Efficiency Vermont offers rebates, contractor connections to ‘Button Up’ for winter
October 6, 2026 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Cooler weather is coming as Vermont faces soaring heating fuel prices this winter, and a statewide coalition of energy partners reminds Vermonters to “Button Up” their homes to save energy and money this winter.
The annual campaign sponsored by Efficiency Vermont, the state’s energy efficiency utility, offers weatherization rebates, energy-saving tips, and connections with professional contractors.
“At a time when we continue to see the cost of heating fuel increase, we need to do everything we can to help Vermonters,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “Button Up Vermont offers resources, information, and rebates that can help homeowners button up their homes so they can save money and use less energy.”
Button Up launched on Oct. 1 with a slate of informative webinars and events this month. Homeowners already noticing drafts or cold rooms, or looking to reduce their heating bills, can contact an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor to learn how insulation, air sealing, and other weatherization improvements can keep their homes warmer and their monthly costs lower. Rebates are available to help make these improvements more affordable.
With winter around the corner, contractor schedules can fill up quickly, so those considering projects should plan soon. Those looking to do their own work can get $100 cash back for DIY weatherization projects, such as adding weatherstripping to doors or air sealing small leaks.
With nearly 70% of Vermont households heating with fossil fuels, many homeowners face rising fuel prices ahead of winter. Based on current fuel prices, the average expected savings for a home heating with oil is more than $380 a year after completing comprehensive weatherization steps. For homes heating with propane, the average expected savings is more than $350 a year.
Professional weatherization can also reduce drafts, improve indoor air quality, address moisture or ventilation issues, and help a home’s heating system operate more efficiently. Overall, improvements can make homes more comfortable during Vermont’s cold winters.
“With heating fuel prices near historic highs this winter, buttoning up with weatherization is one of the best ways to keep your home warm while lowering your heating bills,” said Peter Walke, Efficiency Vermont’s managing director. “Whether you’re starting with a low-cost DIY project or choosing professional weatherization, rebates can help make these improvements more affordable. Now’s the time to get your project started.”
Efficiency Vermont’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR weatherization rebate offers 75% cash back on professional weatherization, up to $7,000. Customers of Vermont Gas Services can access similar rebates, with low-income VGS customers eligible for coverage of 90% of a weatherization project, up to $9,500. Both Efficiency Vermont and VGS work with Vermont lenders to offer no-interest or low-interest financing for weatherization and related home energy improvements.
Rental property owners can also get up to $7,000 per unit in weatherization rebates, improving comfort and affordability for tenants.
Statewide, Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Programs offer free weatherization services for income-eligible households.
Button Up is offering several free webinars this month:
Oct. 7, noon-1 p.m.: Home Weatherization Made Simple
Oct. 14, noon-1 p.m.: How to Get the Most out of Your Heat Pump
Oct. 21, noon-1 p.m.: Small Fixes, Big Impact: Energy Saving Tips
View all Button Up webinars and events online at buttonupvermont.org/events.
The Button Up Vermont website also has more information on rebates, financing options, and licensed and insured contractors in the 650-member Efficiency Excellence Network. Contractors providing professional energy efficiency services are located in all 14 Vermont counties and in nearby locations in New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. In addition to handling upgrades to save energy and money, contractors are trained to consider important health and safety measures that can be part of a Button Up project as well. Check the contractor list online here.