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Weatherize Hanover
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Weatherize Hanover is an initiative of Sustainable Hanover to help residents save money, stay warm, and reduce their energy usage by weatherizing their homes. Launched in November 2019, Weatherize Hanover is also a key component in the Town’s campaign to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2030, followed by 100% renewable transportation, heating, and cooling by 2050. Improved energy efficiency, achievable through weatherization, is crucial to achieving these goals.
- What does it mean to weatherize my home?
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Weatherizing your home involves making physical home improvements-such as insulation and air sealing-to reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and resolve issues such as ice dams, moisture, mold, cold spots and drafts. Improvements often focus on basement and attic areas.
- What should I do first?
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Your first step is to identify and hire a specialized contractor who will perform an energy audit to assess your home’s current energy efficiency and identify the best energy-saving opportunities for your home and budget. You may do this on your own or go through the NHSaves rebate process. Energy audits through NHSaves cost $100. When you hire a contractor on your own, the cost is determined by the contractor. and will vary.
- How much will my whole project cost?
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Every home is different. Costs typically range from under $5,000 to over $12,000, with average energy savings of 20 to 25%. Alternatively, you might try some "do-it-yourself" energy efficiency improvements or invest in a deep energy retrofit to reduce energy use by 50% or more.
Rebates up to $4,000 (eligibility based on fuel use per square foot) are available from NHSaves on a first-come-first-serve basis. If interested, apply immediately. Weatherize Hanover and our associated contractors are available to all homeowners whether they participate in the rebate program or not.
Your Weatherize Hanover Step-by-Step Guide
The following resources were specially developed by Vital Communities for our Weatherize Hanover program. If you have questions, email Vital Communities.
Scheduling Your Energy Audit
- NHSaves Rebate Guide (PDF)
- List of Weatherize Hanover Contractors (PDF)
- Tips for Selecting a Contractor (Including Questions to Ask) (PDF)
- What to Expect During Your Energy Audit (PDF)
Reviewing Your Audit Report & Making a Decision
- Financing Options
- Do-It-Yourself Options
- What to Expect From Your Audit Report (PDF)
- Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract (PDF)
Who to Contact if You Have Questions
- Your contractor is the best resource for questions about your home or your weatherize work scope.
- Deanna Bennett, 603-369-4834, is on the team that receives and accepts NHSaves rebate applications for Liberty Utilities customers. Deanna can answer questions about your NHSaves application, confirm your status on the rebate waitlist and handle any problems you may have with your NHSaves contractor.
- Sarah Brock, 802-291-9100, ext. 109, is Energy Team Leader at Vital Communities and has helped dozens of homeowners navigate their weatherization projects. She can answer any of your general questions.
- The Weatherize Hanover volunteer team is happy to help in any way we can, including connecting you with neighbors who have already weatherized their homes.
Additional Resources
You will find other related resources at Vital Communities including:
- Do-it-yourself tips
- Programs for low-income residents
- Programs for renters, landlords, small businesses, and nonprofits
- Programs for energy-efficient heating systems, water heaters, solar energy, and new construction
- Case studies from homes weatherized in the Upper Valley
Find information about other rebate programs from NHSaves
Weatherize Hanover is brought to you by Sustainable Hanover, with help from Vital Communities and NHSaves.