Vermonters encouraged to ‘Button Up’ with rebates & expert contractors ahead of winter

WINOOSKI, VT

Efficiency Vermont rebates offer up to $7,000 to weatherize a home with an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor

 

WINOOSKI, VT—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 Governor 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 launches 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 rebates offer 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:

• Oct. 7, noon-1 pm: Home Weatherization Made Simple
• Oct. 14, noon-1 pm: How to Get the Most out of Your Heat Pump
• Oct. 21, noon-1 pm: Small Fixes, Big Impact: Energy Saving Tips
• View all Button Up webinars and events at 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.

About Button Up Vermont

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 the Efficiency Excellence Network

Managed by Efficiency Vermont, the Efficiency Excellence Network (EEN) is a 650-member-strong group of licensed and insured independent contractors committed to providing customers with the highest level of professional energy efficiency services. The EEN includes experts in the advanced technologies and building science that make homes and facilities more energy efficient and affordable to maintain. EEN members are also trained to understand and consider important health and safety measures that are key to any job. The EEN has members in all 14 Vermont counties, and draws additional contractors from New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Find an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor near you at https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/find-contractor-retailer#/

About Efficiency Vermont

As the nation's first Energy Efficiency Utility, Efficiency Vermont has helped Vermont save $3.7 billion in lifetime savings and avoid more than 14.8 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, rebates and 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]