Time and technology are changing. What’s the best heat for your house? The numbers are dropping fast, but roughly seven in 10 Maine homes still rely on oil as the primary heating fuel. So the recent sharp drop in wholesale petroleum prices has many homeowners wondering whether it’s worthwhile to convert from heating oil or kerosene to other fuels.…
Renovating a basement space is a great way to increase the living area of your home. However, transforming a Maine basement into a living area should only be considered after all moisture and soil gas concerns have been addressed. Use this checklist as a guide. If in doubt, hire a qualified professional, or contact the…
By Tim King Forget death, taxes and porta potties, last winter the great equalizer throughout the state of Maine seemed to be the ice dam. From Fort Kent to the Foresides, from Calais to Casco and Cape Elizabeth, it seemed that no matter where you lived, how big or how expensive your home was, everyone fell…
Enjoy more comfort and spend less on fuel this winter By Tim King Working with a master Jack-of-all-Trades, Do-it-Yourself dad, I can’t tell you how many times I heard the phrase, “Don’t worry, trim hides a multitude of sins.” I quickly learned that what he meant by this was that a well-placed, decorative piece of trim molding…
Charging into a new energy future in Maine By Barry Woods Since their re-introduction in 2011, electric vehicles have been captivating the imagination of consumers and clean energy advocates. They provide exceptional driving performance with responsive torque triggered by quiet electric drive motors. The cost of electricity is a fraction of gasoline, such that most consumers…
To celebrate 10th anniversary of the SunriseGuide, we wanted to shine a light on Mainers who are creating real change in their communities. Their efforts have resulted in significant advances in the areas of sustainability, environmental health and wellness in Maine over the past ten years. These champions work tirelessly—often under the radar—improving access to…
An interview with Andy Meyer of Efficiency Maine The SunriseGuide sat down with Efficiency Maine’s Andy Meyer to learn more about heat pump water heaters and why more and more Maine homeowners are making the switch to these new high-efficiency water heating systems. SunriseGuide: Andy, many homeowners have heard about heat pumps. But what is…
By Barry Woods, Director of Electric Mobility NE Mainers use a lot of oil compared to our neighbors. We devote a higher percentage of our household incomes to oil than the national average. In fact, we spend more per capita on energy than 39 other states. While we know we use too much of it to…
Renewable energy options for Maine homeowners By Stephanie Cheney There has never been a better time for home owners to invest in renewable energy. Generous financial incentives and technological advances offer many choices for Maine homeowners looking to save money, own their power, reduce carbon emissions and stabilize energy costs into the future. Efficiency Maine,…
By Stephanie Cheney Saving money and using less energy are terrific goals for a homeowner, but where do you start? Whether you own your own home or are looking to purchase one, Maine has plenty of resources to get you on the energy saving track. SHOW ME THE MONEY: EFFICIENCY MAINE IS A FIRST STEP…