GETTING STARTED
If you want to make your home more energy efficient but aren’t sure where to start, a home energy audit is a great first step. Home energy audits provide an overview of your home's energy efficiency. They outline how much energy your home uses, any areas of inefficiency, and necessary improvements.
What is a home energy audit?
A home energy audit has two components:​
The audit, is completed by a certified energy auditor, who will visit your home, conduct tests to detect air leaks, and inspects insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC systems.
The report, which provides specific recommendations for energy-saving upgrades and improvements tailored to your home.
The energy audit can help create a long-term plan for energy upgrades.​
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Professional Audits
To find an energy auditor, check out the Efficiency Maine Registered Vendors list. It filters searches by service and radius from the home.
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DIY Audits
While a do-it-yourself (DIY) audit will not provide the same level of detail or long-term planning a professional audit does, it can highlight immediate actions to take. The Department of Energy has resources on DIY audits. Additionally, this guide contains a DIY audit checklist.
Benefits
When improving a home’s energy efficiency, the focus is on using less energy while maintaining a comfortable living space. It provides numerous benefits, including:​
Lower energy bills
A home utilizing less energy will help lower energy-related expenses.
Increased home resale value
Upgrades such as weatherization or the installation of solar panels increase the value of the home.
Improved comfort
Upgrades such as air sealing can improve the heating and cooling of the home, making it more comfortable year-round.
Enhanced resilience
Incorporating solar panels and battery storage helps protect the home against unexpected events such as storms and outages.
Financial Incentives
State Rebates
There are currently no state-level incentives for home energy audits. However, if you qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, you will receive an energy audit to start the process.
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Federal Tax Credit
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that allows you to claim up to 30% of the cost of an energy audit up to $150.
Rewiring America Incentive Calculator
Another helpful tool to get started on your energy upgrade journey is the incentive calculator form Rewiring America. By entering basic information about your home, this tool will provide a list of potential upgrades and available incentives. The list may occasionally be out of sync with available state rebates, so always double-check with Efficiency Maine.