Weatherization program keeps Champlain Valley citizens warm

January 25, 2012

Every year, government leaders in Vermont help needy families weatherize their homes. The effort pays off in multiple ways, as the more efficient houses conserve fuel, preserve the environment, save money on heating bills and even create work for the contractors who make the upgrades.

The effort reaches about 350 households each season in the state's Champlain Valley region, covering Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, according to the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO).

Low-income families who achieve better energy efficiency through the group's Champlain Valley Weatherization Service can reduce their energy bills and cover the costs with grants from state, national and utility resources. CVOEO covers the entire cost for qualified households, which earn less than about $45,000 for a family of four.

The programs begins with an energy audit, to set a baseline for energy use and identify the improvements that could provide the greatest savings.

Two of the most common changes are improved air-sealing and insulation, allowing the house to do a better job of holding its precious warmth inside while its heating equipment burns less fuel to create it. Additional changes include safety upgrades such as cleaning and tuning heating systems, by improving ventilation systems, and by installing carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors.