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Insulation

UP TO $5,000 IN REBATES FOR ANY INCOMEUP TO $9,000 IN REBATES FOR LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME

 

For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be insulated from the roof down to two feet below ground level. Insulation’s ability to reduce heat transfer is rated in terms of its R-value, with a higher R-value making the home more efficient and comfortable. Efficiency Maine recommends that the entire building envelope be insulated: attics, cathedral ceilings, all wall cavities, rim joists, basement walls, and crawl spaces.

attic insulation

Increasing the amount of insulation in your home can have the following advantages:

  • Lower Heating and Cooling Costs – Effective insulation means that it takes less energy to make your home comfortable and reduces your costs. 
  • Increased Year-Round Comfort – Insulation helps keep rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
  • Reduced Outside Noise – Increased insulation levels may also make your home quieter by reducing the amount of outside noise that comes in.

Financial Example: Any Income

Insulation Cost$5,000
Air Sealing with Energy Assessment Cost+$600
Total Project Cost$5,600
Insulation Rebate-$2,500
Air Sealing with Energy Assessment Rebate-$500
Net Project Cost$2,600
Annual Savings$479/year
Payback Period6 years

Note: If $2,600 project is financed over 10 years at 4.99% APR, monthly savings ($40) would exceed monthly payments ($28).

Financial Example: Low Income

Insulation Cost$5,000
Air Sealing with Energy Assessment Cost+$600
Total Project Cost$5,600
Insulation Rebate-$4,500
Air Sealing with Energy Assessment Rebate-$600
Net Project Cost$500
Annual Savings$479/year
Payback Period1.5 years

Types of Insulation

There are many different types of materials used for insulation, each with their own costs, advantages, and disadvantages. A Residential Registered Vendor will be able to recommend appropriate insulation levels, tell you which insulation materials might work best in certain locations, and perform insulation work.

Here are some of the common types of insulation:

 MaterialR-Value Per InchAdvantages
Disadvantages
1Fiberglass (loose blown)3.6 to 4.4Low costPerforms poorly where there’s moving air, settles over time, can be irritating/itchy to install
2Fiberglass (batt)2.6 to 4.3Low costPerforms poorly where there’s moving air, settles over time, can be irritating/itchy to install
3Cellulose (loose blown)3.2 to 3.6Low cost, reduces draftsAbsorbs water, can be heavy, settles over time, may corrode metal if wet
4Cellulose (dense pack)3.0 to 3.4Low cost, reduces draftsAbsorbs water, can be heavy, may corrode metal if wet
5Spray Foam (open cell)3.5 to 3.8Reduces drafts, lower price than closed cell foamNot a moisture barrier, may require fire barrier
6Spray Foam (closed cell)6.0 to 7.0Reduces drafts, serves as a moisture barrierHighest upfront cost, may require fire barrier
7Foam (board)3.6 to 7.6Reduces drafts, moisture resistantMay require fire barrier
8Mineral Wool (batt)3.0 to 3.6Non-combustible, minimal off-gassingHeavy, more compressible than fiberglass, fibers can be irritating
9Mineral Wool (board)4.0 to 4.4Non-combustible, minimal off-gassingHeavy, fibers can be irritating

Source: Residential Energy: Cost Savings and Comfort for Existing Buildings

Radon is an indoor air quality issue commonly found in Maine homes. Click here for more information.

Weatherization Solutions

  • All About Insulation
  • Find an Insulation Installer
  • Any-Income Rebates
  • Income-Eligible Rebates
  • Energy Assessment
  • Air Sealing
  • Insulation

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