VHFA News

WRAP Your Home in Energy Efficiency & Savings in 2026

By: Krista Malaney

Insulation contractor

Did you know that one in four Vermont homes was built before 1939? 

According to housingdata.org, older homes often lack modern energy efficiency, which means higher energy bills, less comfort, and more energy waste.

VHFA’s Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program (WRAP) offers an affordable solution for Vermonters, whether you own or rent, without credit checks, and with reduced or no upfront costs. It is a smart way to make your home more comfortable and save money in 2026 and beyond.

What is WRAP and how does it save me money?  

Funded by the State of Vermont and managed by Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), the Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program (WRAP) makes home weatherization more accessible and affordable to low-to-moderate income Vermonters with high energy costs. WRAP reduces or eliminates upfront and lump-sum project payments that may prevent homeowners from initiating home weatherization work in the first place. Existing incentives offered through utility companies and VHFA incentives can be combined with financing to further reduce overall project costs. Paying for the subsidized project begins after the project is complete. WRAP’s on-bill financing (a low charge added onto a participant’s existing utility bill) makes repayment affordable, and the energy gained through a tighter and more efficient home will save customers’ money long term.  

What kind of weatherization projects are eligible for WRAP funding?

All projects must include approved weatherization measures, such as insulation and air sealing. Projects can also include:

  • Heat pumps and associated electrical panel upgrades. • Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs).  
  • Wood Pellet central boilers and furnaces.
  • Advanced Wood Stoves (cord wood and pellet).

Necessary health and safety measures for projects as determined by the contractor may also be included through WRAP.

Non-eligible work includes:

  • Stand-alone electrification measures.  
  • Plug-in appliances and electric vehicle charging systems.
  • Window replacement

Who qualifies for WRAP funded weatherization?

  • Homeowners or renters (with landlord permission). Renters only pay the WRAP charge while they live in the rented home.  
  • Single-family homes, manufactured homes, and small multifamily buildings (up to four units)

Income limits apply, but even higher-income households may qualify for partial assistance.

 

Getting Started:

Vermonters interested in WRAP must contact one of three program partners listed below to get started:

  • Burlington Electric Department: 802-865-7300
  • Vermont Gas: 802-863-4511
  • All others contact Efficiency Vermont: 1-888-921-5990

The partners listed above oversee all inquiries. VHFA works behind the scenes and does not work with applicants directly.  

Now that cold weather is here, it may be time to consider weatherization solutions like WRAP to boost energy efficiency and lower home heating bills. For more information about WRAP, visit the WRAP website and contact one of the three program partners listed above.  

 

*This article was edited with the assistance of M365 Copilot.