Energy Awareness 101: Energy Efficiency
- msmith627
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Fall Energy Efficiency Tips
As the weather cools down, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for energy efficiency this fall. Sealing windows and doors, upgrading insulation, and servicing your heating system can help keep your home cozy while lowering energy bills.
Keep reading and click on the links throughout this newsletter to explore tips, incentives, and resources to make cost-saving upgrades!
Can saving energy at my home really make a difference for climate change?
Yes! Residential energy use accounts for 26% of total Yarmouth greenhouse gas emissions, and much of that is from home heating alone. By making heating systems more efficient (and not losing heating energy through leaks and poor insulation) you can save money on energy and lower your homes carbon footprint. Even though Maine’s electricity grid is powered increasingly by renewable energy, it is critical to complement that transition by conserving energy where we can.
Remember that a home energy audit should be your first step before making energy-saving home improvements. An audit can help you determine how much energy your home uses, where your home is inefficient, and which fixes you should prioritize to save energy and improve the comfort of your home.
Minimizing Energy Loss
Why does this matter? Of the $2,000 the average American spends paying for energy annually, $200 to $400 could be going to waste from drafts, air leaks around openings, and outdated heating systems.
Calculate and compare your energy efficiency score with other Maine homes.
Incentive Spotlight: Insulation and air sealing incentives up to $8,000 available from Efficiency Maine depending on your income.
See these guides for weatherstripping and applying caulk to reduce air leaks.
Weatherization MythBusters! Get the facts about reducing energy loss in Maine homes.
About 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows. Explore window treatments that can help prevent wasted energy (and money!).
Up to 35% of heat is lost through the attic or roof. See these DIY solutions and recommendations to prevent heat loss and save you money!
About 25–30% of heat is lost through exterior walls. Insulate wall cavities with these solutions.
Around 15–25% of heat escapes through the basement, crawlspace, or floors. Learn how to insulate basements with these solutions.
See resources for DIY energy saving projects to tackle this year.
Home Heating
Why does this matter? Heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home -- typically making up about 29% of your utility bill.
Use this tool to estimate what your annual heating costs would be using different heating systems.
See these tips for making the most of your heating system in cool weather.
Incentive Spotlight: heat pump incentives up to $8,000 available from Efficiency Maine depending on your income.
Heat pumps could save you thousands a year compared to other systems and offer other benefits like cooling and dehumidification. Check out the FAQs.
If you have made the investment in heat pumps, or are considering it, make sure you make the most of this efficient system with these tips for maintenance.
A smart thermostat lets you control your home’s heating temperature settings from a smart device. They can reduce heating run time an average of 8%, save money, and be more convenient.
Key an Eye out for…
When upgrading to new energy efficient appliances, look for the Energy Star label. This label is given to appliances that meet strict energy efficiency specifications. These products will help you save money and energy.
Most Efficiency Maine incentives are based on your household income. Fill out the simple online form to verify your income and see how much you qualify for.
Last Chance!
Get an instant $1,100 discount on a heat pump water heater with Efficiency Maine’s incentive—now through October 31, 2025! Don’t miss out—act now and start saving.
Check out the Mainer’s Guide to Climate Incentives for more savings on green investments.
Many of the Federal tax credits are available until December 31st, 2025. Tax credits for electric vehicles ended September 30th, 2025.
Most current Efficiency Maine incentives will be available until July 2028, but incentive types, amounts, and eligibility criteria do change throughout the year — so be sure to check their website often.