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Insulation

Click here to learn more about insulation rebates up to $8,000.

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

Low Income Moderate Income Any Income
Installed Cost$6,800$6,800$6,800
Rebate$5,440$4,080$2,720
Net Cost$1,360$2,720$4,080
Annual Savings* ($/yr)$542$542$542
Payback Period (years)2.557.5

*Your costs and savings may differ. 

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

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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