Wood and pellet fuels are a renewable and cost-effective way to heat your home or business. Pellets and wood are a popular fuel choice due to their affordability over fossil fuels and the fact that Maine has significant, locally-produced wood fuel supplies. High-efficiency wood and pellet heating systems are eligible for Home Energy Savings Program (HESP) Incentives and Efficiency Maine Energy Loans.
A wood or pellet stove burns logs or pellets to heat a single room, although many homeowners locate these systems centrally and offset half or more of their primary fuel use. Pellet and wood stoves are typically fireplace inserts or free-standing models. Many different types are available. For example, pellet stoves can be fed from the top or the bottom and some models have longer fuel storage capacity and are easier to clean and remove ash. Advances in stove design have dramatically increased output efficiency and convenience, while reducing particulate emissions. Click here for more information about wood and pellet stoves including Efficiency Maine’s list of approved wood and pellet stoves.
A biomass boiler burns pellets or cordwood and is connected to a central heating and hot water system. Many Mainers are familiar with pellet stoves, but pellet boilers are a relatively new technology in our region. Pellet boilers operate like conventional fuel central heating systems but require pellet storage space (hoppers are frequently located in the basement adjacent to the boiler). Many boilers include self-cleaning systems and require less cleaning than pellet stoves. Bulk pellet delivery is offered in many regions of the state. Click here for a list of incentive criteria and known eligible models.
Efficiency Maine supports the installation of high-efficiency wood stoves, pellet stoves, and pellet boilers through incentives and financing in the Home Energy Savings Program. Eligible high-efficiency wood stoves and pellet stoves installed with ducted make-up air are eligible for a $300 incentive. Pellet boilers are eligible for a $3,000 incentive.
Contact an energy advisor or wood fuel contractor on our Residential Contractor Locator Tool today to access these incentives.
Wood and pellet heating systems are eligible for financing through an Efficiency Maine Energy Loan . Eligible homeowners can borrow up to $15,000 with 4.99% fixed APR with no closing fees. Click Here to learn more.For more information on pellet and wood heating options, please visit the Maine Pellet Fuels Association’s website.