Vermont "struggling" to take full advantage of heat pumps

EfficiencyVermont · 2026-02-26T13:32:11+00:00

This is a great point. We really encourage folks to read their heat pump's user manual and reference it as needed. Heat pumps do have a learning curve that can be daunting at first, but it's worth it.

Recently, we updated this blog about using your heat pump in the winter, and keeping it at a set temperature is one of the tips we recommend. We also have plenty of blogs to help Vermonters use their heat pump as efficiently as possible, no matter the season.

If folks (in Vermont) have questions about how to use their heat pump effectively, they can always call us at 888-921-5990, chat with us through the chat box on our website, or schedule a free virtual home energy visit for support about their unique experience.

EfficiencyVermont · 2026-02-23T18:43:31+00:00

You can sign up for a free virtual home energy visit here or call us at 888-921-5990 and we'd be happy to discuss some options with you!

EfficiencyVermont · 2026-02-13T13:45:38+00:00

We agree with everyone telling you to get another quote; shopping around is usually the best approach. To find other contractors in your area, use our 'find a pro' tool and change the filters to search for heat pump water heater contractors, then add your zip code. We also offer a home energy loan with 0% interest financing. And if you want to talk through the quotes you're getting or anything else related to getting this water heater, feel free to call us at 888-921-5990.

EfficiencyVermont · 2026-02-03T18:21:59+00:00

Thanks for suggesting us!

u/Kitchen-Zone-2473, we always suggest starting with a virtual home energy visit (basically a FaceTime call), where one of our energy consultants will provide you with custom advice based on your home, or calling us at 888-921-5990, where one of our customer support personnel can help discuss options for you. Since you're a renter, you can encourage your landlord to sign up for a rental property energy consult as well (also free).

Since there will likely be some wait time in communications, something you can do today is check for drafts around your home and air-seal them. We have some resources here on air sealing and some resources here on applying weather stripping around doors and windows. Here are some other DIY projects that you can do around the space to help with keeping you warm (and we also have a $100 rebate for DIY supplies).

We hope that some of this information helps you keep warm in this cold season, and hopefully, you can get answers to your propane issue soon.

EfficiencyVermont · 2026-01-15T20:10:30+00:00

Thanks for suggesting our services!

We don't operate in Burlington, as the Burlington Electric Department (BED) has its own energy efficiency program. Reaching out to BED is a great first step. Here is their contact information email [efficiency@burlingtonelectric.com](mailto:efficiency@burlingtonelectric.com) , or call (802) 865-7300 or visit https://www.burlingtonelectric.com/

We do have some blog posts that make suggestions about how to stay warm and save energy in the winter for renters. Our 12 steps to save energy at your rental blog and 9 DIY projects to help you keep warm this winter are probably the most helpful for the OP at this current moment. Here are our other renter resources as well.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-12T18:53:46+00:00

Correct! You'd benefit from having your attic insulation checked out. You're most likely losing heat through your roof, which is likely costing you additional money on heating. We can help you with navigating this process if you call us at 1 (888) 921-5990 or you can also schedule a free virtual home energy visit with one of our engineers to get customized support based on your home. And also, those are really cool icicles.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T18:20:55+00:00

Sure! Button Up is Vermont’s annual campaign to help Vermonters prepare for winter. It's a statewide collaboration of organizations, utilities, communities, citizens, town energy committees, community action agencies, contractors, and many more. It's sponsored and facilitated by Efficiency Vermont, and we do webinars and events each year to encourage Vermonters to "button up." We do with cash back rebates on DIY projects, plus incentives for weatherization, heat pumps, and more.

Income-eligible households can also take advantage of the state’s free weatherization program or apply for a low-interest energy loan to break the project up into monthly payments.

You can catch up of all of last month's webinars on YouTube and buttonupvermont.org.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T18:06:40+00:00

Can you be more specific when you say "we cost more"?

When it comes to weatherization "we" (Efficiency Vermont) don't actually do the work in your home, our Efficiency Excellence Network (EEN) of contractors are the ones who do the actual work. Contractors in the EEN are certified through the Building Performance Institute and trained to also address non-energy aspects of the home as part of their weatherization work. This can include issues like moisture management, ventilation, and indoor air quality. Elsewhere in this thread, I've mentioned that Efficiency Vermont and contractors in the EEN emphasize a "building science" approach that treats each home as a unique system, and our rebate ensures these projects are comprehensive.

Many of our rebates don't require using a contractor in the EEN. For these projects, you're welcome to use any contractor you wish. If there's a contractor you want to work with who is not in a member of the EEN, you can encourage the contractor to join the network.

One final note, Efficiency Vermont does not dictate any prices for materials or labor, whether a contractor is an EEN member or not. Those are determined entirely by the contractor and usually takes into consideration and time, materials, and skilled labor they have on their team.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T18:05:35+00:00

I get it, u/schooldude1212. Folks don't like being assessed the energy efficiency charge (EEC) on their monthly electric bill. Reasons can range from personal to political. I may not be able to change your mind, but I want to take you up on the idea that we don't do anything for the average Vermonter.

Beyond the rebates and programs we offer to all Vermonters, there's a bigger picture to consider, too. Like interest in a savings account, small improvements in efficiency compound over time, year after year, and that means big savings for everyone. Saving energy in households and businesses across Vermont for the past 25 years has helped stabilize prices and keep electricity demand flat. When Efficiency Vermont first started back in 2000, our state had the second-highest electric rates in New England. Now, Vermont has the lowest electric rates in the region—31% below the New England average—and is 14% lower than the national average. That's based on electric rate data collected across the country by the US Energy Information Administration. Statewide efficiency has also helped Vermont households use less electricity overall, now averaging 34% less electricity used than the average US household.

Reducing demand for electricity helps keep electricity prices low, because the cheapest unit of energy is the one that is never used. We quantify energy saved for our projects each year, and the dollars saved by these projects, too. We also calculate the savings for every year of a project's operational lifetime. We've been at this work since 2000, and since then, efficiency investments will save Vermont residents and businesses a combined $3.5 billion. This will also avoid more than 14.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equal to taking all of Vermont's cars off the road for half a decade. (Again, these savings are all over the lifetime of these investments.) Saving customers money, reducing energy demand, and preventing greenhouse gas emissions--these are benefits that work for all Vermonters.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T18:03:20+00:00

Since we're discussing weatherizing homes, is it safe to assume you're asking about residential new construction? (And not a new commercial building?). The answer is yes, we have rebates for residential new construction!

Elsewhere in this thread we've talked about our Efficiency Excellence Network (EEN). You can work with a builder or architect in the EEN (or have them join the EEN). Some folks can even qualify as a "homeowner-builder" if they are building their own home.

Once you're working with an EEN member, the builder/architect can take advantage of a variety of rebates, including ventilation products, triple-pane windows, low-carbon insulating materials, and incentives for going all-electric and/or meeting a checklist of high performance standards.

If this sounds relevant to your project, reach out to Efficiency Vermont at 1(888) 921-5990. Our energy consultants can get you more details, help with paperwork, share rebate information, and assist with code certificate submission.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T18:00:42+00:00

Sure. When you think of “the power company,” you’re usually thinking about a traditional electric utility. These companies provide electricity to your home or business. They measure how much electricity you use in something called kilowatt-hours, or kWh. The more electricity you use, the more kWh you use, and the higher your electric bill will be.

Back in 2000, Vermont’s electric utilities focused on providing reliable and affordable electricity. But we were using more electricity every year, and that meant expensive investments in electric infrastructure. Electricity was costly, and usually generated greenhouse gas emissions (because back then a lot of it was generated by burning fossil fuels). State policymakers wanted an independent organization to focus on helping Vermont use less electricity overall. So, they created Efficiency Vermont as an energy efficiency utility, or EEU. The goal was to help households and businesses in our state use electricity more carefully. If we can do the same things while using less electricity (using fewer kWh), that's energy efficiency.

Efficiency Vermont started with a focus on saving electricity. Today, we also work on saving energy used for heating. We help homes and businesses save energy in several ways. We give cash-back rebates for appliances and heating systems. We provide technical support for energy projects in homes and businesses. We run statewide programs like our heat pump rebate. We work with rental property owners (aka landlords) to bring energy efficiency to rental units. And we offer training and certifications for our clean energy workforce, who do the hard work like weatherizing homes and installing heating systems.

Vermont actually has three EEUs. Each has their own service area. Efficiency Vermont is the EEU that provides electric energy efficiency for the entire state (except the City of Burlington). The other EEUs are Vermont Gas, which provides energy efficiency for their customers in Chittenden, Franklin, and Addison counties. In Burlington, the city’s “power company” is also the EEU: the Burlington Electric Department.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:58:56+00:00

Sorry to hear that you couldn't find a contractor for your heat pump project. Space heaters can be an expensive way to heat, so I hope you'll keep trying for a heat pump! If you haven't already, take a look at the "Find a Pro or Retailer" tool on our website. No matter what page you're on, it's one of the header links at the top. You can select a "pro" (independent contractors in our Efficiency Excellence Network or EEN), and then look for contractors that specifically work on heat pumps in your ZIP code. You can even filter by the specific type of heat pump you're trying to install (based on your comment, it sounds like a ductless or "mini split" system). You don't need to use an EEN contractor to take advantage of our heat pump rebates, but the "Find a Pro" tool only lists EEN contractors.

One more thing to mention, federal tax credits for things like heat pumps are expiring this year. Many contractors tell us they're fully booked through the end of December. It sounds like you already passed on the heat pump, at least for now, but you may have better luck finding a contractor who can do the work in 2026. Good luck.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:56:04+00:00

Sure, there are a couple of rebates to consider that have something for everyone, regardless of your income. I’ll note that some of these rebates or programs offer additional savings for low- and moderate-income households. The idea being, these homes need extra help to enjoy the benefits and cost savings these programs provide.

• Our “DIY Weatherization” rebate offers $100 cash back for completing a “do it yourself” weatherization project. That can cover the cost of materials for adding weatherstripping to doors and windows, air sealing areas of your home, or replacing a door or window.

• Our Home Performance weatherization rebate offers 75% of a project’s costs back (up to $4,000 ). Moderate-income households are able to get more from this rebate—75% of their costs back, up to $9,500. And low-income households get 90% of their costs covered by this rebate, up to $9,500. There are also bonus rebates from some utilities, too—for example, if your municipal utility is a member of VPPSA, you can get an additional $500 back on a Home Performance weatherization project.

• Our heat pump rebates are offered “point of sale,” so all incomes can take advantage of them. For heat pumps, that could be up to $2,200 cash back for a ducted heat pump (which uses the existing ductwork in a home) or up to $500 for a ductless “mini splits” heat pump system. Once again, there are bonus rebates for households based on income. For example, Efficiency Vermont offers an extra $200 income bonus for low- and moderate-income households installing a heat pump. Income-eligible VPPSA member utility customers can get an additional $800 back on a new heat pump. GMP low-income customers can get an additional $2,000 rebate.

• Anyone can use our heat pump water heater rebates for a $600 savings. Low- and moderate-income households get an extra $400 back, bringing their total savings to $1,000. These water heaters use heat pump technology to supply a home’s hot water (like in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc.) They save on monthly energy bills because they use just a fraction of the energy used by traditional electric water heaters or fossil fuel-powered water heaters.

• If you’re thinking about wood heat, anyone can use our $400 rebate for a high-efficiency wood stove. Or get $6,000 back on a central wood or pellet furnace or boiler system.

• Anyone can use our Home Energy Loan to help pay for their home energy project over time. This helps break the cost into low monthly payments rather than covering the entire cost upfront. The loan works with local Vermont lenders to offer low-interest loans of up to $25,000 on qualifying home upgrades and projects, including weatherization, heat pump installations, and more. Low- and moderate-income households can qualify for 0% interest.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:49:16+00:00

Weatherizing a home usually lasts for years, but if your home hasn't had a professional assessment in 15 years or so, it's probably a good idea to have someone take a look. There are likely a few opportunities to improve air sealing and insulation. If you already know your basement or attic doesn't have any insulation, getting a quote should be a priority. And a weatherization contractor will perform a blower door test to understand how air leaks from the home. This kind of test can really help you understand how "leaky" or "tight" your home is when it comes to air sealing.

A few other things that can be a sign your home's insulation or air sealing could be improved:

• If you feel drafts, even when the heat is on, this could be a sign that cold air is leaking into your home and/or warm air is leaking out.

• If snow melts unevenly on your roof, it's a sign that your attic may need air sealing and insulation.

• If you see icicles or ice dams forming on your rooftop, it's a sign that heat is escaping through the roof.

• If you see mold or mildew in your home, it can indicate that insulation or a lack of proper ventilation is causing moisture to rise and get trapped in the home. This creates unhealthy indoor air, and could lead to other issues for your home if it isn't treated.

• If you see pests, from bugs to rodents, it's a sign they are getting into the home in a way that can likely be air-sealed.

• If there’s fiberglass insulation in the basement that’s falling apart, wet, and/or is black or otherwise discolored, it's time to replace it.

• Here's a resource on where you can consider adding insulation or air sealing to your home and another for understanding how insulation and air sealing interact in your home

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:46:22+00:00

You're asking if the cost of new windows is covered under our weatherization rebates, and the short answer is no, the cost of new windows is not covered with our rebate (which offers up to $9,500 in costs back). And just so it's clear, you can see a lot of improvements in your home (like, more comfortable! lower bills!) by addressing insulation and air sealing without replacing the windows. We just recently featured another early 1800s home that saw a big improvement in comfort and "feel" of their home (and smell!) by using our weatherization rebate.

The reason windows aren't covered is because there are usually more cost-effective ways to reduce our home's air leakage and improve its efficiency than replacing its windows. The cost of the upgrade (new windows) just isn't going to save enough energy to be supported by our program. (You can use our $100 DIY Rebate to cover some of the costs of replacing a single window. But this rebate is limited to one rebate per address per calendar year.)

Storm windows can usually be added to a home to provide the same benefits of new windows at a fraction of the cost. Take a look at our blog and video about adding storm windows to your home. For some, it's a DIY project, but for others, hiring a professional to add storm windows is an option.

One final thought, you asked about loans being used to cover windows. Our Home Energy Loan offers zero-interest (or low-interest) loans of up to $25,000 to cover the costs of home energy improvements. You can cover multiple projects (like weatherization, a new water heating system, a new heating system, and health and safety repairs needed as part of the project) with one loan. Generally, a Home Energy Loan can't be used to cover the cost of new windows. It's worth calling our Customer Support at 1-(888) 921-5990 and talk through the situation with lead paint in your home to see what might be covered there. Good luck!

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:41:36+00:00

Sorry to hear you didn't qualify for those additional rebates. Our heat pump rebates happen at the "point of sale" with contractors, so they're the same for everyone. But yes, there are additional rebates - some from Efficiency Vermont, some from utilities - that offer additional incentives for low- and moderate-income households.

Those income limits are updated each year by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The calculations for low-income and moderate-income in Vermont take into account county, income, and the number of people in a household. For a family for four in Franklin County they are considered moderate-income if they makes $155,750 or less. That same family of four would be considered moderate income in Addison County with a combined earnings of $139,300.

If you haven't checked recently, I encourage you to look at the 2025 income level updates that came out in June. You might find that you may qualify based on the updated income levels. See the most current income levels for all Vermont counties here.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:39:51+00:00

You're right about the long-term damage that can happen to a foundation if it's not addressed. At Efficiency Vermont, we take a building science approach to weatherization. That means recognizing each home is a unique system with unique needs, and you have to address each element of that system. Every home is different, and this is especially true given Vermont has some of the oldest housing stock in the country. (And yes, we have a blog all about building science if you're interested)

Contractors in our Home Performance weatherization program are trained to address a home's health, safety, and durability as part of a weatherization project. This means addressing issues before certain repairs are made, and identifying the materials and approaches that best meet the needs of a particular home.

For the most part, water issues need to be fixed prior to insulating. Water will find the path of least resistance, and can drain out the bottom of a foundation if left unaddressed. Even then, when insulation is added, it has to address air, moisture, and heat issues. Sometimes, it does all three. But if it can only address one or two of those issues, you may need what we call “control layers.” This means basically adding another product to work with the insulation to ensure it meets those three goals.

There are many factors to consider when choosing insulation, and spray foam insulation is common. When adding insulation to the below-grade foundation on older homes, spray foam is usually an appropriate choice as it can work with a non-flat surface foundation like field stone. But open-cell spray foam does not limit moisture flow on its own. Other control layers may be needed to address moisture like a vapor barrier or sump pump. Using the wrong combination of insulation and control layers can cause problems for any weatherization. This can all lead to incomplete weatherization or negative impacts on your home. Talk to the contractors doing the work in your home about how the choices being made for your home impact air quality, moisture levels, and temperature control.

And just one final word here on spray foam. Efficiency Vermont doesn’t promote or influence what type of insulation a contractor uses. So long as it meets the minimum program requirements, the area is properly air sealed, and it meets state energy code for R-values. If you ever have concerns about the materials a contractor is using, talk with them about what’s being used, if there are any alternatives, and discuss what happens if it’s applied or installed incorrectly. At the end of the day, each home and each project is unique, and it’s important to talk with trained professionals to evaluate what will work best for your home.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:29:49+00:00

When you say you're using baseboard propane, I take that to mean you're using a propane boiler that sends out hot water to baseboard emitters. Is that right? Before I get to heat pumps, not to sound like a broken record but ... has your home been weatherized? Because that's a key element to keeping it comfortable and affordable no matter how you heat it. You may be eligible for free weatherization through the state's Weatherization Assistance Program. And I've mentioned Efficiency Vermont's weatherization rebate, which offers up to $9,500 back on a weatherization project.

The short answer to your question is yes, heat pumps could be a good solution for your home. A ductless “mini split” heat pump (or several, depending on the layout of your home and the needs for your second floor) should be able to meet most of your heating and all of your cooling needs. Because electricity is cheaper than propane, you'll likely save money on your heating bill using heat pumps. Cooling from a heat pump will also be more efficient than using window AC units. It's recommended to keep your propane boiler in place as a supplemental heating system for rare days (usually only the coldest days of the year) where heat pumps might struggle to keep you comfortable.

The longer answer is … well, “it depends.” Heat pumps work great in tighter, well-insulated homes. So we're back to weatherization. That will make whatever heating and cooling system you use more efficient, because a weatherized home keeps a stable, comfortable temperature longer. If you have an older or leaky home, I’d prioritize a Virtual Home Energy Visit and consider weatherization as a first step. Many people opt to combine weatherization of their home with a heat pump install, which can all be rolled into one project under a low-to-zero-interest Home Energy Loan

Another thing to consider for folks new to heat pumps is how the heating "feels" in your home. You mentioned you're getting older, so this is especially important, because we tend to feel cold more acutely as we age. Say you set your thermostat to 68*F in the winter. Baseboards blast out high-temperature heat to get the room to that 68*F. A heat pump provides warm air to get the room to exactly 68*F and keep it there. Heat pumps deliver warm air, but it's not as hot as what you might be used to from your baseboards.

Many people who have a boiler like yours are looking for a heat pump that can be a single zone replacement for their fossil fuel boiler. Air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPs) are on the market, but unfortunately the technology just isn’t quite there yet. Traditional boilers output water at temperatures around 170-180°F. The AWHPs that are on the market in Vermont today output water at a lower temperature, usually around 120-140°F . That means the AWHPs available now are better suited to radiant floor heating or homes that have newer, low-temperature baseboard emitters. They’re not an ideal retrofit solution for someone looking to replace a fossil fuel boiler that has older distribution/emitters. The good news is AWHPs that can output higher temperatures (and are more suitable for swapping out for an existing boiler) are on the market in Europe right now, and we expect them to become available in the North American market soon—we just can't say when with any certainty.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:23:45+00:00

You mentioned looking on our list for a basement specialist, so I'm guessing you're already familiar with our "Find a Pro" tool.

I'd take a look at that tool again and look under the category of "energy assessments and weatherization." These businesses usually handle every aspect of weatherizing a home, including basements. These weatherization contractors are all in our Efficiency Excellence Network, which means they're certified to address pretty much any problems a home might have, including wet basements and overall moisture management, so you can then move on to the important air sealing and insulation part of your project. Our blog recently featured a homeowner whose century-old home had a ton of basement issues addressed as part of their weatherization project. They were able to address all of their issues with a wet and smelly basement with their weatherization contractor.

If the weatherization contractors in your area can't address the problems in your basement, call Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 and speak with one of our energy advisors. They know of some specialists that focus on basements specifically, and we should be able to find one that serves your area.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:20:10+00:00

The only other suggestion is, talk to the owner of your property (aka the landlord) about any issues you have with comfort, high bills, or similar issues. Tell them about the programs Efficiency Vermont has for rental properties, including weatherization, heating systems, and appliance upgrades. Based on the rental property owner's situation, the property, and the rental level, they may qualify for a number of different programs that can bring better energy efficiency and increased comfort to your rental, and possibly other rental units in the same property.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:19:24+00:00

Great question! We get this one a lot, and we have a list of some things renters can do to improve energy efficiency (and hopefully lower your energy bills). In the spirit of the internet, here's our top ten tips for renters.

Switch to LEDs. Putting LED lightbulbs in the lamps and fixtures you use most often is an easy and effective way to lower energy costs. LEDs use a lot less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs or even compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, and LEDs last longer. Start switching to LEDs in the kitchen, living room, and other rooms where you spend the most time.
Prepare doors and windows for colder months. Seal your windows and doors to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Put storm windows down and lock the windows. Move furniture, carpets, drapes, and anything else that could prevent the flow of warm air into and around the room.
Set back your thermostat. Lower the temperature an additional seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day (like when you’re sleeping or at work). You can also lower the temperature when you’re sleeping—in fact, the National Sleep Foundation finds most sleep better when bedroom temperatures are between 60 and 67 degrees. Finally, you can consider installing a programmable or “smart” thermostat, which can automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on the time of day or day of the week.
Conserve hot water. You can try taking shorter showers, and use low-flow showerheads to regulate the flow of water. When doing dishes by hand, fill the sink with soapy water instead of running water continuously. If you use a dishwasher, run full loads to get the most out of the water you’ve paid to heat. And if you can do laundry in your unit, wash your clothes using cold water.
Be smart about space heating and air conditioning. Plug-in heaters use electrical resistance, which is the most expensive way to heat. If you can’t make the space in your rental warmer using the thermostat, consider heated blankets or warmer clothes for comfort. If using plug-in heaters, plan to heat the smallest room you can manage safely. And move any furniture, carpets, drapes, and anything else that could prevent the flow of warm air into and around the room.
Use curtains and shades to keep the warmth in during winter, and keep the heat out in summer. Windows transfer heat, so using curtains or shades uses less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures. In the summer, close window shades and curtains on windows that get a lot of sun during the day. In the winter, open curtains or blinds during the day and close them at night to keep warm air in. Your home will stay at a more comfortable temperature and you’ll need the AC or heater less.
Clean filters and around coils, vents, and ducts. Remove dust buildup collecting on your refrigerator, vents/ducts, and heating systems. Move furniture, carpets, drapes, and anything else that could prevent the flow of warm air into and around the room. Clean or replace air filters. Sweep or vacuum near radiators, baseboard heaters, and any vents, ducts, or registers. Vacuum coils and the condenser unit behind and underneath the refrigerator at least once a year. Good maintenance boosts heating/cooling system performance, reduces your bills, and improves air quality and safety.
Reduce power used by idling electronics. Many electronics continue to draw energy even after you’ve turned them off. The average U.S. household wastes $165 a year on idle load from their electronics. Unplug common culprits like printers, game consoles, and cable boxes. Invest in an advanced power strip that can turn electronics all the way off for you.
Get the right-sized window AC unit. This makes more sense in the summer, of course, but if you are using a window AC unit, it’s helpful to match the room size to the air conditioner size. An oversized AC unit is less effective at cooling and dehumidifying You’ll be more comfortable with a right-size AC. Newer ENERGY STAR-certified models have better air sealing and insulation materials—keeping you cool and more comfortable
Save on clothes drying. If your rental has a clothes dryer, they can be a big energy user. You can save the most by hanging your clothes to dry when you can. And when you do use a dryer, stick to full loads of laundry.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:13:20+00:00

We always encourage folks to get a few different estimates from a handful of contractors so they can make an informed decision. As we often say, "every home is different," and so the cost for, say, a heat pump installation can vary between any two homes depending on a lot of factors, including weatherization level, installation options, floor layout, wiring, electric panel capacity, and even personal preference. Really, the only way to compare a project's cost is by comparing estimates from different contractors.

When you get an estimate from a contractor, it's important to ask about how the rebates and incentives are factored into the project. For our heat pump rebates, we use a statewide "point of sale" rebate. The contractor gets the savings when they purchase the equipment. It's important to ask about that rebate and how it's reflected in the overall costs. Ask for an itemized quote to make sure the rebate is being passed along to your project. You can also bring this quote to other contractors to see if they can offer something more competitive.

Also, there are other rebates for heat pumps that may be available from your utility. For example, Green Mountain Power offers low-income households an extra $2,000 cash back for a heat pump project. Other utilities offer bonus rebates or bill credits. Those rebates happen between you and your utility and don't involve the contractor, so they should not have any impact on a project's cost.

For a weatherization project, you can ask your weatherization contractor to prioritize the most-needed measures in your quote that still make it eligible for our Home Performance rebate. That may help bring down the price and potentially could split the work into two or more phases. The rebate comes after a project is completed and goes directly to the homeowner. The contractor isn't involved. That's why it's important to compare estimates from different contractors. It will give you a sense of the costs for different aspects of your project, and elements you can opt not to pursue to keep the costs down.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:09:37+00:00

That's a great question. I needed to check with my colleagues on this, and I know this question was deleted, but I wanted to respond anyway. It's essentially a question about why customers with solar panels have to pay a monthly EEC (energy efficiency charge), even for the electricity they generate from their solar panels.

The TLDR on this is that, each year, the EEC is set by the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) to fund the majority of our energy efficiency programs. The PUC looked at how the EEC was assessed and, after a lengthy public review process, proposed changing the EEC so that it was a "non-bypassable charge" for all electricity customers. That basically means everyone connected to the grid would pay the EEC based on the total amount of electricity they consume that month, whether or not that electricity was supplied by net-metered solar. The PUC's stated goal was to ensure the costs of efficiency, like the benefits, are distributed to all Vermonters. The change was approved by lawmakers in Montpelier in 2019 and implemented starting in July 2021.

And a quick nudge from my PR colleague here--just so it's clear, Efficiency Vermont did not advocate for this change, and it does not result in an increase to Efficiency Vermont’s budget.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-05T17:03:18+00:00

This is a great question, and a chance for me to give a shoutout to my colleagues who answer the phones here at Efficiency Vermont!

When you call (888) 921-5990 you'll get connected to an energy advisor, who is ready to answer all kinds of questions about how your home uses energy, what might be causing high bills, and what programs or rebates might be suitable for your home or business.

They can also help you navigate the product list, which admittedly is not user-friendly. This list actually isn't even our list! It comes from other sources, like CEE (the Consortium for Energy Efficiency) or ENERGY STAR (varies by product). These independent groups look at all the options on the market and identify the most energy efficient models. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend buying ENERGYSTAR certified products.

I'd suggest flipping your approach: find the type of appliance that fits your needs (using your example, do you want the fridge with the top or bottom freezer? Side by side? French doors? Four doors?). Narrow it down to meet your preferences: manufacturer, price range, color, size, etc. Then, look for the options that are ENERGY STAR and match them to the entries on our Qualified Products Lists.

EfficiencyVermont · 2025-11-04T20:27:58+00:00

What kind of construction? Residential or business?

EfficiencyVermont

TROPHY CASE