South Portland launches a Home Energy Program | Our Sustainable City
Do you notice drafts leaking through your walls, windows and doors, but are overwhelmed by the idea of fixing them? Don’t know how to get started prioritizing energy improvements to be more comfortable in your home? A little bit of weatherization can go a long way: It can help your home stay cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter. Through the city’s new Home Energy Program, we will support you in getting started and learning the skills to continue weatherizing on your own. We’ll also help you understand your home energy systems.
Whether you’re facing high energy costs and want to make your home more energy efficient, or want to make aging in place a bit easier, Sustainability Department staff will walk you through practical ways to get started with improvements. We can also connect you with additional resources. If you don’t know where to begin, the Home Energy Program offers an opportunity to walk through it with energy experts with tailored guidance, learning more about your energy systems and installing hands-on weatherization measures.
WHY HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY MATTERS
Energy affordability is a pressing issue for many households in Maine. As energy prices continue to rise, people are feeling pinched. Greater energy efficiency is a key component of reducing costs and emissions. The state of Maine has one of the oldest building stocks in the country, and in South Portland, buildings account for two-thirds of our carbon emissions. To work towards our climate goal of reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050, we are providing education, resources, and support for residents to improve your home’s energy efficiency and help you be more comfortable throughout the year.
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
In partnership with Age Friendly South Portland, the Sustainability Department is launching the Home Energy Program, made possible by AARP and Maine Community Foundation grant funding. Sustainability Department staff will work with energy professionals to provide 50 South Portland households with an in-home energy assessment and weatherization services through a three-step process:
1. Interested residents will fill out a short application to participate in the program. Upon acceptance, Sustainability Department staff will speak with you to collect more information about your specific goals and needs and discuss scheduling.
2. A professional energy auditor will complete a one-hour energy assessment of your home’s insulation, air sealing opportunities, and heating and hot water systems and make recommendations for prioritizing energy efficiency upgrades.
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3. During a second visit, you will receive training and hands-on help from Sustainability Department staff on how to install basic high-priority weatherization improvements such as air sealing (doors, windows, outlets, etc.), pipe insulation, etc. Staff will also help you review your energy systems and utility bills, compare pros and cons of different home energy systems, and review recommendations from the home energy assessment. The second home visit may last up to four hours.
Learn more and apply at southportland.gov/Home-Energy-Program.
Participation in the program is not necessary to learn more and have your questions answered. Got different contractor quotes and don’t know what to make of them? Or, want to learn about available rebates, tax credits, and incentives? You can drop by office hours to learn from an energy expert and get connected to other available resources.
Drop into the Sustainability Office at 829 Sawyer St., South Portland, or call on Mondays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at 207-347-4148.
Reach out to [email protected] with any questions or for more information.
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Tagged: energy efficiency, sustainability
