Elizabeth Bassett and John PaneÂ
“Keeping a leaky old Vermont house warm without burning money is difficult.”
Elizabeth Bassett and John Pane live in a 200 year-old Vermont farmhouse, with a solar electric system on their south-facing barn roof. Keeping a leaky old Vermont house warm without burning money is difficult. So, in 2011, the Energy Co-op replaced their old boiler with a new super-efficient Weil McLain unit. In July 2013, the Energy Co-op recommended a complete energy audit for their home. In September, they sealed air leaks, added cellulose insulation, and repaired a section of roof. In the “new,” 1980’s section, they added 24 inches of cellulose in the attic. The basement got air sealing and rigid foam insulation around the rim joists.
It’s a bit soon to see the full impact of these improvements. But Elizabeth and John say that their home is much warmer and more comfortable this winter – and they expect the extra insulation will keep them cool and comfortable in the summer.
