MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury is one of more than 50 towns across the state that have signed up to be “Button Up Vermont” community partners and this year’s Button Up workshop, co-sponsored by the Town of Middlebury Energy Committee and the Congregational Church of Middlebury’s Green Team. The workshop will be held in the Congregation Church’s Unity Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m.
As fall moves toward winter, the workshop will be a great opportunity learn how to prepare homes for the cold weather right around the corner. Weatherization efforts save money and keep homes comfortable, all while using less heating fuel. According to Efficiency Vermont, the fossil fuels burned to keep homes and buildings warm are the second highest source of carbon emissions in Vermont, close behind transportation.
At the workshop, which will be led by Dave Keefe, Energy Consultant at Efficiency Vermont, participants will not only learn about weatherization strategies and best practices, but also about all of the available programs and incentives that can assist them with their project.
Sixty percent of Vermont families who qualify as moderate income are eligible for a rebate of 50 percent of the cost of comprehensive air sealing and insulation project (up to $4,000). Higher income families can get rebates up to $2,000. Low percent (as low as 0 percent for five years) financing is also available to qualifying families.
At the workshop attendees can sign up for a limited number of free home energy visits offered by Efficiency Vermont, connect with homeowners who have already completed projects and who are willing to host you on a home tour, meet area contractors and try their luck on a Prize Wheel to win weatherization supplies.
More information is available at buttonupvermont.org.