Home Energy Evaluation Can Guide Summer Home-Improvement Projects
Contact: Kathryn Hopkins, (207) 474-9622
ORONO, Me.—University of Maine Cooperative Extension has published “How to Do a Home Energy Evaluation,” part of “Maine Home Energy,” a new series of educational bulletins on home energy use. “How to Do a Home Energy Evaluation” includes a checklist to help homeowners determine how to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy use. It is available for purchase or free download, along with the other “Maine Home Energy” bulletins, at extension.umaine.edu—or by contacting the local county UMaine Extension office (call 800-287-0274 for contact information).
UMaine Extension’s energy evaluation bulletin recommends that homeowners begin by reviewing a year’s worth of energy bills to estimate how much energy one’s home uses. The bulletin’s checklist will guide the detection of drafts and checking of insulation, windows, and fixtures, along with the determination of which energy-saving improvements might make sense. For instance, a homeowner could repair leaky faucets, clean radiators and hot-air outlets, service the home’s furnace, install florescent or LED lighting, or install window treatments to reduce energy costs. Experts recommend that homeowners evaluate the cost and the potential payback of high-cost changes such as new appliances before investing.
Those interested in a comprehensive understanding of their energy use, or who wish to apply for rebates, loans or grant funds, will need to hire a certified auditor. The Maine State Housing Authority maintains a list of certified energy auditors at www.mainehousing.org.
Those who use certified ENERGYSTAR materials will find that many of their energy conservation improvements could qualify them for a 30 percent tax refund, up to $1,500. A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy,E NERGY STAR provides a labeling system for products that deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy and saving money. There are also tax refunds available for alternative energy systems and fuel efficient cars. To learn about the tax refunds and incentives, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency at www.dsireusa.org.