Efficiency Vermont continues its statewide “Open Homes” program

November 2011 – Post Mills, VT – Efficiency Vermont continues its statewide “Open Homes” program on Saturday, November 19 when it co-hosts events at 139 VT Route 244 in Post Mills and 1849 Gove Hill Road in Thetford Center. The open homes, co-hosted by the Sustainable Energy Resource Group (SERG) and Thetford Home Energy Action Team (HEAT), are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and are free and open to the public. 

Both homeowners took advantage of Efficiency Vermont’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® service. Homeowners can save up to 30 percent on energy bills, and receive up to $2,500 in incentives when they complete energy efficiency improvements through a participating Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor. 

Drafty and hard to keep warm, the circa 1840s Cape in Post Mills owned by Brent and Aimee Toth is a great example of how Vermonters can save energy and money while increasing comfort, even in older homes. The Toths hired a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor, Brent Mellen of Building Energy, who air sealed and insulated the attic, reducing air leakage by 22 percent. Last year, the Toths saved about $1,072 on fuel bills alone. 

“Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® was easy and worthwhile to take advantage of, and we found some relatively inexpensive improvements that made a big difference,” said homeowner Brent Toth. “Our wood stove now heats the space of the entire house, something we couldn’t do before the project.” 

In Thetford Center, Rick and Jody Biddle utilized Efficiency Vermont’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Do-It-Yourself (DIY) service to make their home more energy efficient and comfortable. Working under the guidance of a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor, Rick significantly reduced air and is now enjoying lower fuel bills. 

“SERG is here to help homeowners use less energy and save money while protecting the environment, so we’re incredibly grateful to the Toths and the Biddles for opening their homes to share these inspiring projects with the community,” said Bob Walker, executive director and board president of the Sustainable Energy Resource Group, which is based in Thetford Center. 

Representatives from Efficiency Vermont, Thetford HEAT, SERG and Building Energy will lead tours of the Toth home in Post Mills. They will answer questions and provide expertise and information about home energy audits, home energy improvements, financial incentives, and efficient products. Activities include a video presentation, interactive displays, and a raffle (no fee to enter) to win a free home energy audit. There will be refreshments and activities for kids led by a children’s coordinator.  

Participants are strongly encouraged to visit the Toth home in Post Mills first before going to the Biddle home. Tours of the Biddle home in Thetford Center are self-guided. 

To learn more about what to expect from a home energy audit and the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, please visit www.efficiencyvermont.com/homeperformance. Visitors to the site can watch a short video, find a local certified contractor and identify potential incentives. 

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. Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) operates Efficiency Vermont under an appointment by 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 visitwww.efficiencyvermont.com. 

SERG, a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2002, helps Vermont and New Hampshire homeowners and towns use less energy, save money and protect the environment through education, outreach and community organizing. SERG helps form, consult with and offers support to town energy committees and educates homeowners throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.