WEATHERIZATION
Weatherization refers to protecting the interior of your home from outside elements such as moisture, humidity, and snow. Numerous projects can be completed to help weatherize a home, including air sealing or replacing drafty windows. Weatherizing your home is good for the environment, helps save on energy bills, and improves your comfort.​​ The video below showcases Windowdressers, a volunteer organization that builds DIY window inserts for weatherization.​
Weatherizing your home helps reduce heating and cooling costs by improving insulation and sealing air leaks.
Proper weatherization ensures consistent indoor temperatures, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Well-weatherized homes maintain consistent energy performance for years, providing ongoing savings and comfort.
Page updated January 20, 2026
AIR SEALING VS INSULATION
Air Sealing
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Sealing areas of air leakage throughout the home​
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Common examples are caulking or weatherstripping
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Air sealing can help improve air quality in your home as well​​
Insulation
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Insulation helps slow the transfer of heat from your living space to the outside.​
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Some types of insulation, like rigid board insulation, can have air sealing properties
POTENTIAL SAVINGS
Having your home air sealed or insulated helps reduce heating and cooling loss from your home. This helps save money because more of your electric bill is going to keeping your home comfortable. The specific amount that you save annually depends on many factors, such as the cost of electricity, the size of your home, and how much insulation you had to begin with. But most people can expect their upgrade to pay for itself in about 3-8 years.
Having a tighter home helps prevent heat loss and, therefore, decreases energy bills. With state and federal incentives that lower the total cost, homeowners can recoup the cost of insulation or air sealing in about 3-8 years. It also improves your home’s resale value.
Mainers can save as much as $350-$400 a year in electricity costs. ​​
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
Rebates
​There are rebates available for both insulation and air sealing through Efficiency Maine. These rebates are income based. Check to see what rebates are available for you at Efficiency Maine's Weatherization Rebate page. The tables at the bottom of our supports page shows how eligibility is determined for the Southern Maine Energy Navigator Pilot.​​​
Tax credits​
The federal tax credit for weatherization work expired at the end of 2025.