Getting Ready: Efficiency Maine offers rebate opportunities to save energy and money
The goal of Efficiency Maine, a state agency, is to help Maine residents save energy and reduce the cost of the energy we use at home and at work. Among other programs, the agency does this primarily by providing rebates for the cost of the work we do ourselves and larger rebates for projects that require professional help.
Last week Efficiency Maine announced a new reimbursement program to help Maine homeowners and tenants take steps to reduce heat loss from their homes during the cold winter season. Savings are realized by reducing the cost of labor and supplies to make such changes, and by reduced heat loss and thus less expense for fuel to heat our homes and businesses.
Efficiency Maine supports programs throughout the state “to improve the efficiency of energy use and reduce greenhouse gases in Maine.” The agency offers “consumer information, discounts, rebates, loans and investments for efficient, clean energy equipment and strategies to manage energy demand.” Information about the agency and how to apply for rebates is available at efficiencymaine.com or call 866-376-2463.
The new program called the "DIY Winter Prep Rebate" offers a limited-time $100 reimbursement to homeowners and tenants in Maine for purchasing home winterization items such as caulk, weather stripping, spray foam sealant, duct sealing, tank wrap, window insulation shrink kits, pipe and duct insulation, foam board insulation, and other supplies. According to the news release, "The promotion covers eligible purchases made from October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022." Details about eligibility are on the Efficiency Maine website.
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“Small investments to tighten up your home for the winter months can make a big difference,” said Governor Janet Mills. “This new program from Efficiency Maine will help even more Maine people weatherize their homes this winter to save money and stay warm. I encourage homeowners and renters to take advantage of this incentive over the coming weeks and months.”
“With winter just around the corner, we want to remind Mainers that by weatherizing your house or apartment you can reduce your energy use, increase your comfort, and lower your bills,” said Michael Stoddard, executive director of the Efficiency Maine Trust. “While it is typical to employ a professional contractor to perform major weatherization projects, this promotion recognizes that there are plenty of smaller, low-cost steps that we can install ourselves with the right materials from the local hardware store.”
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Such steps could be based on inspection by the homeowner or results of a home energy audit. Keeping warmth inside and cold out could include checking the attic for air leaks, sealing and caulking cracks, purchasing/installing magnetically attached or taped translucent window covers, thermal insulated door covers, pipe protection, and checking the heating system. Other steps that can be taken by residents can be found on YouTube (How to Winterize Your Home).
For more substantial changes that require professional help – installing heat pumps, for example – larger rebates of up to $2,400 are available and depend on income and the size of the installation. According to Efficiency Maine, heat pumps are the most efficient and effective heating system, providing heat in winter, air conditioning in summer and dehumidification. Their website provides a comprehensive explanation of how heat pumps work, rebate eligibility, installation considerations, myths and facts about heat pumps, and resources for homeowners and small business loans. For more information about the rebate program, eligibility, and to file a claim to receive a home winterization rebate, see efficiencymaine.com, or call 866-376-2463. And for the newer rebate program that began October 1, save your receipts!
Susan Glick volunteers with York Ready for Climate Action. YRCA is a citizens’ organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the causes and effects of climate change and advancing environmentally friendly and inclusive policies and behaviors. Volunteers are welcome. See yorkreadyforclimateaction.org or email info@yorkreadyforclimateaction.org. EcoHOMES is on the same site.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Getting Ready: Efficiency Maine offers rebate opportunities to save
