Weatherization

Weatherization is the foundation for your home, regardless of how you heat (and cool) it, you want to keep that temperature inside. There are two main aspects of weatherization: air sealing and insulation. Air sealing ensures that your home doesn’t have leaks. Once leaks are under control, insulation can do its job by keeping indoor temperatures stable at a comfortable level. The combination of insulating and air sealing a building has many benefits, including maintaining a more consistent temperature, controlling moisture, keeping pests and pollutants out, and saving money on energy. 

Efficiency Vermont’s Home Performance with Energy Star (HPwES) program covers 75% of project costs up to $2,000 or $5,000, depending on income, for weatherization projects. Low-income households can receive free weatherization through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Up to an additional $8,000 in federal incentives will become available to eligible homeowners through the Inflation Reduction Act. The IRA incentive programs are not yet available as of November 2022.

State Incentives

• Free weatherization through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Must meet one of the following qualifications to be eligible:
  • You meet these income levels.
  • You are an active Seasonal Fuel Assistance household.
  • Someone in your household gets Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • An adult in your household received either Reach Up, Reach First, or Post-Secondary Education in the past 12 months.
• Efficiency Vermont Home Performance with Energy Star program – up to $5,000 with Efficiency Excellence Network contractor and at least 10% reduction in air leakage.
• Efficiency Vermont DIY incentive – $100 rebate when you complete at least 3 of 10 eligible projects.

Federal Incentives

Available January 2023

• Tax Credit – 30% up to $1,200 of project costs for insulation, air sealing, doors and windows upgrades, and energy audits. May be combined with upfront incentives.

Coming soon! Available by August 2024

• Whole Home Energy Reduction Rebates (HOMES) – rebates for the lesser of $8,000 or 80% of project cost if the project reduces energy usage by at least 35%.
• High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program – up to $1,600 for weatherization if completing a “qualified electrification project.”