Keeping your Home Cool in the Hot Heat The other day the thermostat in our office hit 80 degrees. After the snowstorm in early April, this was a complete shock to our systems – we all felt like we were dying. Our office is equipped with cold-climate heat pumps, but...
17 Available Cash Incentives for Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Vermont
1. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR: Up to $2,000 custom incentive This incentive covers insulation, air sealing, and heating and ventilation systems improvements. So, how do you know what work to do? Get a HEAT Squad Energy Audit, and we'll walk you through the rest. Our BPI-Certified Energy Auditor will...
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...
HEAT Squad Teaching Building Science at Vermont Law School!
Vermont Law School takes the Lead on Learning About Building Science and Immediately Implementing Changes. Teaching Building Science HEAT Squad had a blast last week at our Teaching Building Science seminar at the student center at Vermont Law School in South Royalton. The brainchild of Masters in Energy Regulation and Law...