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October 16, 2024 Stephen Dotson 4.5 Min Read

Button Up! Weatherize! And Dress Your Windows!

Every year, around October, Vermonters of all stripes start packing the summer away for fall, and prepare for the eventual return of stick season. One of the most significant ways that people can improve their comfort during the cold months is to properly dress your house for the winter. As the saying goes, there’s no bad weather, just bad clothes. Unfortunately, much of the housing stock in Vermont is old, under-insulated, and not built for efficiency. Many folks may even need electrical service upgrades to be able to install a heat pump or add solar to their homes.

Fortunately, there are numerous programs to support residents of Brattleboro (and Vermont) in the work of improving the energy performance of Vermont homes for the winter.

Two people assembling a window frame as they volunteer with the organization Windowdressers.One local effort that is running for the fourth year in a row, is the WindowDressers program. WindowDressers, a Maine nonprofit that produces low-cost insulating window inserts, is now collaborating with HatchSpace, Brattleboro's community woodworking cooperative.

WindowDressers has developed a system using volunteers for assembling custom-made window inserts in communities throughout New England. One volunteer commented, “I took pride in seeing the stack of “to do” frames rapidly become finished window inserts. It felt great to know that this effort would keep dozens of my neighbor’s homes warmer this winter, and conserve a great deal of energy as well. Speaking of neighbors, volunteering with WindowDressers was a great way to meet a few of them. Near the end of our morning shift, a delicious lunch was served and we spent a little time chatting and getting to know one another.”

The inserts are built of attractive pine frames and wrapped drum-tight with a durable plastic film to create clear views through an insulating air space. Precise window measuring and foam weather stripping around the outer edges of the insert stop drafts.

Pricing is based on size. A medium-sized 30 x 52 insert typically costs $50, however WindowDressers offers low-income households up to 10 inserts at no charge. These inserts are far cheaper than new windows, are reusable, decrease drafts, and lower energy usage. In the last 3 years of the program, this effort has produced the following results:

  • 2021: 10 homes served, 71 inserts built
  • 2022: 9 homes served, 92 inserts built
  • 2023: 19 homes served, 132 inserts built

Now, Brattleboro’s own HatchSpace is redesigning some of the parts (or jigs) used to assemble the windows, by utilizing computer design and fabrication tools. This will make manufacturing of the actual windows easier and more cost effective. Eventually, Hatchspace is hoping to make numerous new jigs available to more communities. This will also allow the WindowDressers program to expand their reach. This collaboration was initiated by the Brattleboro Energy Committee working with the Guilford Energy Committee.

Interested volunteers/participants should sign up on their website or call Nancy Detra of the Guilford Energy Committee at 802-779-1006. The program welcomes volunteers to lend some extra hands. Sunrise Rotary volunteers and other community members have helped build a great product and had fun doing it. The inserts will be assembled at a local Community Build, held at the Winston-Prouty campus (formerly the Austine School) from November 10-14.

In addition to local efforts with WindowDressers, there are statewide campaigns and programs that annually provide support to all Vermonters in tightening up their homes for the winter. Button Up Vermont is perhaps the most well-known of these efforts. From low- and no-cost efficiency tips to comprehensive projects designed to reduce heating bills, it’s a great way to save money and stay comfortable all winter long. Visit their website to get started on your own buttoning up, with weekly weatherization webinars through October, live events and virtual home energy visits designed to inform you on what’s available to help you get cozy – for less money this winter!

Speaking of weatherizing your home, Efficiency Vermont incentives for comprehensive weatherization projects cover up to 75% of the cost of a project, up to $4,000 or $9,500, depending on your household income! If you’ve considered weatherizing in the past, but there’s been a home repair blocking you, Efficiency Vermont’s new Home Repair with Weatherization program is designed to provide you with support to reduce – or eliminate – the cost of a home repair that’s part of a comprehensive weatherization project.

In some cases, no cost comprehensive weatherization may be available to you through state partners. Call Efficiency Vermont today at 888-591-5990 to see what offers are available to you!

Additional support for weatherization is provided by the state-wide network of community action agencies. SEVCA or the Southeastern Vermont Community Action agency is our local organization dedicated to making homes safer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient through their Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). WAP is designed to help households reduce heating costs and energy consumption, offering free services to homeowners who meet the program's income guidelines. Their goal is to help address unsafe, unhealthy, and substandard conditions in homes, leading to improved health and well-being. You can call SEVCA's Weatherization Assistance Program at 800-464-9951, extension 1308, to request information or to apply for the program.

Be sure to explore all these opportunities to help your family stay warm this winter and lower your heating bill.
 

Read other articles about Brattleboro's sustainability efforts here or visit the sustainability page