Home insulation is a highly important aspect of home ownership, and it's one that many people don't think about until they're already in the thick of it. If you're thinking about insulating your home to keep you warm in the winter, then we've got some good news for you: Efficiency Maine rebates are here to help!
What is Efficiency Maine?
Efficiency Maine is a program that helps homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The program offers rebates on insulation, air sealing, and heating systems.
What is an Efficiency Maine Rebate?
Efficiency Maine is a statewide energy efficiency program that helps homeowners and businesses reduce their energy costs by making their homes and buildings more efficient. They offer rebates to help with the cost of installing new, high-efficiency equipment in your home or business.
Why is Home Insulation So Important?
Insulation keeps your home comfortable and safe by reducing heat loss through the walls, ceiling, and floors. It also helps to keep moisture from getting into your home through those same areas. A leaky home can lead to mold growth and other problems that can be dangerous for you and your family.
What Types of Things Are Covered by an Efficiency Maine Rebate?
The weatherization rebate covers insulation in attics, walls, basements and crawl spaces, insulation under a mobile home, and air sealing. It does not cover windows, doors or siding. Each area you insulate earns its own set rebate, and air sealing earns a separate rebate on top.
Who Can Participate in the Efficiency Maine Program?
Rebates are available at every income level. The building must be in Maine and be one of the following:
- A single-family home
- A two-unit duplex
- A condominium
- A mobile home
- A mixed-use building with one or two housing units and no commercial electric meter
The space being insulated must be heated for the entire heating season, the work cannot be part of a new home or an addition, and it must be done by an Efficiency Maine Residential Registered Vendor. Rental properties and seasonal homes qualify at the any-income tier. The low- and moderate-income tiers also require the home to be the owner's principal residence and the household to be verified by Efficiency Maine before the work. Buildings with three or more housing units are not eligible.
Existing insulation limits: the rebate only covers space with R-21 or less in an attic, R-5 or less in a wall or basement, and R-11 or less under a mobile home. Any portion above the limit is excluded.
Lifetime limits:
- One insulation rebate and one air sealing rebate per area, up to $8,600 total per building ($5,600 per mobile home)
- Air sealing pays up to $300 for the attic, $200 for a basement or underbelly, and $100 for living space
- Rebates you already received count toward the limit, including any paid under the earlier percentage program
- A mobile home qualifies for a basement or an underbelly rebate, but not both. Mobile home walls and skirting are not covered
What Projects Can I Get Efficiency Maine Rebates For?
There are a variety of projects that increase energy efficiency:
Air Sealing
Air sealing is a process that improves the energy efficiency of a home. It involves installing weatherstripping around doors and windows and using caulk to seal cracks in the walls and ceiling, which reduces unwanted air infiltration into the house.
The result of air sealing is more comfortable and efficient living spaces, which means you don't have to turn up the thermostat as much on a cold day or crank up your air conditioning system as high on a hot summer night. This can save you money over time by reducing your heating and cooling bills.
Basement Insulation
Basement insulation is a great way to gain efficiency in your home. By insulating the basement, you can prevent heat from escaping through your foundation and keep it in your home. This will save you money on heating costs as well as help you feel more comfortable.
Basement insulation is easy to install and can be done by anyone with basic knowledge of how to use tools. If you are interested in installing basement insulation in your home, contact us today for more information about our services!
Wall Insulation
Wall insulation is a great way to make your home more efficient. It helps with temperature control and can save you money on your energy bill.
Wall insulation works by creating an airtight seal between the inside and outside of your house. This keeps warm air from escaping during the winter, and keeps cool air from escaping during the summer. Because it's an airtight seal, it also helps keep moisture out of your home.
This helps reduce heating bills in the winter, because less heat is needed to keep the house at a comfortable temperature -- saving you even more money!
Attic Insulation
Attic insulation is one of the most important parts of a home's energy efficiency. A home with good attic insulation will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving you money on your utility bills.
Attic insulation is a material that helps keep heat from escaping through your roof and walls. There are two main types: blown-in fiberglass and batts (also known as rolls).
Blown-in fiberglass is lightweight and easy to install, making it ideal for DIYers. It's also fairly cost-effective. Batts are more expensive upfront, but they're more durable than blown-in fiberglass and require less maintenance over time.
Both types are effective at keeping heat inside your house during the winter months and outside during the summer months!
How Do I Apply for the Efficiency Maine Program?
There are two ways to apply for the Efficiency Maine program: through our website by clicking here, or you can go directly to the Efficiency Maine website.
Efficiency Maine Rebates: Common Questions
The insulation rebate is a set amount for each area of the home you insulate. Per area, any-income households receive $1,000 to $2,000, moderate-income $1,500 to $3,000, and low-income $2,000 to $4,000, depending on how much space is insulated there. Air sealing is included as part of the qualifying work.
Any Maine homeowner can qualify for the any-income tier regardless of earnings. The Moderate Income tier is based on Adjusted Gross Income (up to $70,000 individual, $100,000 joint). The Low Income tier is based on participation in HEAP, SNAP, TANF, or MaineCare. Mobile and manufactured homes qualify as well. The work must be completed by a registered Efficiency Maine vendor — Mattra is registered and handles the paperwork.
No separate program step is required before insulation or air sealing rebates apply. What Efficiency Maine does require is that the work be done by a Residential Registered Vendor, that blower door tests be run before and after the work (with a few exceptions), and that the finished job meet its Weatherization Requirements Checklist. Mattra's free assessment measures your existing insulation so we know which areas qualify before any work starts.
Yes. Efficiency Maine offers low-interest Home Energy Loans that can be combined with rebates, so your out-of-pocket cost after the rebate can be financed over time. Many homeowners use the rebate to cover most of the project and finance the remainder, with the monthly payment often offset by lower heating bills. See our financing and rebates page for options.
Efficiency Maine asks you to allow about six weeks for processing after the claim is submitted, and the claim must be emailed or postmarked within six months of completing the work. Mattra prepares and submits the paperwork. Low-income rebates are paid to the contractor, so they appear as a discount on your bill.