 | >$126,500 | >$136,600 | |
| All other VT counties | Low Income | $57,300 | $65,500 | $73,700 | $81,850 | $88,400 |
| Moderate Income | $86,000 | $98,400 | $110,600 | $122,800 | $132,800 | |
| High Income | >$86,000 | >$98,400 | >$110,600 | >$122,800 | >$132,800 | |
Changing income eligibility helps renters as well as homeowners. Efficiency Vermont’s rebates for renters are based on newly-updated rent limits, not on renter income (not applicable for flood recovery rebates). That means more renters in manufactured homes, multi-family units, and studio or multi-bedroom apartments can access free products for renters and other offers and services.
To find your household income, take the monthly amount (before taxes) from your last one or two paychecks—including any 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 avoid over 13.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence award for the last 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]