Let's start with the basics: What are heat pumps? Residential heat pumps, also called “mini-splits,” are composed of an exterior unit and typically wall mounted interior units. The two or more units are connected by small refrigerant pipes. Heat pumps use electricity to move air to cool and heat your...
11 Tips for Keeping your Home Cool without Air Conditioning
Keeping your Home Cool in the Hot Heat The other day the thermostat in our office hit 80 degrees. After the snowstorm in early April, this was a complete shock to our systems – we all felt like we were dying. Our office is equipped with cold-climate heat pumps, but...
17 Available Cash Incentives for Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Vermont
1. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR: Up to $2,000 custom incentive This incentive covers insulation, air sealing, and heating and ventilation systems improvements. So, how do you know what work to do? Get a HEAT Squad Energy Audit, and we'll walk you through the rest. Our BPI-Certified Energy Auditor will...
“Who Left the Window Open?” A Love Letter to Our 100-Year Old Vermont Home
How our energy audit from HEAT Squad revealed a three square foot hole, and showed us that finishing the project will pay for itself 8 times over while saving us money and making our home more comfortable. “This is the house we have to buy.” It was June, 2006 and...
Cold Climate Heat Pumps: The Right Choice for Your Home?
If you’re interested in lowering your heating bills and living more comfortably year-round, you may have considered changing your heating source. What about cold climate heat pumps? Is one right for your home? When you live in a cold climate zone like Vermont, staying comfortable during winter without spending a...
Aging in Place: Ideas and Insight for Safety and Comfort
Aging in Place is becoming more desirable and more possible. Aging in Place - Boomers, this one’s for you! With the baby boomer generation reaching retirement and beyond, aging in place is becoming more popular among seniors. It simply means staying in your own home or living space rather than moving...
Save on Heating Bills this Winter!
“It’s a no brainer if you want to cut your fuel bills.” - HEAT Squad customers Adam and Dalite Adam and Dalite were looking for way save on heating bills and keep their home warmer in winter, especially for their young son, Ari. They installed a pellet stove but it...
Weekend Energy Efficiency Projects – Low Cost and Totally DIY
The arrival of a Vermont winter means working hard to keep out the cold. As a longtime resident of Vermont, I have heard numerous stories from friends and co-workers about how they try to stay warm without spending a lot on heating fuel. Ideas range from toughing it out (we...