WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vt. Builders Go Green
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South Burlington, Vermont - February 11, 2009
Heating contractor Marshall Paulsen says customers have always wanted two things.
"Same thing we've heard for 20 years -- comfort and save me money," he said.
But the slumping economy has made saving money even more important. Demand for energy efficient heaters is higher than ever.
"Some things, the marketing says this will save you 40 percent," he said, showing off an oil heater. "Well, we're pleased to say we see it with our own clients."
Paulsen, who works for Vermont Energy Contracting and Supply in Williston, was one of more than a thousand contractors, designers and manufacturers at Better Buildings By Design, an annual green building conference. As the market for new construction falls, many are finding rising demand for making existing buildings more energy efficient.
"Last year most of our customers saved about 30 percent on their total energy bill and got about a 13 percent return on their investment," said Paul Zabriskie, who conducts energy audits for Energy Smart of Vermont in Barre. "That's fairly average for Vermont homes."
Zabriskie recommends people first aim to keep the warm air inside and the cold air out by sealing their homes. He says a big payoff for a contractor doesn't have to be a big expense for a homeowner.
"An average project may be up to $10,000," he said. "There are a lot of incentives in terms of cash payments and rebates. Utilities are involved, banks are involved, and you can do zero percent-interest loans. The savings can keep up with the loan payments so in the end it costs very little."
Many exhibitors at the conference are keeping an eye on Congress. The federal economic stimulus package could include money for making homes and buildings more energy efficient. Some expect that could be $10-30 million just here in Vermont.
"There's going to be great opportunity to get people back to work, retrained to do the remodel work, the weatherization for the next tier of electrical efficiency," said Scott Johnstone of Efficiency Vermont, which hosted the conference. "There's lots of funds that seem to be coming through stimulus on that front."
Marshall Paulsen says one new, energy-efficient heater will cost $6,500 to $8,500, depending on the home's existing pipes and zoning. But it will pay off eventually.
"If spending a little money to put in a much more efficient system saves all that money down the road, that's kind of like a guaranteed investment," he said.
Kate Duffy - WCAX News
