Vermont

For individuals building a new home, Efficiency Vermont offers free technical assistance and targeted rebates to help ensure that the home is as energy efficient as possible. The first step is to enroll in the Vermont Energy Star Homes program. After enrollment, Efficiency Vermont will review building plans and go over design to determine estimate energy costs for heating, cooling, hot water, lights and appliances. They will recommend ways to lower those costs and help the homeowner choose proper energy efficient equipment, lights and appliances.

Homeowners may qualify for Base Tier rebates, which provide a $200 rebate for installing two Energy Star appliances, a Home Energy Rating Certificate, and a Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards compliance certificate. In order to receive these incentives, owners must achieve a HERS score of 75 or lower, utilize Energy Star equipment for all major appliances, have Energy Star lighting in at least 50% of fixtures, as well as complete inspections involving air sealing and HVAC inspections.

To qualify for Higher Tier incentives, the home must meet all Basic Tier requirements, pass a more stringent air leakage test, have Energy Star qualified heating equipment that pass duct leakage criteria, earn a HERS score than meets or exceeds the Energy Star HERS target index, and must have Energy Star lighting in at least 80% of fixtures.

Vermont Gas Customers may be eligible for an additional $200 drain water heat recovery rebate; and customers of Washington Electric Cooperative may be eligible for $300 for successful completion of Vermont Energy Star Homes or Energy Code Plus services and an additional $500 for heat and energy recovery ventilation systems. Customers must contact those utilities directly for availability.


*For more information about home energy ratings, visit RESNET.