Connecticut's old homes cost more to heat. Local programs can help.

Connecticut has some of the oldest housing stock in the country, and older homes lose heat through air gaps, thin or settled insulation, and dated heating systems. The state also relies heavily on oil and propane, which typically cost more than natural gas. Together that means higher winter bills -- but most of it is fixable once a home is weatherized.

A Home Energy Solutions audit identifies asbestos, mold, vermiculite, and other hazards that can block weatherization. The audit costs $40 (free if you're income-eligible). If we find a barrier, we help you find a remediation partner and the local resources to address it.

Connecticut averages run about $1,200-$2,800 for asbestos abatement, $1,100-$4,000 for mold removal, and $1,212-$2,821 for vermiculite removal. Actual cost depends on the scope and where in the home the hazard is found.

Many Connecticut towns run rehabilitation programs funded by federal Community Development Block Grants. Fairfield's Single-Family Rehabilitation Program, for example, covers up to 60% of a project's cost based on the lowest of three valid quotes, capped per applicant per year. Assistance is structured as a no-interest loan repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer the property — not an upfront grant. Income guidelines follow HUD standards. Ask us what's available in your town.

They follow HUD income guidelines. As an example, Fairfield's program (guidelines as of 6/1/21) caps income at: 1 resident $55,950, 2 residents $63,950, 3 residents $71,950, 4 residents $79,900, 5 residents $86,300, 6 residents $92,700, 7 residents $99,100, 8 residents $105,500. Current-year figures vary by town and household size.

Previously funded work includes exterior painting, siding or roofing; new or replacement storm windows and doors; accessibility improvements; lead-based paint or asbestos abatement; replacement boilers and hot water heaters; and heating, plumbing, or electrical work to correct code deficiencies. Work can't begin until the program administrator approves the application and verifies income eligibility, and you secure the necessary permits.

GPCT (formerly Operation Fuel) runs a Home Systems Repair and Replacement Program that pays to resolve pre-existing health and safety hazards. CT Green Bank offers low-interest energy-efficiency loans -- reaching over 20,000 households a year -- and a Green & Healthy Homes Initiative for mold and asbestos removal. Connecticut Children's Healthy Homes Initiative provides grants up to $5,000 per income-qualified household.

Yes. Energize CT's Health & Safety Revolving Loan Fund primarily serves owners of multifamily housing that houses low-income residents, with loan amounts ranging from $10,000 to $300,000 to remediate hazards that stand in the way of energy improvements.

Often, yes. Many families use a town rehabilitation program or CT Green Bank for the remediation work, then access Energize CT rebates for insulation and HVAC once the barriers are cleared. We'll help you sequence which program to use first.

Once the barriers are cleared, your home qualifies for the full range of Energize CT rebates and weatherization services. HCP follows up to help schedule your upgrades, from insulation to HVAC.

Reach out to us directly and we'll help you find a remediation partner and the local resources that fit your situation. If you're not sure whether you have a hazard, an audit is the fastest way to find out.