Homeowners Encouraged to Apply for State and Federal Weatherization Incentives

AUGUSTA, ME (August 2010) – Weatherization has become a new buzzword due to national and statewide efforts promoting energy efficiency. Homeowners who weatherize their homes by adding insulation, air sealing, or replacing heating systems may be eligible for up to $4,500 in cash and tax incentives. Homeowners and landlords of all income levels are encouraged to apply.

Weatherizing can help to reduce energy usage and costs. Weatherization also addresses comfort issues within a home, including ice dams, frozen pipes and uncomfortably hot or cold rooms. Homeowners paying more than $1 per square foot per year for energy are excellent candidates for this program.

A home energy audit by an Efficiency Maine participating energy advisor is the first step toward completing improvements that qualify for cash incentives and federal tax credits. Participating advisors are certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and can identify energy-saving opportunities using specialized diagnostic equipment.

The Home Energy Savings Program is funded by stimulus dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For more information such as eligibility requirements and a list of participating energy advisors, visit efficiencymaine.com or call toll-free 1-866-ES-MAINE (1-866-376-2463).

The following information dispels common myths related to home weatherization:

#1. It’s easy to tell where my home is losing energy.

Many homeowners think the biggest air leaks are around windows and doors. While these leaks can be significant, most air leaks are hidden from view, passing through floors and ceilings around chimneys, pipes, ductwork, etc. An energy auditor using diagnostic equipment can identify the real sources of your energy loss.

#2. Sealing air leaks is dangerous. Houses have to breathe.

While houses do need fresh air, most homes have more air leaks than necessary. Often incoming air enters homes through basements, garages and crawl spaces, which can compromise air quality. Controlling the flow of air in your home can save energy and improve air quality, too.

#3. The solution to ice dams is to call a roofer.

Ice dams aren’t a roofing problem. Ice dams form when attics are unintentionally heated by air leaks and/or insufficient insulation. This causes snow on the roof to melt, and freeze on the eaves, creating ice dams. Weatherization work such as sealing air leaks and adding more insulation can reduce the risk of ice dams at their source.

#4. The solution to frozen pipes is to call a plumber.

A plumber can repair a frozen pipe, but insulating pipes is the best way to avoid having them freeze in the first place.

#5. Maine winters are really dry. It’s good to run a humidifier.

Air leakage is the most common cause of excessive dryness. When cold air enters the house and is heated, the relative humidity is significantly reduced. Air sealing can help keep your home at a comfortable humidity level without the need for a humidifier.

#6. Newer homes don’t need weatherization.

Houses built before June 2010 were not subject to any state energy efficiency codes. Therefore, age is no indication of energy efficiency.