Efficiency Vermont is working to help all Vermonters affected by Irene. As Vermonters think about repairing or rebuilding their homes, Efficiency Vermont can provide advice on replacing damaged insulation and on how to address health and safety issues. In addition, Efficiency Vermont will have financial assistance available for heating and hot water systems, replacing insulation, air sealing, and finding a contractor as well as rebates on ENERGY STAR® dehumidifiers, refrigerators and clothes washers.
‘Countless Vermonters have seen their homes and businesses damaged or destroyed, and their appliances ruined,’ said Efficiency Vermont Director Jim Merriam. ‘Efficiency Vermont can provide technical and financial assistance to help Vermonters start to recover from this devastation. We are working closely with state agencies to ensure a coordinated response so that as Vermonters rebuild, they get the help they need, regardless of the source.’
The information below will be supplemented in the coming days with additional details about how Efficiency Vermont can help Vermont homes and businesses recover.
Special Weekend/Holiday Hours to Reach Efficiency Vermont
In addition to its regular business hours, Efficiency Vermont technical staff will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend at 888-921-5990 to provide technical assistance and to answer your questions. Efficiency Vermont is expecting high call volume, so if callers don’t reach someone immediately, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Vermonters impacted by Irene can also visit www.efficiencyvermont.com/irene any time for more information.
Health and Safety
As repairs are being made to homes affected by Irene, it is important to consider mold, mildew, indoor air quality and carbon monoxide. For more information on these health and safety issues and how to prevent them, please call Efficiency Vermont at888-921-5990.
Reinsulating Walls and Air Sealing
For Vermonters who need to reinsulate their homes or don’t know what steps to take next, Efficiency Vermont can provide technical advice and will be providing financial assistance. Call Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 to get started.
Finding a Contractor
For help finding a contractor, Efficiency Vermont supports a network of highly-trained contractors certified by the Building Performance Institute. Call Efficiency Vermont at888-921-5990 for help finding a contractor in your area, or visit www.efficiencyvermont.com/homepeformance and click on the ‘Find a Contractor’ tab.
Heating and Hot Water Equipment
For heating and hot water equipment assessment and repair, the best place to start is by calling your fuel dealer for assistance.
Efficiency Vermont is working with the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association to determine the best way to help support those affected by Irene with technical and financial assistance.
ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebates
Clothes Washers and Refrigerators:
Efficiency Vermont currently offers a $50 mail-in rebate on select ENERGY STAR® clothes washers and refrigerators. You can also combine this rebate with a $50 instant in-store rebate funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ─ for a total rebate of $100.
Dehumidifiers:
Efficiency Vermont also currently offers a $25 mail-in rebate on ENERGY STAR® qualified dehumidifiers.
Efficiency Vermont was created by the Vermont Legislature and the Vermont Public Service Board to help all Vermonters reduce energy costs, strengthen the economy, and protect Vermont's environment. Efficiency Vermont is currently operated by Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), an independent organization under appointment to the Vermont Public Service Board. VEIC is a Vermont-based nonprofit organization founded in 1986. For more information, contact Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 or visit
Efficiency Vermont offers assistance for Irene recovery
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on