We spend a lot of time in our homes- eating dinner, watching TV, helping our kids do their homework, and SLEEPING, to name a few. Our homes are the place we can rely on to be there, day after day, providing shelter for our families. But what if your home...
“Doing it just for the comfort alone was worth the money.”
Meet Dave and Beth Smith. Their Chittenden house is only 35 years old (a regular youngster by Vermont standards!) and so they figured they wouldn’t benefit from an energy audit. Freezing Mornings & Sweaty Evenings Still, after a couple of chilly winters dealing with extreme fluctuations in the temperature inside...
8 Easy Steps to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
Bundle up- we’re in for a cold one! Have you heard the news from the 2017 Farmers’ Almanac? "While last winter was a reprieve from shoveling and high fuel bills,” says the Farmers’ Almanac, “the party is over." "Last year's El Niño produced warmer than normal weather, extremely warmer," said...
How Does an Energy Loan Work?
Sometimes loans can seem a little complicated. How do you know if you’re eligible? What are the rates and terms? How much will this end up costing you in the long run? At LoanWorks, we try to make the process as simple and understandable as possible. We’ve created a step-by-step...
Solar Boosts Home Value
Wondering whether a solar array impacts your home’s value? Well it turns out it does. A lot. Two studies completed in 2015 demonstrated that solar boosts home value. Homebuyers across the United States are willing to pay more for homes with a solar array. How much more? - $15,000! AND the...
The Vermont Home Energy Profile: What you need to know about being a homeowner in the age of energy scores.
Why did Vermont propose the Vermont Home Energy Profile? A History of Energy Scores For some time now, governments and organizations have recognized the value of assigning a score to homes based on their energy efficiency. It offers an easy way for home buyers and sellers to understand the efficiency...
HEAT Squad expanding to Hazard, Kentucky!
HEAT Squad expanding to Hazard, Kentucky The HEAT Squad, affordable energy efficiency program, expands to Hazard, Kentucky! The Housing Development Alliance, Inc. of Hazard, Kentucky, with the help of its umbrella organization, FAHE, a non-profit NeighborWorks Organization dedicated to eliminating persistent poverty in Appalachia, will launch the first satellite HEAT...
AmeriCorps Energy Efficiency Job Opportunity in Rutland, Vermont!
HEAT Squad Community Engagement Specialist Full-time, one- year position. HEAT Squad is looking for an outreach person/educator passionate about changing the energy paradigm in the state and educating home and business owners about energy efficiency. Applicants should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and be excellent writers. Knowledge of the...
“Who Left the Window Open?” A Love Letter to Our 100-Year Old Vermont Home
How our energy audit from HEAT Squad revealed a three square foot hole, and showed us that finishing the project will pay for itself 8 times over while saving us money and making our home more comfortable. “This is the house we have to buy.” It was June, 2006 and...
Why Does Your Home Need A Comprehensive Energy Plan?
Your House Is A System, Treat It That Way When you think about home improvements that can save you energy or increase the health and safety of your home.... It is important to understand that a house functions as a system, with many parts working together that affect the comfort,...