Home Energy Savings Program FAQs

1: Is funding still available for Home Energy Savings Program rebates?

A: All Home Energy Savings Program rebate money has been committed. Maine PACE financing is still available.

2: Does Efficiency Maine offer financing?

A: Yes. Maine PACE is available to finance Home Energy Savings Program projects in select towns. We also encourage homeowners to use home equity loans or check with their personal banks and credit unions about special energy-related home improvement loans that may be available.

3: What is an energy audit?

A: Energy auditors use blower door systems to quantify the total air leaks of a home. They use combustion-testing equipment to make sure your home's heating system is operating safely and at peak efficiency. They typically also use infrared cameras to identify sources of air leaks and airflow monitors to test ventilation fan function and duct leaks. They assess insulation levels and all significant energy savings opportunities. Your auditor will produce a report that outlines the highest-yielding improvements, specifying cost and savings of each measure using energy modeling software. See photos of the equipment used.

4: Is there a fee for the audit? If so, how much does it cost?

A: Yes. Fees vary, but a typical home energy audit costs approximately $500. Energy Advisors determine their own fees.

5: Can the cost of the energy audit be included in my Maine PACE loan?

A: Yes. The energy assessment is required, so it can be included in the total project cost when calculating your loan.

6: I would like to do some of the upgrades myself, for example, the insulation. Can I qualify for a PACE loan?

A: No. The Efficiency Maine PACE Loan Program will only provide incentives for efficiency measures that are installed by professionals and overseen by Participating Energy Advisors. Material cost can be included in your Maine PACE Loan, but must be invoiced through your Registered Vendor or Participating Energy Advisor. Your personal labor cost cannot be included. Keep in mind, all work must be signed off at the end of the project by your Participating Energy Advisor.

7: What kinds of homes are eligible?

A: Your home is eligible if it's a Maine residence of one-to-four units, up to a maximum of three stories.

8: Do new homes need weatherization?

A: Houses built before June 2010 were not subject to any state energy efficiency building codes. Therefore, the age of a home is not necessarily a good indicator of energy efficiency. View more Myths & Facts (PDF) about weatherization.

9: Are low-income homeowners eligible?

A: Yes, but 100% subsidized weatherization services may be available for income-eligible customers through local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies. Find a complete listing, by region, at the Maine State Housing Authority. You can learn more by dialing 211, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services general call center.

10: Are renters eligible?

A: Renters cannot participate in the program, but landlords are eligible.

11: How do I know if the program is a good fit for my home?

A: Use our Home Energy Savings Calculator and answer a few quick questions (PDF) to better understand the energy efficiency of your home and find out if the program is a good fit for you.

12: Do I have to use the Participating Energy Advisor who did the initial audit to complete the improvements or can I use another advisor or even a separate contractor?

A: You do not need to use the same Participating Energy Advisor, but you are required to use a Registered Vendor if you are applying for a Maine PACE Loan. Any energy professional can be used to perform the installation work, regardless of whether or not they are a Participating Energy Advisor. Participating Energy Advisors are only required for the initial audit and the final inspection.

13: Can I use a contractor I know and have worked with before if they are not on the list?

A: Yes, but the contractor needs to become an Efficiency Maine Registered Vendor if you are applying for a Maine PACE Loan. A Participating Energy Advisor must perform the assessment and final inspection as part of the Maine PACE Loan process.

14: I only want to replace my windows. Can I qualify for an incentive?

A: The minimum requirement for participation is a project that will save at least 25% in heat and hot water consumption. It is very unlikely that you could achieve that much in savings from just replacing windows.

Program subject to change.

 
Call 866-376-2463 or email efficiencymaine@efficiencymaine.com.