Window inserts can make a big difference in keeping your home warm. Photo by WindowDressers
Despite the loss of federal tax rebates, we are lucky in Vermont to have many different programs available to help make weatherizing our homes and transitioning to sustainable heating options affordable. However, navigating these programs can be difficult if you are new to the options, so I will share a few of the possibilities here.
Sustainable Woodstock has received a two-year grant for sustainable home heating and weatherization projects. Eligible households can receive up to $2,000 for appliances such as heat pumps, pellet stoves, and heat pump hot water heaters, and for weatherization projects such as insulation. These grants can be paired with rebates and other programs like those offered through Efficiency Vermont. Funding is available for income-qualifying residents of Woodstock, Pomfret, Barnard, Bridgewater, Brownsville, Weathersfield, Killington, Hartland, Plymouth and Reading. Households at or below moderate-income levels qualify for our funding.
Efficiency Vermont has rebates for sustainable heating and cooling, as well as their Home Performance with Energy Star program for insulation. Many of the rebates are higher for those in the low- and moderate-income categories. In addition to rebates, Efficiency Vermont has details for Home Energy Loans, which are loans with 0% interest for low-moderate income households, and 4.99% interest for high-income households. If you are in the low-income bracket, Efficiency Vermont has a free appliance replacement program (while funding lasts) that can provide a new fridge, washing machine, or possibly a free ductless heat pump.
For those in the low-income category, there is also a free weatherization program through the state. Those who qualify can apply to receive free insulation and air sealing following a home energy evaluation to see what your home needs. Our local provider is Southeastern Vermont Community Action (Sevca.org). Sustainable Woodstock is happy to help you navigate the application process.
If leaky windows are an issue in your home, there are very few programs to help replace them. However, the interior storm window inserts that we build at an annual WindowDressers event can make a big difference. Our next build is not until autumn 2026, but we are already adding people to the list for this year. The build tends to fill with a waitlist, so signing up early is a good idea. We build inserts for those in the low- and moderate-income categories, and they are free through our program (up to 10 inserts in the first year).
Some of the programs available can be combined to make weatherization and sustainable heating very affordable. Let’s look at an example of how this might work for someone in the moderate-income category ($107,250 for a household of 2, $134,100 for a household of 4) who would like to add a ductless heat pump to their home to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. The average price for a ductless heat pump is $6500. A household in the moderate-income category can receive a $2000 grant from Sustainable Woodstock, paid directly to your installer. Efficiency Vermont offers a $375 point-of-sale rebate, and the possibility to apply for an additional rebate after the appliance is purchased. Low and Moderate income households can apply for a 0% interest loan to repay the rest of the project cost over 5 years, which in this case would be a monthly payment of $68.75.
If all of this sounds confusing, that is because it is. There are many programs to navigate and it can be difficult to find the best fit for your household. Sustainable Woodstock is happy to answer questions and help you find the right fit for your home. To apply for our grants and learn more about the various programs that you can qualify for, contact Heather Knoll at programs@sustainablewoodstock.org, 802-296-1595. Our grant funding is available on a first come first served basis while funding lasts.