Campaign seeks to help homeowners weatherize for upcoming winter

VERMONT – Leaves are changing and temperatures are dropping. Winter is coming, and now is the time to think about how to save energy, money, and the planet during the heating season. The annual Button Up Vermont campaign works each fall to raise awareness of the need to weatherize, and helps connect Vermonters with tools and resources to save.
There are several offers available to customers to help them outsmart winter and reduce their carbon footprint: Get $100 back for completing three qualifying DIY weatherization projects; up to $3,000 off comprehensive weatherization projects from Efficiency Vermont, and up to $3,500 from VGS; and up to $650 off ductless heat pumps. Financing options starting at 0% interest
Local utilities also offer incentives that can help customers reduce the amount of fossil fuel they need to keep their homes warm. Contact the local utility to find out how they can help consumers save. Income-eligible families may also qualify for free whole-home weatherization service, through the state’s weatherization assistance program.
 Vermonters can also participate in educational weatherization events online and in person, such as Weatherization Wednesday. Each Wednesday in October, Button Up Vermont will host a live Q&A session on Facebook and Zoom, where those interested can get all the tips and energy expertise needed to weatherize their home. There will also be local in-person events in participating Button Up partner communities that cover a range of topics, from heat pumps to whole home insulation.
According to a report by Energy Action Network, thermal energy - energy used to heat buildings - accounts for more than one-third of Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions. Weatherization will play a key role in reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions from the thermal sector, combined with switching heating sources from fossil fuels to cleaner technologies like advanced wood heat and high efficiency cold climate heat pumps.
Button Up Vermont is a statewide effort to cut energy use and keep families warm and healthy. Visit buttonupvermont.org for more information about the effort, as well as tips, tools, and a full schedule of events.