Many buildings—old and new—allow too much air to pass through the ceiling, walls and basement. Sometimes you can feel drafts. Heating or cooling a drafty building can be like trying to keep water in a bucket full of holes.
It doesn't have to be this way. When people button up their coats, it keeps the cold air out and the warmth in. The same can be done with buildings through weatherization, which can help make you more comfortable and save energy, as well as money. When done correctly, weatherization improvements can do a great job of keeping the warm or cool air where it belongs, which can contribute to your building remaining comfortable and healthy.
Weatherization can also include specific health and safety improvements in addition to basic weatherization, which may be helpful to those with chronic health conditions or accessibility challenges. See the Department of Health's Weatherization + Health in Vermont fact sheet for more information.
A simple energy audit (or assessment) can analyze your building to tell you where and how to begin, and a qualified energy contractor can work with you to develop a budget based on your priorities, whether you are improving your home or office. Please note: As you consider tightening your building to reduce air leaks, you must pay great attention to indoor air quality and ventilation, as well as other potential health and safety issues. Visit the Health & Safety and Getting Started pages to learn more about items to consider before you start.
When considering hiring a contractor, it's important to pay attention to their qualifications. You may find it helpful to visit the Using a Contractor page to review some things to consider before hiring someone. In addition, you may want to visit the Programs & Incentives and Tools & Resources pages to find links to more information, including online tools and rebates, and continue to learn as much as you can before you make your thermal energy efficiency plan for your home or business.
For more information on other electric, natural gas and weatherization efficiency programs in Vermont, you can visit the Contact page or contact your energy efficiency utility (Burlington Electric Department, Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Gas), electric or gas utility and/or low income Community Action Weatherization Program directly.
Learn More
Visit the pages below to learn more about Weatherization:
