If you’re concerned about fluctuating energy prices and want to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, here are some resources to help you ease the impact on your wallet.
HOME ENERGY LOANS
Efficiency Maine offers low interest loans up to $25,000 for up to 20 years through its energy loan programs (with no closing costs). Use the loans to upgrade heating systems, weatherize your home,and make other improvements to cut your heating bills. For more info, visit www.efficiencymaine.com.
FEDERAL TAX CREDITS
Federal tax credits are available to homeowners for wind, solar and geothermal systems through 2016. The credit incentive is 30% of the cost of the project with no upper limit, and they can apply to primary and second homes (but not rental properties). Learn more at www.energystar.gov.
STATE REBATES
Efficiency Maine currently offers rebates of up to $1,500 toward the cost of qualifying energy upgrades to a home’s insulation or heating system. Incentives help offset the cost of air sealing (with an energy assessment), insulation, qualified heating systems, and in some cases, energy assessments. Rebates are also available for select energy-efficient appliances. Learn more at www.efficiencymaine.com.
