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 Tim King When first time home buyer Tyler Kidder first inquired about a charming 100-year-old bungalow located just outside Portland, Maine, she recalls being a bit nervous about what she might be getting into. However, as a professional in the environmental sustainability field, Tyler was undaunted and drawn to what the “just right” sized…
By Heather Chandler We asked industry leaders to share their recommendations for products that Green & Healthy Maine Homes readers should know about this year. Here are six of their top choices. Beachstone Recycled Concrete Products Why we like it 100% of materials are sourced in Maine and all products are manufactured in Maine Allagash…
By Merritt Carey If you’ve heard of heat pumps before, you’ve likely heard of them in the context of geothermal heat pumps. There are two types of heat pumps, geothermal and air source. Air source heat pumps have long been used in warmer climates for cooling, but now, thanks to rapidly improving refrigerant technology, air…
By Lora Winslow, MELP, Environmental Advocate With 2012 being the hottest year on record in the United States and recent increases in droughts, wildfires, coastal super storms, and other extreme weather events, climate change is on the minds of many people these days. However, the topic can often be overwhelming, confusing, and discouraging; leaving us…
By Merritt Carey Most of us have heard of pellet stoves before, but pellet boilers are a relatively new phenomenon here in United States. Pellet stoves are a secondary heating source, in contrast, pellet boilers fully replace existing heating systems. In much of Europe, pellet boilers are commonly used as a primary heating source. Over…