Having a sustainable home in Maine doesn’t need to break the bank! Energy efficiency is an achievable goal, regardless of your budget or lifestyle. Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint, save on energy bills, or prepare for a move, consider these four practical and eco-friendly home tips brought to you by Home With Tom Landry.
Sustainable Home Tip #1: Optimize Your Home’s Insulation
One of the most effective changes for a sustainable home is by optimizing its insulation. Properly insulated walls, basement, attic, and foundation walls help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. By minimizing heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, you not only improve energy efficiency but also reduce your utility bills.
According to Efficiency Maine, your home should be insulated from the roof down to two feet below ground level for maximum efficiency. They also recommend the entire building should be insulated, including attics, cathedral ceilings, all wall cavities, rim joists, basement walls, and crawl spaces.
Benefits Of Proper Insulation
- Lower Your Heating And Cooling Costs: Proper insulation means that it takes less energy to make your home comfortable while reducing heating and cooling costs
- Increase Year-Round Comfort: Insulation helps keep rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Reduce Outside Noise: Increased insulation levels can make your home quieter by reducing the amount of outside noise that comes in.
Did you know you could receive an insulation rebate of up to $9,800 for your residential insulation project in Maine? Click here to learn more about state and federal insulation incentives.
#2. Consider Air Sealing
If you’re interested in adding insulation to your home, but you’re not ready to invest in a more expensive option like spray foam, air sealing can be both an effective and affordable option. Air sealing involves sealing gaps, cracks, and openings in the building envelope to prevent uncontrolled airflow between the inside and outside of your house. There are a variety of ways to seal your home, but it’s usually done by using caulking or weather stripping. By sealing air leaks, you can prevent conditioned air from escaping and keep unwanted outdoor air from infiltrating your living spaces. This not only reduces energy waste but also improves indoor air quality and comfort. Did we mention you could save up to 20% on your heating and cooling bills?
#3. Install Programmable Thermostats
Installing programmable thermostats, also known as “smart thermostats,” is a smart move to make your home more energy-efficient. These devices allow you to schedule heating and cooling based on your daily routine, so you don’t waste energy when no one is home. The convenience of remotely controlling your home’s temperature through smartphone apps adds to their appeal. Smart thermostats also allow you to track your energy usage, helping you identify ways to further optimize your home’s heating and cooling systems.
#4. Achieve More Efficient Heating And Cooling With Mini-Split Heat Pumps
With Maine’s four-season weather, a reliable and energy-efficient heating solution is a must. Mini split heat pumps are an excellent option for heating and cooling Maine homes! These systems work by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors, using significantly less electricity compared to traditional heating methods. Mini-splits offer both heating and cooling functionalities, making them versatile for year-round comfort. These systems are simple to install and can earn homeowners up to $3,800 in rebates for residential projects.
Sustainable Home Investments To Think About: Solar Panels And Energy-Efficient Windows
While solar panels and energy-efficient windows are indeed valuable in the quest for sustainable living, they might not always be the most cost-effective investment in Maine. The long payback period for these expensive upgrades may not be worth it for some homeowners. We recommend speaking with a professional before you invest in these options or focus on the other eco-friendly changes mentioned above, which offer more immediate savings and benefits.
Your Trusted Source for All Things Maine Real Estate
Interested in more real estate tips from Tom? Check out the Home With Tom Landry Podcast! This podcast is designed for anyone interested in the world of Maine real estate, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors. Join us as we sit down with one of Maine’s top real estate professionals, Tom Landry, to explore a range of topics, including renovation tips, market trends, sustainable home tips, and much more. With decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge, Tom offers practical insights and expert advice that anyone can benefit from. HWTL is the perfect resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Maine real estate scene. Click here to listen.