Actor Rusty Dewees takes on a new role this morning–encouraging Vermonters to attend a free Button Up Vermont workshop to learn more about reducing their home energy use. “Keeping the warm air in and the cold air out makes a huge difference in savings and comfort,” Dewees says, “but few of us take the time to do much about our drafty homes. Going to one of these Button Up workshops is a good first step.” Dewees will be featured on radio and TV announcements as well as community flyers.
Button Up Vermont, in partnership with local community groups and businesses, is offering these two-hour sessions throughout the state. They are designed to teach residents about the fundamentals of how homes lose heat, simple do-it-yourself improvements, significant saving opportunities, and available technical and financial resources to get started. As an added incentive, all attendees will receive $150 rebate coupons from Efficiency Vermont that can reduce the cost of a Home Performance with Energy Star audit.
Mary Brust, whose small Burlington home dates from the 1860s, already knows her investment in efficiency was worthwhile. “After a home energy audit last year”, she explains, “I realized my heating dollars were flying out the roof. The audit showed the most effective improvements to make in the attic and basement, and I purchased a new highly efficient furnace. My heating bills dropped by more than half and the cold drafts are gone.”
“Fuel prices may be down from a year ago, but many Vermonters can still save a bundle of money by keeping their heat where it belongs – in the house!” explains Button Up Coordinator Paul Markowitz. “Many of those who attended last year are already enjoying more comfortable winter nights.” Research shows most Vermont homes can save at least 20% of their heating bill through investments in energy improvements, and these investments will yield an average of 10% or greater return. “So many of Vermont’s buildings just aren’t very tight,” adds Central Vermont Community Action Executive Director Hal Cohen. “These workshops will show Vermonters just how costly those invisible leaks are, and how much can be saved through weatherization, conservation, and efficiency.”
For an up to date Button Up Vermont schedule, visit www.efficiencyvermont.com or call 888-921-5990. To find out more about how to host a workshop, please contact Diana Peduzzi, at [email protected] (802 279-1708).
The Central Vermont Community Action Council is organizing these workshops, in partnership with Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network and with funding from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
