Since retiring, a certain Addison County homeowner started to notice some pressing issues, including high energy bills, draftiness, and humidity in the bedroom and basement, despite existing weatherization efforts and the installation of a heat pump. They asked a helper from the Addison County Climate Economy Action Center’s Energy Navigator program to visit.

The visit revealed some of the key places where more could be done, including a vapor barrier in the basement and improved air sealing and insulation in the basement and around the entirety of the home. There were also some easy behavioral shifts that would make a difference.

The Energy Navigator identified financial assistance programs that the client was eligible for, based on their income falling under 80% of Vermont median income.

Following the visit, CEAC provided a detailed report of goals and recommendations to help the client move forward in home electrification and improvement projects.

Since the visit, the client has received proposals regarding electric panel upgrades and weatherization work. These come with high price tags. After completing an initial review, the Energy Navigator team recommended approximately $49,500 worth of work to be done in the client’s home. With help from Efficiency Vermont, Green Mountain Power, and Inflation Reduction Act rebates and incentives and tax credits, the client’s out-of-pocket cost could amount to as little as $4,500!

Navigating these programs can still pose challenges even when money is available, so the Energy Navigators will continue to stay in touch with the client to help them access these funds while addressing their home energy upgrades.

Editor’s note: This story was provided by the Addison County Climate Economy Action Center.