Energy & Money Saving Tips
Efficiency Maine offers tips to become more energy efficient and financial incentives (such as rebates, instant discounts, and loans) that can make upgrading to a high-efficiency system more affordable.
Our Energy Efficiency Tips booklet offers a wide selection of suggestions on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home. To download a copy click here. To request a printed copy, email info@efficiencymaine.com or call 866-376-2463.
Here are some useful tips on how to save energy at home this winter.

Choose Efficient Circulator PumpsIf you have a hydronic (often referred to as “forced hot water”) heating system and have to replace circulator pumps, consider Electrically Commutated
Motor (ECM) pumps, which can reduce operating cost by 85% because their
motors adjust their speed to match the load. They also tend to be more reliable than traditional circulator pumps.
Motor (ECM) pumps, which can reduce operating cost by 85% because their
motors adjust their speed to match the load. They also tend to be more reliable than traditional circulator pumps.

Use the Fireplace Damper CorrectlyProperly close the flue damper of your fireplace when not in use. This will not only prevent warm indoor air from escaping in winter but also keep in cool
air in the summer. Make sure that any fire is totally out before closing down
the damper of your fireplace and also confirm there are no glowing embers.
Doing so could help prevent your room or home from being filled with carbon
monoxide and other pollutants.
air in the summer. Make sure that any fire is totally out before closing down
the damper of your fireplace and also confirm there are no glowing embers.
Doing so could help prevent your room or home from being filled with carbon
monoxide and other pollutants.

Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Heat Pump1. Prioritize the thermostat on your heat pump so it provides as much heat
as possible before your less-efficient back-up heating system turns on.
2. If your intent is to heat adjacent spaces with your heat pump, be sure
to leave doors between the heat pump and adjacent rooms open.
3. In general, the “Auto” fan setting is the best starting option.
4. Use different “Heat” and “Cool” settings in winter and summer, respectively, rather than “Auto Temperature” mode.
5. For maximum efficiency, vacuum or rinse indoor unit filters regularly to
make sure that air flows freely.
as possible before your less-efficient back-up heating system turns on.
2. If your intent is to heat adjacent spaces with your heat pump, be sure
to leave doors between the heat pump and adjacent rooms open.
3. In general, the “Auto” fan setting is the best starting option.
4. Use different “Heat” and “Cool” settings in winter and summer, respectively, rather than “Auto Temperature” mode.
5. For maximum efficiency, vacuum or rinse indoor unit filters regularly to
make sure that air flows freely.

Switch to a Smart ThermostatCompared to conventional thermostats, smart thermostats are more accessible
and more convenient. Some smart thermostats can detect your presence in
a room and can adjust the temperature accordingly. They can be controlled via
any smartphone, so you can turn the temperature up or down as you return home.
and more convenient. Some smart thermostats can detect your presence in
a room and can adjust the temperature accordingly. They can be controlled via
any smartphone, so you can turn the temperature up or down as you return home.