Vermont expanding home weatherization program
A mid-morning scene in Woodstock Village. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
In a bid to lower energy bills and boost energy efficiency, the state of Vermont is directing $7.9 million in federal relief money to home weatherization efforts. Officials say reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also part of the goal.
This funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will expand the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program, run by the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF). This program usually weatherizes between 800 to 1,000 homes each year, according to Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, who announced the news Wednesday.
“This investment will allow more than 550 additional homes to be weatherized, helping create good weatherization jobs, reduce costs for Vermonters and help our planet,” Scott said in a statement.
About $1.6 million of the additional funding will be used to provide “one-stop” comprehensive weatherization and efficiency improvements in multi-family housing, state officials confirmed.
A household is eligible for no-cost weatherization services if their gross household income is below 80% of the median income in their area. A family of four with an annual income of about $67,000 would be eligible in most Vermont communities.
“Weatherization saves the Vermonters we serve about 35%, on average, on their home energy use,” said Sarah Phillips, director for the DCF Office of Economic Opportunity, in the Wednesday announcement. “That helps lower their energy bills, keeping money in their pockets for other necessities like food, clothing and medications.”
Priority for funding is given to households receiving seasonal fuel assistance; high-energy use homes; families with young children; older Vermonters; and people with disabilities.
Free weatherization services include energy audits with methods like blower door testing and infrared scans; energy renovations such as insulation, air sealing and heating system upgrades; health and safety improvements like addressing ventilation, carbon monoxide and unsafe heating issues; efficiency coaching; and referrals to other programs and services.
On average, the program makes about $8,500 worth of improvements per home, adds about 1,500 square feet of insulation and reduces drafts by about 40%, according to the state.
For more information, check out the program page on the DCF website.
— Gareth Henderson
