As prices for the services and goods we all depend on continue to rise, homeowners in Vermont are looking for ways to reduce their monthly energy costs — especially when it comes to costs associated with heating and cooling! One way to keep a home comfortable while improving its efficiency is through targeted home insulation upgrades, which are now more affordable thanks to available rebates and incentives. Here’s how insulation works to save you on monthly costs, and how you can save on the cost of your home improvement project.
Why Insulation Matters
The heating and cooling system is often what homeowners look to blame first when it comes to high heating and cooling costs through all four seasons here in New England. And while one inefficient furnace, boiler, or air conditioner will increase monthly costs, an inefficient home will reduce the efficiency of all of them.
The insulation in a home should be installed in key areas to prevent heat from escaping during the cold months, and heat from infiltrating during the warm months. Heat transfer can happen through the materials that a home is constructed with, and insulation slows this process. With the right insulation materials installed in the right areas, a home will keep the heat in during the winter and keep the heat out in the summer.
The Best Areas to Insulate a Home
Most homes are vulnerable to inefficiencies in areas like the attic, the basement, and certain exterior walls. The best way to maximize the effectiveness of any insulation upgrade or energy efficiency retrofit is to schedule an energy audit with a home performance and insulation expert — like Vermont Foam Insulation.
An energy audit is a diagnostic inspection of your home, to locate areas where it is losing energy. We use our knowledge and training in building science, as well as diagnostic tools like infrared imaging and specialized pressure tests to locate air holes and insulation gaps, which then inform which home performance upgrades we recommend in an energy audit report. After an energy audit, you can invest in the efficiency of your home with confidence it will have an impact on your monthly energy costs.
Rebates Available for Home Insulation in Vermont
The state of Vermont offers a number of rebates and incentives to encourage homeowners to upgrade their insulation. Rebates include up to $4,000 for insulation upgrades (up to $9,500 for low income qualified!) that meet ENERGY STAR® criteria, as well as for air sealing and heating and cooling improvements. These rebates help offset some of the upfront cost of insulation upgrades, making them more accessible and affordable for homeowners. In addition to the financial benefits, upgrading insulation and improving energy efficiency can also help reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Actual rebate amounts will vary depending on the project and household — learn more about the qualifications on our rebates page.
Make Upgrades That Will Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs
If you’re looking to reduce your monthly energy costs and improve your home comfort, call Vermont Foam Insulation. Our team of experts can perform an energy audit to identify areas of inefficiency and recommend targeted upgrades that can make a big difference. With available rebates and incentives, now is a great time to invest in the efficiency of your home.