A pilot program encouraging homeowners in towns in the Ascutney area (Reading, Windsor, Weathersfield, and Cavendish) to invest in energy efficiency projects will kick off on January 28th at the Weathersfield School from 10 am to noon.

“Weatherize Upper Valley” will connect homeowners with community volunteers and certified weatherization contractors to provide free, professional home energy assessments, proposals, and quotes. It aims to double the number of home energy projects completed in the Upper Valley each year.

“Energy efficiency projects, focused on air sealing and insulation, are the best kept secret in home improvement,” said Dan Sullivan, member of the Cavendish Energy Committee and one of the volunteers. “The average cost for these projects in our region is $7,800, resulting in average energy savings of 26 percent annually. With generous rebates from Efficiency Vermont, plus the benefit of increased comfort, it’s an easy decision for many homeowners to make, if we can just help them take the first step.” If saving money through energy efficiency isn’t enough for you, how about the fact that a better insulated and air-sealed home is just plain more comfortable; warmer and in the winter and cooler in the summer.

At a kick-off meeting, interested residents can learn more about the Weatherize process and home energy efficiency, talk with neighbors who have completed energy efficiency projects, and meet the certified weatherization contractors. The initial meeting for Cavendish, Reading, Weathersfield and Windsor residents is January 28, from 10-11:30 a.m., at the Weathersfield School on Schoolhouse Road, off of Route 5 in Ascutney.

For more information, go to VitalCommunities.org/Weatherize, or call Becky Basch at 802-952-1030.