This resource was created using the “10 Steps to a Zero Emissions Home” created by David Gibson at the College of the Atlantic.

1. Water saving devices

• See: EPA WaterSense showerheads, other water saving devices
• A 1.5GPM showerhead uses 40% less water and thus 40% less energy to heat the water.
• The average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense labeled showerheads. Since these water savings will reduce demands on water heaters, they will also save energy. In fact, the average family could save more than 330 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power a house for 11 days. Click the following link for more information: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads
• Click the following link to find out how you can get a free dual-spray kitchen aerator with pause lever, bathroom faucet aerator, and energy saving shower head for FREE for your home: https://www.efficiencymaine.com/free-energy-efficiency-kit/

2. LED light bulbs

LEDs use 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and reduce monthly energy costs by $20-30 for an average home. 

3. Window Dressers window inserts

Insulated window inserts improve indoor comfort and energy efficiency for less than 1/10th the cost of replacing windows.

https://windowdressers.org

4. Heat pump water heater (HPWH)

• Use 70% less energy than a standard electric water heater.
• Significant rebates available through Efficiency Maine that increase their affordability.
• Side benefit of helping dehumidify the space they’re in, like a damp basement.

LOW-INCOME

Efficiency Maine offers free heat pump water heaters, including installation, to eligible Mainers. In addition to saving money on oil or electric bill, these highly efficient heat pump water heaters dehumidify the space they are in. Thousands of Mainers have them and satisfaction is high. 

For more information about eligibility, see: https://www.efficiencymaine.com/at-home/low-income-water-heaters/

ANY INCOME

Pay as little as $429 for your heat pump water heater! Tens of thousands of Mainers own heat pump water heaters. They’re popular because they produce lots of hot water, help dehumidify, and can save more than $500 per year in electricity.

For qualifying units: 

1. $429 after instant discount at Granite Group.**

2. $449 after instant discount or mail-in rebate at Lowe’s.**

3. $549 after instant discount or mail-in rebate at Home Depot.**

4. Participating distributors offer an instant discount to contractors.

5. Heat pump water heaters purchased anywhere else qualify for an $850 mail-in rebate.

For more information, see: https://www.efficiencymaine.com/at-home/heat-pump-water-heater-program/

5. Electric appliances

• Measure your refrigerator’s energy use and upgrade to an EnergyStar model as needed. 
• Replace gas cooking equipment with induction or electric for health and safety.

6. Energy audit

• Have a comprehensive audit to assess air leakage and insulation needs for your home.
• Measures energy use, identifies opportunities for improvements, and identifies moisture problems or health and safety needs like ventilation and mold remediation. 

7. Basement/crawl space, air sealing/insulation

• Sealing the basement or crawlspace blocks rodents and heat loss.
• Vapor barrier prevents ground moisture from getting into the house.
• Spray foam seals air leaks at junctures between building materials including fieldstone foundations and adds significant insulating value. 
• Because warm air rises, a significant portion of heat loss is through the attic. 
• Air sealing first ensures that insulation works properly.

LOW-INCOME

Air sealing (with energy assessment): $600 value (no customer co-pay)

Insulation: 80% of project cost up to a $8,000 rebate

MODERATE INCOME

Air sealing (with energy assessment): $600 value (no customer co-pay)

Insulation: 60% of project cost up to a $6,000 rebate

ANY INCOME

Air sealing (with energy assessment): $500 (minimum customer co-pay of $100)

Insulation: 40% of project cost up to a $4,000 rebate

For more information about eligibility & finding an installer, see: https://www.efficiencymaine.com/at-home/weatherization/. Quoddy Spray Foam is a “Native owned Residential and commercial Spray Foam Insulation application” and registered Efficiency Maine vendor. See link for Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/quoddysprayfoam/.

8. Air source heat pumps

• Provide winter heating and summer cooling and dehumidification for your home.
• Work in temps as low as -15F, and can be the sole source of heat if your home is well insulated.

“MaineHousing’s heat pump program pays for the cost and installation of a heat pump for eligible Maine homeowners.

You may be eligible if:

• You are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and the Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP), and
• You are a homeowner, and
• Your home is a good candidate for a heat pump as a secondary heating source. (This can be decided at an inspection – you do not need to know the answer to this question right now.)” https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/heat-pump-program

9. Electric vehicles

A 2020 study by Consumer Reports found that the lifetime ownership costs were significantly lower for EVs. Most EVs saved between $6,000 – $10,000 over their lifetimes.

10. Solar

• Install rooftop solar to supply your electricity needs.
• 30% federal tax credit and financing options are available.

Other

Other: High-efficiency wood stove

New high-efficiency wood stoves are up to twice as efficient as older models, cutting wood consumption by up to half while providing as much heat to the home. Wood stoves are a great source of backup heat during power outages.

Other: Whole-home surge protection

As we electrify our energy consumption, and especially with the complex electronics in these systems, it is essential to install whole-home surge protection. These devices can cost $100-400, and need to be installed by an electrician. A single surge event can cause more damage than the upfront cost of the surge protector.

Other: Ventilation

As we seal our buildings and reduce air leakage (drafts), mechanical ventilation becomes more important. In many homes, exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms are adequate. When homes are very tight, ventilation that both exhausts stale air and brings in fresh air is needed. Energy-recovery and heat-recovery ventilators exchange heat between the incoming and outgoing air, to temper the fresh air coming in.