Cold weather is on its way, and for many Vermont homeowners that means a familiar worry: Will my home keep us warm, and what will it cost? The good news is that a few well-timed steps can make a real difference in comfort and in your heating bills. Better still, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
- Start with air sealing and insulation
A well-sealed, well-insulated home uses less energy, which can lower heating costs all winter. If you’re not sure where your home is losing heat, an energy audit can show you.
Tip: Begin with the most affordable fixes, like gaps around doors, attic hatches, and basement rim joists. Then plan larger projects. - Don’t wait on repairs that affect safety and warmth
Some problems get more costly, and more urgent, once temperatures drop. Heating and hot-water systems, roofs, electrical and plumbing issues, and wells or septic systems are the most common critical repairs. Addressing them early keeps your home safe and livable.
Sometimes a repair has to come first. Efficiency Vermont offers a Home Repair for Weatherization rebate for eligible repairs that would otherwise block weatherization, such as certain electrical or foundation problems. Check the current eligibility rules before you plan the work.
Tip: Get a contractor quote early. Good contractors book up quickly once the cold arrives. - Help is available, and it’s local
Many Vermonters don’t realize there are grants and affordable loans for home repair and energy upgrades. NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont members can help with job costing, bids, inspections, referrals, and funding. Windham & Windsor Housing Trust is the NW Organization for Southeast Vermont- and we’d love to help you repair your home!
Here are a few examples:
● Windham & Windsor Housing Trust (Windham and Windsor counties): Green Mountain Home Repair provides grants up to $7,500, low-cost loans, and our home repair specialists that will help you every step of the way. Additional grants are available to the Mountain Towns of Andover, Londonderry, Weston, Windham, and Jamaica. Learn more at homemattershere.org.
● Efficiency Vermont Home Energy Loans: Financing for weatherization and heating projects, including 0% interest for low- and moderate-income households.
● SEVCA: Emergency Home Repair (EHR) program addresses immediate concerns for low-income households in crisis and provides access to supplemental resources and programs. Visit https://sevca.org/emergency-home-repair
Ready to get started? Visit www.homemattershere.org/repair-your-home/ to connect with our team.
