Energy-Efficient Renovations in Vermont
Remember, get an energy audit before you decide to make any efficiency improvements to your home. A good energy audit provides you with a full picture of your home's performance and will help you make smart decisions.
To be really useful, your energy audit should contain the following information:
- Home performance measurements: annual thermal and electrical energy use, air changes per hour (blower door test), efficiency test for your heating equipment, insulation levels, etc.
- List of problems: drafts, moisture, air leaks, missing insulation, rotting wood, and so on.
- Recommended improvements: to include estimated energy savings and cost for each.
- Schedule: to match the renovations to your budget and your personal preferences.
- Financing: monthly payment estimates from local credit unions or banks.
With this information in hand, it's time to select your contractor. Often your energy auditor will also offer this service. However, because home renovations can be expensive, we recommend that you get at least two bids for the work. The best place to start your search for contractors is with Efficiency Vermont's list of certified Home Performance with Energy Star contractors. All of these contractors are certified by the Building Performance Institute. Select a contractor from this list to help ensure that you get a good return on your investment - a comfortable, safe and durable home with good indoor air quality and lower energy bills.
If you're a member of the Energy Co-op of Vermont, we may be able to help. Contact Wayne Thompson, our service and efficiency program manager, at (802) 860 4090 or wayneREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@ecvt.net. He has completed hundreds of energy audits and worked with many contractors in northern Vermont.