HEAT Squad Customer Testimonials
Adam Sancic – Proctor
Adam and Dalite were looking for way to cut their fuel bills and keep their home warmer in winter, especially for their young son, Ari. They installed a pellet stove but it didn’t make the difference they wanted it to.
“We went from filling our oil tank three or four times a year to one or two times a year, and reduced pellets by a ton. It’s a long-term investment that’s returning in the short term.”
“There was not any heat being retained the house,” said Adam. They were familiar with NeighborWorks’ other programs, so when Adam heard about the HEAT Squad program he called. Deciding to move forward with energy improvements was easy. “It’s a no-brainer if you want to cut your fuel bills, especially in these older houses.”
Improvements
– Spray foam and rigid board in basement
– Blown insulation in attic and walls
– Air sealing
Benefits
– Cut fuel bills nearly in half
– Support local contractors
– Long term investment that returns in the short term
Energy Profile
– Initial energy costs $3,317.19/yr
– Projected energy savings 55%/yr
– Annual savings $1,208.91
Costs & Incentives
– Improvement cost $11,075
– Incentives $2,500
– Out of pocket (financed) $8,575
These numbers reflect actual expenses and incentives available at the time. Check efficiencyvermont.com for current incentives.
Steve Finer – Killington
Steve is a handy, knowledgeable homeowner. He knew his home— especially his attic— was not insulated correctly. He also wanted to take advantage of the incentive money available to homeowners who complete energy improvements with a Home Performance contractor.
“My contractor was great, we talked techniques, and he found a rotted corner around the door and in the floor.”
An infrared camera allowed Steve and his contractor to see un-insulated spaces above each window where heat was escaping. “If you’ve never seen your heat loss,” said Steve, “you don’t know how much you’re losing!”
Improvements
– Insulation in the basement, attic and walls
– Sealing air leaks
– Adding small insert fireplace
Benefits
– More comfortable home
– Contractor found hidden roof issues that, if left hidden, would have caused major damage down the road
– Saving money
Energy Profile
– Initial energy costs $2,000/yr
– Projected energy savings 38%/yr
– Annual savings $947/yr
Costs & Incentives
– Improvement cost $4,640
– Incentives $2,500
– Out of pocket $2,140
Payback Period 2.25 years
These numbers reflect actual expenses and incentives available at the time. Check efficiencyvermont.com for current incentives.
Jesse & Megan Larson – Pawlet
Jesse and Megan were heating their home in Pawlet with propane— costing $500 a month during winter.
“The boiler would just be running constantly…”
Now a small fire in their wood stove heats the whole house. “It keeps us warm enough without turning the gas on all the time.” Jesse agreed,“It just makes sense, the economics of it.”
Improvements
– Spray foam and rigid board in basement
– Update heating system
– Insulate attic
Benefits
– No more ice dams!
– Saving money
– Burning less wood
Energy Profile
– Initial energy costs $1,995/yr
– Projected energy savings 40%/yr
– Annual savings $805/yr
Costs & Incentives
– Improvement cost $12,113
– Incentives $2,500
– Out of pocket $9,350
These numbers reflect actual expenses and incentives available at the time. Check efficiencyvermont.com for current incentives.
Angela Coombs – Rutand Town
Angela decided to move forward with the improvements to make her home more comfortable, and because she saw it as a practical use of money.
“I’ve lived so much longer than I thought I was going to, I realized I have to watch my pennies. The improvements are a valuable way to not freeze anymore. It’s wonderful!”
“Ever since I’ve been here the house always felt damp and cold,” said Angela of her home in Rutland Town. She read about the HEAT Squad in the newspaper and called to find out more.
Improvements
– Insulation in ceiling, closets, knee walls and where the garage meets the house
– Sealing air leaks
Benefits
– No more drafts!
– Financial savings
– Warmer, steadier heat
Energy Profile
– Initial energy costs $5,879/yr
– Projected energy savings 33%/yr
– Annual savings $1,911/yr
Costs & Incentives
– Improvement cost $8,142
– Incentives $2,500
– Out of pocket $5,642
Payback Period 3 years
These numbers reflect actual expenses and incentives available at the time. Check efficiencyvermont.com for current incentives.
Joan Jackson – Wallingford
Joan, a retired librarian, has lived in her Wallingford home since 1959.
“Of course it had all the problems of an old house!”
The roof had ice dams which caused water damage. The house was so cold Joan had to put on an extra sweater in winter to stay warm. She was also worried about the increasing cost of fuel. Joan called HEAT Squad.
She pleased with the contractors who did the energy improvements, and they reminded her of her sons. After the improvements were complete Joan called her sister in Fair Haven to tell her to get her home done, too!
Improvements
– Spray foam insulation in basement
– Blown insulation in upstairs walls
– Air sealing around doors, windows and attic hatch
Benefits
– Home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer
– No more damage from ice dams
– Saving money
Energy Profile
– Initial energy costs $1,940/yr
– Projected energy savings 34%/yr
– Annual savings $656/yr
Costs & Incentives
– Improvement cost $5,950
– Incentives $1,422
– Out of pocket $4,528
If financed, monthly loan payments: $63.08
These numbers reflect actual expenses and incentives available at the time. Check efficiencyvermont.com for current incentives.
John O’Day – Hydeville
John told his poker buddies about the improvements and now they are having home energy improvements done, too!
“I knew my house was not efficient at all, it was cold and the wind would come right through.”
“I was impressed by the [contractor’s] professionalism and suggestions. They went through every nook and cranny in the house. You could feel the difference— didn’t feel as drafty.”
Improvements
– Insulation in the basement, attic and walls
– Sealing air leaks
– Adding vapor barrier to crawlspace
Benefits
– No more drafts!
– Knob and tube wiring discovered
– Saving 1/3 of heating fuel annually
Energy Profile
– Initial energy costs $3,317.19/yr
– Projected energy savings 32%/yr
– Annual savings $1,061.50
Costs & Incentives
– Improvement cost $10,202
– Incentives $1,736
– Out of pocket $8,466
These numbers reflect actual expenses and incentives available at the time. Check efficiencyvermont.com for current incentives.
Rheba Haley – Mendon
Rheba was also pleased that the improvements will pay for themselves in just five years.
“A cold spot in the shower is gone. Also my sister’s room on the northwest corner of the home could feel an immediate difference. We couldn’t ask for a better crew to come in and work.”
“I read about HEAT Squad in the paper,” said Rheba, a resident of Mendon. “We have a relatively new house built in 1997 so we didn’t think it applied. Then I heard about how much the technology has improved.”
“It’s a much quicker payout than I could have imagined. And we’re not getting any younger,” said Rheba with a smile.
Improvements
– Added insulation in the basement
– Replaced insulation in the attic
– Sealing air leaks
Benefits
– Home more consistently warm
– Lower heating costs
– Reduced air pollution
Energy Profile
– Initial energy costs $4,875/yr
– Projected energy savings 41.72%/yr
– Annual savings $2,033.83/yr
Costs & Incentives
– Improvement cost $11,850
– Incentives $2,500
– Out of pocket $9,350
Payback Period 5 years
These numbers reflect actual expenses and incentives available at the time. Check efficiencyvermont.com for current incentives.