Fa l l
Home Improvement
Inside: Gamache looks to deliver savings as head of Efficiency Vemont. Page 6C
October 1, 2015
Family works to earn a Habitat for Humanity home. Page 5C
A couple builds a home to suit the environment in Lincoln. Page 3C
• A special publication of the Addison Independent
PAGE 2C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015
Jackman’s, Inc. 32 Pine Street • Bristol, VT 05443 For information on all your energy needs, please call us at: 802-453-2381 or www.JackmansInc.com
Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015 — PAGE 3C
New home in the hills fits nicely into the Vt. landscape Filmmaker returns to his roots but introduces new forms By CHRISTY LYNN LINCOLN — Vermont’s bucolic landscape is one of the most treasured qualities by residents as well as visitors who adore the quiet and gentle beauty of the Green Mountains and respite from the commercial hustlebustle of more urban environments. Within this scene one may picture the agrarian homestead — a large farmhouse and a barn, each servicing the fields, animals and gardens within. While it’s been a quiet and slow transition, this built landscape in Vermont is diversifying. With an ever-widening array of residents (permanent and temporary) has come an equally varied set of “We wanted to follow needs and architectural a more modern olutions. European or urban sCertainly there style, but use the are successful natural surroundings farmers still working the here to direct the land and caring specific design. for animals; Needless to say, it but emerging industries are can be challenging attracting new to find builders that people as well. Ideas of understand what residential we’re talking about.” landscapes are — Brigitte Wehner modernizing along with these residents. Exposure to a variety of worldly trends is challenging the uniformity of all places — not just Vermont — and opening a breadth of options. Bjorn Jackson grew up in Middlebury, the son of the wellknown family of artists. After high school he headed to Hampshire College, where he studied film, which led him to pursue a career in film production. Jackson works as a freelance digital imaging technician based in Brooklyn, N.Y., and his job takes him all over the world. Despite this seemingly glamorous lifestyle, he thinks often of home in
Bjorn Jackson and Brigitte Wehner are proud owners of their new home in Lincoln. While they live in Brooklyn, N.Y., both Jackson and Wehner have spent a lot of their free time in Vermont, cutting lumber, swinging hammers and making decisions throughout the design and construction process.
Vermont. In early 2014, Jackson and his partner Brigitte Wehner decided to pursue the dream of a home in the Green Mountains. With cousins already settled in Lincoln and a love for the steep hillsides and cozy valleys, Jackson and Wehner set their search for a homesite with fairly narrow parameters. It wasn’t long before they found a quiet plot on York Hill with easterly views to Mount Abraham. Wehner grew up in Germany, where she was surrounded by the
classic European aesthetic that she calls “modern rustic.” Clean, undecorated lines and raw material finishes are characteristic of many buildings across Europe; this provided inspiration for Wehner and Jackson’s Lincoln home. Energy performance standards are extremely rigorous in much of Europe, but Germany is one of the countries most deeply committed to reducing both material waste and performance inefficiencies. Similarly, Wehner was interested
in using high-quality materials and energy-efficient building technologies in their design. Birdseye Builders of Richmond was contracted for the building design. For construction and assistance with the daily decisions throughout the building process, the couple partnered with Jackson’s cousin Josiah Jackson of Bristol, who runs Ironwood Building and Design along with his wife, Bay. “We’re so lucky to have Joe working on this project,” Bjorn
Jackson said. “As family and as a close friend we know we can trust him to make choices in our best interest and ensure that our vision is carried through even when we’re not in town.” What Jackson and Wehner are going for isn’t the classic white farmhouse with the gable roof and painted shutters. “In Vermont so many people are still building traditional houses with antiquated forms,” Wehner said. “Instead, we wanted to follow a more
modern European or urban style, but use the natural surroundings here to direct the specific design. Needless to say, it can be challenging to find builders that understand what we’re talking about.” The approach to the house is dramatic, following a steep dirt road uphill from Lincoln village. The driveway leads through a thickly forested stretch before opening up to a small pond to the west of the house and a fairly large clearing with (See Lincoln home, Page 8C)
Jackson and Wehner’s home features wide walls of windows and tall ceilings, helping to bring in light and accentuating the stunning views of Mount Abraham to the east.
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PAGE 4C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015
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House ownership becomes a reality caused by structural problems to a current home, poor heating and insulation, leaks in the roof or foundation, or severe overcrowding By CHRISTY LYNN in the space. Unsafe or unsanitary MIDDLEBURY — Three years space would also demonstrate a need ago, Hilary Hulst and Dwayne for new housing. Vukoder never thought they would Second, applicants must be able qualify for a loan that could help to prove that they have lived or them buy a home. worked in Addison County for at Their credit was terrible, they had least one year prior to submitting two young children to support and the application. Most Habitat they didn’t have much for a down for Humanity homeowners sign payment. a 30-year lease on their home, Thankfully for them, Vukoder’s which means that applicants must foster mom, Donna Bailey, suggested demonstrate a strong commitment to they look into the qualifications for the place where their home will be. home ownership through Habitat for Third, Habitat for Humanity sets Humanity. Bailey is one of the co- specific income requirements — directors at the Parent-Child Center both a minimum and a maximum in Middlebury and was family income — familiar with the program. which applicants must “We looked into it a “We just really meet. It is expected that little and kicked around believed that there homeowners will be able the idea for a few months,” to meet monthly mortgage said Hulst. “We just really had to be a better payments through believed that there had way to live than stable employment and to be a better way to live throwing almost your an ability to manage than throwing almost your money responsibly. As is whole paycheck to rent whole paycheck to common for most banks and utilities every month.” rent and utilities and mortgage lenders Finally, Hulst and every month.” prior to approving a loan, Vukoder decided to give — Hilary Hulst employment and income it a shot. They completed verifications, credit the application and checks and statements submitted it to the local Habitat for from previous landlords may all be Humanity chapter. necessary. “For several weeks we didn’t hear Finally, Habitat for Humanity anything back,” Hulst remembers, wants to ensure that each applicant “and then one day I got a call from is willing to partner. Partnership them, inviting us in for an interview.” is fundamental for the success of Within a year, Hulst and Vukoder, Habitat, as each building project along with their two children, Bella relies on the collaborative effort of and Christopher, and their two pug many volunteers working alongside dogs had moved into their very own the homeowner partners and Habitat home. staff (along with financial donors of Habitat for Humanity’s global course). mission is to help build stronger Applicants must therefore be families and stronger communities willing to attend homeowner by building affordable, healthy places workshops, meet with Habitat for people to call home. Whether representatives and physically help project sites are in Vermont or Zaire, in the construction or preparation of the organization’s unilateral focus their home. The general benchmark across the world is to help families is that each adult member of the in need. household should plan to dedicate at ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS least 200 hours of sweat equity in the There are four eligibility construction or rehabilitation of their requirements that all applicants home prior to moving in. seeking housing through Habitat for For Hulst and Vukoder, these Humanity must meet in order to be criteria were easy to meet. considered for partnership. While they wouldn’t necessarily First, the family must demonstrate a have considered themselves need for better housing. Substandard impoverished and both had steady or inadequate housing could be work, they were turning over a huge
Habitat for Humanity sets the stage by teaching good habits
Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015 — PAGE 5C
percentage of their monthly earnings to rent in an apartment with such poor insulation that they found themselves paying over $1,000 each month in heating alone throughout the winter. “There was just no getting ahead,” Vukoder recalls. With a commitment to living in the area, two good jobs, family around them and eager dedication to owning a home of their own, Hulst and Vukoder made a perfect match for Habitat. Dee Hodges, a member of the Habitat for Humanity of Addison County board, became the family partner working with Hulst and Vukoder. “We met once each month and I helped them understand what the financial responsibilities would be and how they could meet them,” Hodges said. The couple were enrolled in a home maintenance class through Homeshare Vermont as well as the “Earn it, Keep it, Grow it” financial management course offered through the United Way of Addison County. “We learned how to keep the home most efficient and that it’s important to keep a nest egg for when unexpected things happen,” Hulst recalled. Throughout the process, Hilary Hulst and Dwayne Vukoder were able to purchase their first home Hodges helped make sure the couple with the assistance of Habitat for Humanity’s local chapter. The couple stayed on task and was able to help doubted they would be eligible for the program, but are now living in their very answer any questions that came up. own three-bedroom home in Middlebury. “We set a financial plan and talked about how to stick with it, manage the work for it and you earn it.” love that’s gone into each inch. While debt and keep optimistic,” Hodges Hulst says she can understand that their home was a bit unusual in that it said. “It was a wonderful experience homeownership isn’t for everyone was actually already constructed and for me as I was able to watch this but is surprised to hear from Hodges not built from scratch, they still put good family find their way.” that the local Habitat for Humanity in plenty of time fixing it up, sanding The complete process, from chapter has a hard time finding and painting and refinishing many of submitting the application to moving qualified applicants: “It’s a huge the details. (They also were able to into their home, took about a year. commitment, but Habitat makes achieve many of their sweat equity Hulst and Vukoder it possible for people labor hours working on another have now lived in their to be homeowners that Habitat project that was being “The truth is that home on Weybridge never would have had the constructed in Cornwall.) Street in Middlebury for there is no catch. chance.” Paintings hang carefully on the almost two years and are You work for it and “Luckily we found out walls and the kids lounge comfortably paying roughly $600 per about Habitat right as we on the couch, interjecting reasons month for their mortgage you earn it.” were ready to make it they also love their home (namely — Dwayne Vukoder to the next step and just the fun colors they were able to paint (zero-interest), taxes and insurance combined. didn’t know how to get their rooms and the fact that they’re ‘YOU WORK, YOU OWN IT’ there,” Hulst recalled. “But I would able to have dogs). “You might ask — as we did — tell anyone who’s curious — even “I really, truly love this place,” what’s the catch?” said Vukoder. if you doubt whether you would be Vukoder said, looking around. “It’s “When we were at the early phases eligible — reach out for information got a piece of my soul in it and it fills of research into this program we and talk to someone like Dee. There’s me with pride when I think about the thought there must be a trick that we nothing to lose, only homeownership work we’ve done to earn this roof didn’t see coming and would have to gain.” over our heads. I’ll tell you what — us bound to something forever. But Looking around the Hulst-Vukoder I love mowing my lawn. You know the truth is that there is no catch. You house, it’s clear that there’s a lot of why? Because it’s mine.”
Vt. giving new funding help to first-time homebuyers
BURLINGTON — Vermont Housing Finance Agency Executive Director Sarah Carpenter recently announced that Gov. Shumlin joined leaders from VHFA, the Vermont Legislature and the business community recently to launch a bold new effort to help the state’s first-time homebuyers. Each qualified buyer will receive up to $5,000 for down payment and closing costs. There is mounting evidence that the escalation of these costs in recent years, “Because our combined with other econom- typical customer is ic hardships buying their first lingering from home and is eight the recession, are preventing years younger than many young the average home Ve r m o n t ers from buy- buyer statewide, ing their first VHFA is a great home. vehicle for reaching The new program will those households provide first- struggling most to time homebuy- save for a home.” ers who use a — VHFA Executive VHFA mortDirector Sarah Carpenter gage with up to $5,000 that needs repayment only if the home is sold or refinanced. “Because our typical customer is buying their first home and is eight years younger than the average home buyer statewide, VHFA is a great vehicle for reaching those households struggling most to save for a home,” explained Carpenter. Nationally the recession reduced homeownership rates by 15 percent among young people (aged 35-44) — far more than among older age groups, according to the Census. “I was happy to sign this bill that supports our state’s workers and future leaders in their goal of achieving homeownership,” said Shumlin. “Vermont is a great place to live and work, and through this program with VHFA we are helping make that more affordable,” he (See VHFA, Page 12C)
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PAGE 6C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015
Liz Gamache takes helm at Efficiency Vt. New director aims to get people excited about energy efficiency Part of the job for the director of Efficiency Vermont is to recapture the organization’s claim to fame. “What we’ve discovered,” said Liz Gamache, who became director of the nationally acclaimed energysaving utility this past January, “is that the story of our history has been lost… (it’s the story of) keeping rates down, offsetting infrastructure costs, that efficiency delivers. So much of what we do today is taken for granted.” It is, she said, part of the price of success. But retelling that story — or finding ways to excite the public about new aspects of what the energy-efficiency utility does — is key to increasing public participation, as well as targeting specific geographies of the state and honing in on programs that continue to subsidize LED light bulbs and promote cold climate heat pumps. Gamache noted in a recent interview at the Addison Independent that 14 percent of the state’s energy savings comes from efficiency measures, and for every kilowatt hour of energy saved, that’s fewer dollars spent by ratepayers, staves off infrastructure investment and lowers the state’s carbon footprint. While energy efficiency is a wellknown concept in Vermont (which leads the nation in the use of LED street lights and per capita use of LED bulbs), Gamache notes that there is still ample room to grow in
LIZ GAMACHE terms of household participation and getting more businesses on board. Gamache took over the reins of the utility from Jim Merriam, who praised her for “a solid track record in the utility industry, a deep history of public service in her community, and an innate understanding of how to deliver exceptional service and value to Vermonters. I cannot think of a more gifted and qualified candidate to set the course for Efficiency Vermont as it helps Vermonters lower their energy costs and continues to raise the bar on Vermont’s national energy efficiency leadership.” Gamache comes to Efficiency Vermont from Vermont Electric Cooperative, where she served as
manager of corporate services starting in 2008. Since 2012, she has been twice elected to serve as mayor of the city of St. Albans, where she most recently led an unprecedented downtown revitalization effort that has transformed the Main Street district, filling vacant storefronts while attracting jobs and private investment. Gamache received a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Vermont, and has completed an Excellence in Executive Leadership certification from Champlain College. “I am looking forward to taking leadership of Efficiency Vermont’s work to deliver savings to Vermonters on their energy costs, and develop new opportunities that drive economic development in our state,” Gamache said at the time she assumed the new position. “This is an exciting time to be engaged on energy issues — and I intend to keep Vermont on the leading edge of the transformation that is taking place in our energy system, always with an eye on bringing real and measurable value to the ratepayers we serve.” As director of Efficiency Vermont, Gamache is responsible for executive management, leadership and oversight of Efficiency Vermont service delivery, strategic planning, marketing, policy, regulatory and public affairs activities. Efficiency, she noted, is less than half the cost of power purchased by electric utilities, and investments made in energy efficiency help prevent the need for ratepayers to make costly investments in building new power plants and transmission lines.
Building a home with energy savings in mind Editor’s note: For readers unfamiliar with the many programs run by Efficiency Vermont, what follows is a basic primer on building an energy-efficient house, and some answers to some common questions about energy efficiency in the home. When considering building a new home, one of the first steps owners should consider is partnering with Efficiency Vermont to receive its certified energy code designation. Why? Because you receive the fol-
lowing benefits at no cost: • Energy consultation: Access to a personal Energy Consultant, who will help you and your builder maximize the energy efficiency, comfort and durability of your new home. • Financial incentives: You’ll receive up to $2,000 when you meet qualifying energy efficiency criteria, and you could qualify for special financing terms. • Performance testing: Your house will be tested for airtightness,
air quality and system efficiency, as well as energy-efficiency design assistance through a building plan review prior to construction start. • Guidance on the purchase and installation of energy efficient equipment, lights and appliances. • Certification: At the end of the project, you’ll receive a certificate verifying that your home exceeds Energy Code compliance and is Efficiency Vermont Certified, a stamp that could add resale value to your home.
Q Home energy &A
Q: Which electric space heater is the most energy efficient? A. I wish I could give you a simple answer, but the truth is electric portable heaters are all pretty much the same, efficiency-wise, and none of them are energy efficient. Any claim of energy savings made on these heaters is based on the assumption that you’ll be turning off your central heating system, but it doesn’t sound like that’s what you’re looking for here (and it’s rarely a good idea, anyway). If you’ve seen ads for products like Amish heaters or infrared quartz space heaters, be wary of claims that seem too good to be true. Q: What furnace do you recommend as a replacement? A: The right heating system really depends on the house. To choose the one best for your home,
contact a Home Performance with Energy Star contractor. These pros can do a whole-house evaluation, and will let you know what type of furnace would be best. They’re not actually selling you a furnace, so you can depend on their unbiased advice. They will also determine steps you can take to lower your heating costs overall. That said, we do have a section of our website dedicated to home heating and the various systems Vermonters use. Q: What kind of insulation should I use to qualify for your incentive programs? A: I’m glad that you contacted us before doing the work, because our rebate programs require an initial home energy audit, performed by a certified Home Performance with Energy Star contractor.
The contractor will perform a series of diagnostic tests and identify areas for improvement in your house and can even project estimated savings. Together, the two of you can decide which projects make the most sense to tackle, based on your personal budget and comfort goals. Often times, insulation and air sealing are one of the top recommendations. Your contractor will have ideas for which types are best for your home. From there, most people have the contractor do the work for them. Another approach, and it sounds like this might be what you’re interested in, is to do the work yourself under the guidance of the certified contractor. Either approach is eligible for rebates from Efficiency Vermont — up (See Home energy, Page 7C)
Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015 — PAGE 7C
Home energy… (Continued from Page 6C) to $2,000 — and both will save energy and make you more comfortable in your home. The right choice for you just depends on your skill level and the amount of time you have.
I should mention that, if your refrigerator was manufactured before 1993, it’s using twice the energy of a new Energy Star qualified fridge. That’s like paying to run two fridges! If this is your situation, it makes sense to look into getting a new refrigerator.
Q: What are the best construction materials for home insulation? A: Great question. For wood-framed walls, I typically recommend an R value of 19 (the higher the R value, the better a material insulates). Cellulose does a better job of filling spaces, including irregular spaces. If you’re going to use fiberglass, it’s best if you use it in cavities that match the dimensions of the fiberglass batts. The best tip I can give you about insulation, though, isn’t about the materials. It’s about making sure that a thorough job of air sealing is done first and that the insulation is installed properly, along with a continuous air barrier. Good installation can mean the difference between a comfortable room and one with drafts/air leaks that cost you in higher heating bills. A proper job also won’t trap moisture and create an environment for mold and wood rot. The most effective and energy-saving approach is to hire a professional. For do-ityourselfers, I have a tip for you: Weatherization Skillshops are available to Vermonters who have the skills to do their own home improvements but who want more knowledge. At these workshops, given around the state, you can learn about air sealing, insulation, finding and fixing air leaks and more.
Q: I recently bought a house that turns out to have a damp basement. I’ve been talking to neighbors and they say that everybody on the block uses a basement dehumidifier around the clock. That sounds like high-energy situation to me, so I’m hoping this is something you address. Is there a dehumidifier that uses less energy? A: Yes. An Energy Star qualified dehumidifier uses 10-20 percent less energy than a standard model. To identify which models have earned the ENERGY STAR, visit EnergyStar.gov. You can find more information on moisture, dehumidifiers, and rebates for efficient models in our dehumidifier section. I want to emphasize that it’s worth trying to fix the cause of basement water problems. If you’re able to prevent water from entering, you’ll not only lower electricity costs by eliminating the need for a dehumidifier but you’ll also protect yourself and your house from problems that moisture can cause. Those problems can include wood rot, mold and mildew that can damage the house and items in it, and can create indoor air quality problems. Common sources of basement moisture are outdoor air or groundwater. The latter requires a pricier fix. I suggest that you get opinions from a few contractors so that you can determine the cause of the problem and get estimates on solutions. Meanwhile, it makes sense to take some simple steps to minimize basement moisture. For example, don’t dry green firewood inside. Be sure clothes dryers vent to the outdoors. If you air dry laundry, do it outdoors. Keep basement windows and doors closed in the summer because warmer air from outdoors and from living spaces will condense on cooler basement surfaces, increasing dampness.
Q: I’ve heard that a refrigerator is one of the biggest energy users in a home. Short of buying a new, high-efficiency fridge, are there ways of reducing that energy use ? A: There sure are. Keep it full to enable it to run more efficiently. If you’re not filling it to capacity with your food, put in jugs of cold water and keep ice in the freezer. Make sure products aren’t blocking the fan vents inside the fridge and freezer. Whenever possible, put in items that are at room temperature rather than, say, hot from the oven. Make sure that there is plenty of airspace between the back of the unit and the wall. Twice a year, vacuum dust from under your refrigerator, the front vent at the base, and any exposed coils at the back.
Q: How much energy can you save by drying your clothes on a clothesline instead of using an electric dryer? A: What a great question. I’d estimate a savings of about $10.20 per month or just (See Drying clothes, Page 11C)
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PAGE 8C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015
Lincoln home…
(Continued from Page 3C) hard to achieve on the ground with a linear, flat-roofed house perched furniture and all the other things that at the highest point. A solar array on clutter your space, so with a relatively the south side of the clearing was one small footprint the most efficient way of the first structures to be built on to get that is to go up.” site and had even at that point been Rough-cut lumber from the property reporting 30-40 kilowatt-hours per has been used for the framing material day. using double-stud wall The house is two stories construction techniques. tall with the first level “I like the way a High performance recessed under a wide, flat room feels when Beiber windows will canopy that gives the form there’s open space. help Jackson and Wehner depth and protects it from achieve the performance excessive sun exposure It’s hard to achieve standards they are looking despite the large windows on the ground with for as well as keep the on all four walls. Inside, inside consistent furniture and all the climate the floor plan is open throughout the seasonal and visually connected other things that changes. from one end to the other, clutter your space, so The finishes are allowing those inside to unadorned with no trim feel the connection to the with a relatively small around the windows and footprint the most outside landscape. very simple, contemporary The ceiling height on efficient way to get detailing. The floor is a the main floor is 10 feet, smooth, polished concrete which is at least a foot that is to go up.” with hydronic radiant — Brigitte Wehner floor heating throughout, taller than is standard in most residential spaces. keeping it warm even in “I’m tall and I notice the depths of winter. when the ceiling feels like it’s just Unique lift-and-slide doors from a couple of inches from my head. It the first floor may be one of the few makes me feel claustrophobic and nods to a barn-like feature in the encourages me to slouch,” Jackson house, only these doors are made of said. glass and the construction method Wehner agreed. with the lift and slide offers a much “I like the way a room feels when more thermally efficient option to the there’s open space,” she said. “It’s classic variety.
The contemporary horizontal lines of Jackson and Wehner’s home as well as the modern use of raw materials and minimal detailing throughout are distinct in the classic Vermont landscape. However, use of local materials, local tradespeople and the terrain to guide their design is nothing new.
While still unfinished, the exterior of the house will be clad using dark corrugated metal. The flat roofs are covered with a commercial membrane for now, but Jackson and Wehner dream of turning them into
accessible decks where they could enjoy a sunrise or relax on a warm summer evening. The aesthetic may not be for everyone. Certainly the stark lines and rawness are distinct from some
other more classical Vermont forms. But the principles behind Jackson and Wehner’s home are not unique. For hundreds of years in Vermont people have been referring to the landscape, materials and conditions around them
when designing both the form and the function of their homes. It’s the same practice, reinterpreted for changing times. Perhaps that’s OK.
Double-stud construction with excellent insulation value along with high-performance windows and radiant floor heating will help this home stay comfortable throughout the long Lincoln winters.
HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
Bring it to the A per-bulb nominal fee applies for more than 10 non-CFL bulbs.
The HazWaste Center is open to residents from any of the District’s 20 member towns. Most items are accepted free of charge. Not accepted: laboratory chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fireworks, flares, explosives, smoke detectors, ammunition, radioactive waste. NOTE: Businesses must pay for disposal and must call 388-2333 for an appointment time. HazWaste Center Hours of Operation: Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m. to noon and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1pm Closed major holidays.
DISTRICT TRANSFER STATION 1223 ROUTE 7 SOUTH, MIDDLEBURY District Transfer Station Regular Hours: M-F, 7am to 3pm & Sat 9am to 1pm Questions? Call us at 388-2333 or visit www.AddisonCountyRecycles.org
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Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015 — PAGE 9C
USDA has a program for helping finance critical home repairs on tight budgets This article was provided by Rural Housing Service Administrator Tony Hernandez and Vermont State Director Ted Brady. MONTPELIER — Some say the electric feeling of buying and moving into your own home never wears off. When you own the floors you’re standing on, the walls surrounding you and the roof over your head, you also own great satisfaction from the hard work that resulted in your home becoming yours. Yet, just as it was hard work to achieve the American dream of
The program provides very-low income rural homeowners (approximately $35,000 annually, with some exceptions) a 1-percent interest, fixed-rate loan of up to $20,000 for essential things like leaky roof repairs, improving accessibility, or even upgrades to heating and cooling systems to make a home more energy efficient. homeownership, being responsible for maintaining and, inevitably, repairing your own home can be just as much hard work. This can be
particularly difficult for a low-income family struggling to make ends meet. However, there are some home repairs that simply cannot wait, and USDA’s Home Repair Program is an affordable way to keep your home safe, accessible and energy efficient. The program provides verylow income rural homeowners (approximately $35,000 annually, with some exceptions) a 1-percent interest, fixed-rate loan of up to $20,000 for essential things like leaky roof repairs, improving accessibility, or even upgrades to heating and
Ten uses for all that leftover paint (Paint Quality Institute) — If you’re sitting on a stash of leftover latex paint, you have a gold mine when it comes to home decorating. With a little imagination and creative flair, you can use paint leftovers to give your home extra appeal, and have lots of fun in the process. Want to give it a go? Here are 10 great ideas. Try one, try all, or better yet, try something that’s yours alone. Regardless, you’ll be surprised at the way forgotten paint can infuse new life into your home interior. 1. Make kitchen items kitschy. It takes only a little leftover paint to impart canisters, coasters, or the handles of wooden spoons and spatulas with bright, fun color that can make cooking more joyful. 2. Colorize some flowerpots. In the same way, planters and flowerpots can be decorated with paint color — the more, the merrier. Paint them one solid color, or embellish them with pattern for more panache! 3. Dress up a dresser. Have an old dresser that’s tired-looking? Spice it up with paint. Use different colors on different parts for added visual interest. Do the same with an old stool, table, or cabinet. 4. Rejuvenate “junk” furniture. Check out your attic or your neighbors’ discards. You might find hidden treasure in the form of a unique piece just
pining for a fresh coat of paint. 5. Put a stamp on your walls. Add pizzazz to painted walls with a handcrafted patterned border. Fashion a “stamp” out of an old sponge in the pattern of your choice, then dip it in the leftover paint and dab new color onto the walls. Voila! Custom design. 6. Speak with an accent. Express your home’s individuality by adding accent color to a door, doorway, or an entire wall. The unexpected color will make your interior something special. 7. Beautify a built-in. Embellish built-in bookcases, cabinets, or a mantelpiece with leftover paint to create striking elements in your décor. 8. Stencil something. Using a homemade or commercial stencil, apply paint to just about anything — a piece of furniture, a wall, or even the floor. It can render the ordinary, extraordinary. 9. Make like an artist. Why buy art supplies, when you already have a handpicked palette of colors you like? Use them as is, or mix them as needed to create murals or fine art. 10. Frame your artwork. Repaint the frames on your prints, paintings and drawings to give them a fresh appearance. Or, paint a simulated “frame” right on the wall to draw attention to favorite objects or sculpture. Most of these projects take just a small amount of paint, but they can make a big difference in your home décor. Provided by the Paint Quality Institute.
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cooling systems to make a home more energy efficient. Seniors age 62 and older who cannot qualify for a loan may be eligible for a grant of up to $7,500, or a loan and grant combination to make needed repairs and improvements. Since 2008, 482 Vermont families were able to make home improvements they did not realize they could afford. These families fixed foundations, drilled new wells,
or installed new septic systems. Some widened doors and added ramps. More importantly, these Vermonters renewed the pride they felt the day they bought and moved into their own home. I recently received an email from one customer, Ms. JoAnne Davis of Windsor, who used a USDA home repair loan to make several home improvements and electrical upgrades, including the installation of new
smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. It did not take long for her investment in her home to pay off, as she was soon alerted by the shriek of her carbon monoxide detector. If not for her investment in her home, an issue with her water heater vent may have resulted in tragedy. Being a homeowner is hard work and a big responsibility, but USDA Rural Development wants you to succeed.
PAGE 10C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015
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Drying clothes… (Continued from Page 7C) over $122 per year. Here’s the math: Electric clothes dryers demand between 1,800 and 5,000 watts. If we calculate based on a 3,400 watt dryer and a drying time of 45 minutes per load, then one dryer load uses 2.55 kilowatt hours. Multiply that by 322 (the average number of loads per year in an American home), divide by 12 months, and you’re looking about 68 kilowatt hours of use per month. Last thing: Multiply those monthly kilowatt hours by the current average Vermont electric rate of 15 cents per kilowatt hour and you get that monthly estimate of about $10.20 to dry your clothes. I should add a tip about air drying: Just be sure to do it outdoors. Air drying indoors adds moisture to a house. That can create undesirable conditions, like window condensation, mold, wood rot and compromised indoor air quality. Compensating for that with a dehumidifier will add to your electricity bill. So be cautious about hanging clothes inside, but outdoor air drying definitely is a money saver, not to mention a way to get great smelling laundry! Q: Does it take less energy to use a dishwasher or wash dishes by hand? A: A dishwasher, typically. An exception might be if you have an aging dishwasher, because older models use more water (and, so, cost more in water heating) than today’s dishwashers. The most efficient dishwashers, however, use less than 3 gallons per load. I can’t imagine being able to wash the amount of dishes, glasses, etc., in a full dishwasher with less than three gallons of water. Here are some energy-saving tips for those of us who use dishwashers: When it’s time to buy, look for an Energy Star qualified dishwasher, which uses less water and less electricity. Run only full loads. Instead of paying to have the dishwasher dry your dishes, turn off the drying feature and open the washer after it finishes cleaning. Then, let the air dry your dishes for free. Scrape, don’t rinse. Whether you have a new or old dishwasher, you can get your dishes ready to load with little or no water. A rubber scraper usually does the job. Q: Will the TV continue to use energy after it’s turned off if I leave it plugged in? Lamps don’t do that so why would the TV? A: You’re right about lights not using power when they’re switched off. Televisions are different. You see, many TVs and other kinds of electronics don’t really turn off when you press “off.” They go into standby mode, and they continue to use electricity. Lots of people don’t know that they could be paying $100 or more, over the course of a year, to keep all their electronics in standby mode. Unplugging the TV solves the problem, but many people find that it’s easier to plug the TV into a power strip, which they switch on and off. If your parents are interested in looking into that, they can find one at the hardware store. In fact, there is an advanced power strip that senses when the TV is turned off and then shuts off power to the TV and to other machines at the same time. For example, you could set up an advanced power strip to cut power to the TV, game consoles, and recording devices when the TV is turned off. Q: Does turning a CFL on and off consume more energy than just leaving it on?I’ve heard that it takes more energy to turn on a CFL than to keep it on. So, isn’t it true that it’s wasteful to turn off the lights every time you leave a room if you’ll only be gone for a few minutes? A: That’s a great question. It’s true that, when you turn on a CFL (compact fluorescent light), it demands a small amount of extra power. But that surge lasts for 1/120th of a second and equals the amount of electricity to power the light for a few seconds at most. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning off a CFL for more than 5 seconds will save more energy than will be consumed in turning the light back on again. So, rest assured that you’ll save
energy, rather than waste it, by turning off CFLs as you leave a room. Q: What’s the cheapest way to heat a house? A: In Vermont, the most expensive fuels generally are electricity and propane, while natural gas and wood are the cheapest. However, it may not be cost-effective to switch to a differently fueled system, because fuel costs change unpredictably and switching can be a significant investment. (You can track prices through the Vermont Fuel Price Report. Go to the Vermont Public Service Board’s fuel price report.) You may be able to lower your utility costs, without investing in something as expensive as a new heating system, by taking steps to reduce how much fuel you use. First, see that your current heating system is running as efficiently as possible. Be sure your furnace filter is clean. Seal and insulate heating ducts, and have your furnace or boiler professionally inspected, cleaned and tuned as often as the manufacturer recommends. Vacuum or dust heating vents or baseboards and move furniture away from them so heat can circulate. Then, make sure that your house is sealed from air leaks and has enough insulation. The most thorough approach, and the one with the highest energy savings, is to have a trained contractor do the work. Efficiency Vermont offers up to $2,500 for energy-saving home improvements that have been completed by a Home Performance with Energy Star contractor. These pros also can do a whole-house evaluation to determine steps you can take to lower your heating costs. Q: Are motion detectors a good cure for kids leaving lights on? A: For readers who don’t know: Occupancy sensors, also known as motion detectors, save electricity by turning off lights in unoccupied areas and turning them on again when they detect movement. Now to your question: Sensors can be cost-effective energy savers in certain locations. An office building is a great example because lots of lights are used, so it can be costly to keep all of them on. In your home, where fewer lights are used in a room and those lights are energy efficient, the cost of the occupancy sensor isn’t likely to be worth the savings. I’m afraid that your solution is simply an old-fashioned one: Turn off the lights before leaving in the morning. I know that’s not always going to happen when kids are in the mix, so keep using low-energy bulbs like CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and LEDs (light emitting diodes). You’ll save as much as 76 percent and 90 percent in lighting energy costs, respectively, over incandescents in those times when the lights are on and nobody’s home! Q: Is radiant floor heat a cheap way to go? A: For readers who aren’t aware: Radiant floors provide heat via hot-water tubing or electrical heating elements installed in or under flooring material. As for the cost of keeping a space warm this way: It’s likely to be similar to non-radiant heat using the same kind of fuel. Proponents of radiant floors suggest that this system uses less energy because it allows you to stay comfortable while keeping your thermostat lower. In fact, most homes with radiant floors are set at the same temperature as comparable homes without radiant floors. If you’re looking to lower your heating costs, the best approach is to reduce the amount of fuel you use. That’s done by keeping your heating system well-maintained and seeing that your space is properly air-sealed and insulated. If you decide to go with radiant floor heat, keep in mind that electricity is typically one of Vermont’s most expensive heating fuels. Hot-water radiant floors are likely to cost less to use than electric systems. Q: What do I look for when buying an efficient furnace in Vermont? A. You certainly can buy energy-efficient furnaces (and boilers) in Vermont. For a liquid propane or natural gas system, there are several condensing units in the 93-95 percent range. For an oil sys-
tem, you can find a unit that has an efficiency as high as 86 percent. A few condensing oil systems can achieve 95 percent, but it could be tough to find those locally. Look for systems that have earned the Energy Star label. You can find a list of these at EnergyStar.gov. Note that ENERGY STAR labeled equipment vary in their efficiency, so you’ll want to look for the highest rated systems. Federal tax credits may be available, and you can get a rebate from Efficiency Vermont for furnaces with high-efficiency brushless permanent-magnet blower motors. This furnace fan motor is a key feature to look for in the most efficient furnaces on the market. Visit the Efficiency Vermont Home Heating section for more information. Q: What should I look for to get the most energy-saving water heater? A. First, look for models that have earned the Energy Star label. Then, to find the most efficient of those models, compare their Energy Factor (EF). The higher the EF, the more efficient the equipment. In addition to the EF, consider features that increase efficiency. These include a condensing design, an electronic ignition, and a direct vent exhaust. Also, if you heat your home with hot water, a highly efficient approach would be to use your boiler to also heat your water. This entails buying a hot-water tank instead of a water heater. This tank, which is typically about the same size as a traditional water heater, is designed to be installed as a new zone off your boiler. Talk to your heating service contractor to see if this is an option for you. While you’re talking with your contractor, ask if an instantaneous water heater would be a good choice for your home. This can be an efficient option in a household with smaller hot-water needs. Installation can sometimes require upgrading the gas line, so be sure that the utility-bill savings would be large enough to make the initial costs a good investment. Lastly, if you’re exploring all energy-saving approaches, I can’t neglect to mention solar water heating. Q. I keep hearing that I should put LED light bulbs in my home, but they always seem to be the more expensive option. Why should I pay more for an LED? A. It is true that LEDs do tend to have a higher up-front cost, but there are many things that make them a worthwhile investment and a better choice than some of the cheaper bulbs you’re seeing in stores. Energy Star LEDs, which are performance tested and certified by a third party laboratory, last up to 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs and three times longer than CFLs, so when you opt for LED you’ll find you’re replacing your bulbs less often and spending less time in the store selecting and buying new bulbs. They use 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, meaning you’ll spend less energy and money on powering your LED household bulbs. They also provide a great quality of light that is crisp and natural, which will make your home feel more comfortable. And lastly, more than 95 percent of an LED bulb is recyclable, so they have a comparatively low environmental impact when you dispose of them properly. Right now you can get a standard LED bulb for as little as $4.99 in Vermont. In some other states the same LED bulb can cost up to $40. Efficiency Vermont has partnered with manufacturers of ENERGY STAR certified bulbs, and participating retail locations in order to buy down the cost of LEDs before they hit store shelves, making them more affordable for all Vermonters. These are some main reasons to consider paying more in store for an LED bulb! Q. I went to the hardware store to buy a few new light bulbs for my house and I was totally overwhelmed by the options — how do I know which one is right for me? I used to always just go by Watts but this doesn’t seem to translate to some of the new options. A. Picking the right bulb can definitely be confusing — with rapid advancements in lighting technology it is hard to keep up (See Q and A, Page 12C)
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PAGE 12C — Addison Independent, Thursday, October 1, 2015
Vt. to receive $3.2 million grant to protect children from lead MONTPELIER — The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board announced that Vermont will receive a $3.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to continue the state’s Lead Hazard Reduction Program. The funds will be used to control lead paint hazards in the homes of low-income families and to raise awareness about this common and dangerous toxin still found in the majority of Vermont homes. Program Director Ron Rupp said, “Lead poisoning remains the number one environmental threat to young children, causing permanent neurological and behavioral problems and lowering IQs. Vermont has some of the oldest housing in the United States, much of it containing lead paint hazards, and these funds will be used to make homes safe for families with young children.” Prevention efforts will also include outreach and public education activities conducted by the Vermont Department of Health and other partners. The award includes $325,000 of Healthy Homes funding to address other
to property owners, health and safety issues contractors and child in homes undergoing care providers and lead paint hazard conducts outreach abatement. and public education “Too many children efforts to prevent lead in Vermont, and across poisoning. Eligible the country, have been properties receive harmed by ingesting free services in the lead in their homes. form of testing, risk Prevention, by making assessment, work homes safe before kids plans, construction get poisoned, is the oversight, and key to addressing this clearance testing. solvable problem,” said “Too many children in Homeowners and Sen. Patrick Leahy. landlords are eligible Sen. Bernie Sanders Vermont, and across for grants and deferred said, “Few things are the country, have been loans to pay certified more important than harmed by ingesting contractors. To learn making sure children more and apply, visit grow up in healthy and lead in their homes. www.vhcb.org/lead. safe homes. More needs Prevention, by making or call (802) 828to be done to protect homes safe before kids html 5064. children from lead A number of state and other hazardous get poisoned, is the and federal regulations substances.” key to addressing this require property Since 1994 the owners and contractors Vermont Lead Hazard solvable problem.” — Sen. Patrick Leahy to deal safely with Reduction Program at lead paint and prevent VHCB has addressed lead hazards in approximately the creation of lead-contaminated 2,400 homes and apartments dust, the most common pathway throughout the state. The program for childhood lead exposure. Adults also provides lead safety training can be at risk as well from exposure
at work or from certain hobbies. More information about applicable regulations and ways to prevent lead poisoning can be found at www.leadsafevermont.org. HUD Secretary Julián Castro said, “Every family deserves to live in a safe and healthy home where they can see their children thrive and excel. Communities will use these grants to help eliminate home-related hazards in neighborhoods across the country. A healthy home is vital to the American Dream.” Unsafe and unhealthy homes affect the health of millions of people of all income levels, geographic areas, and walks of life in the U.S. These unsafe and unhealthy homes affect the economy directly, through increased utilization of health care services, and indirectly through lost wages and increased school days missed. Housing improvements help prevent injuries and illnesses, reduce associated health care and social services costs, reduce absentee rates for children in school and adults at work, and reduce stress, all which help to improve the quality of life.
Q and A… (Continued from Page 11C) with all of the product options out there. When choosing a bulb that is right for you there are a few key things to consider: Brightness. You mention selecting bulbs by the number of Watts — that was the best way to pick the right incandescent bulbs, but with new, efficient bulb options it is all about lumens. Watts describe the power used, but lumens are a measure of a bulb’s brightness, the higher the number of lumens — the brighter the bulb. If you’re looking to replace a general 60 Watt bulb, look for a CFL or LED with 800 lumens. For a 75 Watt go for 1100 lumens. And for a 100 Watt choose a bulb with 1700 lumens. Keep in mind that the bulb needs to be right for the fixture you are using — what’s right for a floor lamp may not be the correct choice for your ceiling fan. Color. This choice is entirely based on your preference. Depending on where you plan to put your new bulb, you may decide you’d like it to have a warm or cool glow. The “light appearance” of the bulb is measured in Kelvins (K). The higher the number of Kelvins, the cooler the light — for something that looks like your old incandescent you should look for a bulb in the 2700K to 3000K range, for cooler light go for a bulb in the 4100K to 5000K range. Cost. In Vermont you can get an efficient bulb that requires a small amount of electricity to power, for a relatively low price. ENERGY STAR CFLs start at $0.99 and ENERGY STAR LEDs start at $4.99. In addition to the point-of-purchase price you’re willing to pay for the bulb, you should also keep in mind the length of the bulb’s life and the cost of powering it over time. Generally speaking LEDs cost the least to power over time and they last the longest, making them a worthwhile investment. If you forget the exact number of Kelvins you want, or if you aren’t sure how to determine how long the bulb will last, look for an energy information label on the light bulb box — you’ll find most of these facts there. You can also visit the Efficiency Vermont website for more information on lighting and interactive tools for choosing the right bulb.
VHFA… work force by helping households (Continued from Page 5C) who want to put down roots and added. The median household income of earn a living in Vermont.” “Vermont’s strong Vermont renters has remained flat homeownership base since the recession, at and recovering housing about $30,000. Income “Providing young market are central to the stagnation creates a stability and vitality of perfect storm for young Vermonters with the state’s economy,” renters just starting their tools to purchase Kevin Mullin, careers who are trying a home is good for remarked chair of the Vermont to save to buy a home and also face rising rents working families and Senate Committee on Economic Development, and utility costs and high the companies that Housing and General levels of student debt. Affairs. “By helping with “Providing young employ them.” — Shap Smith the simple but enormous Vermonters with tools task of saving for a to purchase a home is down payment, we not good for working families and the companies that employ them,” noted only help individual homebuyers, Shap Smith, speaker of the House of but their neighborhoods and Representatives. “Vermonters and communities.” The program is funded through a employers have shared with me that there is a critical need to support temporary expansion of the Vermont young adults as they start their Housing Tax Credit program, passed Vermont careers. This program will as part of this year’s economic help grow and sustain the state’s development bill. Each year for
the next three years, the additional maximum number of homebuyers. tax credits will be sold by VHFA Union Bank is one of many to Union Bank and converted Vermont lenders that VHFA to equity for down works with statewide. payment assistance. These lenders meet VHFA expects this will with homebuyers and translate into enough explain program details down payment and and restrictions. A list closing costs assistance of these lenders and for approximately 115 information about the first-time buyers each new down payment year. assistance program “We are delighted (called the “ASSIST to partner with VHFA loan”) is at www.vhfa. on this exciting org. initiative,” remarked The Vermont Karyn Hale, Union Legislature created GOV. SHUMLIN Bank’s senior vice VHFA in 1974 to president, treasurer and finance and promote chief financial officer. When VHFA affordable housing opportunities approached its partner lenders who for low- and moderate-income have purchased housing tax credits Vermonters. Since its inception, the in the past, Union Bank generously agency has helped approximately offered to purchase all three years’ 28,000 Vermont households with credit allocations at a rate that will affordable mortgages and financed enable the program to reach the the development of approximately
Q. I bought an LED bulb for a dimmable ceiling fixture in my dining room a while ago but I was disappointed to find that it didn’t last as long as it was supposed to. Is there a reason why it burned out so quickly? A. Without seeing the bulb and the fixture it’s hard to be sure, but it sounds to me like you didn’t buy a dimmable bulb. While you may have selected a bulb with the correct number of lumens, if it wasn’t made to operate in a dimmable fixture it wouldn’t perform correctly and therefore it would burn out much faster. Dimmable LED bulbs do exist and should be clearly labeled in your local hardware store — don’t hesitate to ask for assistance the next time you’re scanning the store shelves to ensure you make the right pick.
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