Question 1

What is a home energy audit?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive assessment using blower door testing and thermal imaging to find exactly where your home wastes energy. You get a detailed, prioritized report with costs, savings estimates, and rebate eligibility.

Question 2

How much does an energy audit cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary by home size. When you hire us for the recommended work, audit costs are often covered by Efficiency Maine or NH Saves rebate programs. Contact us for a specific quote.

Question 3

What is a blower door test?

Accepted Answer

A calibrated fan mounted in your doorway depressurizes your home, letting us measure total air leakage and pinpoint exactly where air enters and escapes. We measure in CFM50 — cubic feet per minute at 50 pascals of pressure.

Question 4

How long does an energy audit take?

Accepted Answer

A typical residential energy audit takes 2-4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your home. We walk through findings with you on-site.

Question 5

What types of insulation do you install?

Accepted Answer

We install spray foam (open and closed cell), dense-pack cellulose, blown and batt fiberglass, and mineral wool. The right material depends on the application — your audit data tells us what goes where.

Question 6

How do I know if my home needs more insulation?

Accepted Answer

Signs include high heating bills, cold rooms, ice dams, and a furnace that runs constantly. An energy audit confirms exactly where insulation is missing or inadequate.

Question 7

Do you insulate existing walls?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We dense-pack cellulose into existing wall cavities through small holes that we patch after. It's effective and minimally invasive.

Question 8

Why is air sealing important?

Accepted Answer

The average home has enough air leaks to equal a window left open year-round. Air sealing stops conditioned air from escaping and outside air from entering — it's the single most cost-effective energy improvement.

Question 9

Will air sealing make my house too tight?

Accepted Answer

No. We assess ventilation needs as part of every project. If mechanical ventilation is needed after air sealing, we recommend and install it. The goal is a home that's tight enough to control, but well-ventilated.

Question 10

Does air sealing need to be done before insulation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ideally. Think of it like a cooler — insulation is the walls, air sealing is the lid. Without sealing gaps first, insulation loses much of its effectiveness.

Question 11

Do heat pumps work in Maine and NH winters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed for northern climates and operate efficiently down to -15°F and below. We install cold-climate rated units specifically designed for our weather.

Question 12

Should I insulate before installing a heat pump?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend it. A heat pump in a leaky, poorly insulated house works harder and costs more to run. Air sealing and insulation first means your heat pump runs less, saving money and extending equipment life.

Question 13

How much can I save with a heat pump?

Accepted Answer

Typical savings are 30-50% compared to oil or propane heating. Combined with insulation and air sealing, total energy cost reductions can be significant.

Question 14

What rebates are available?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency Maine, NH Saves, and federal tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act. Specific rebate amounts depend on your location, income, and the type of work. We help you navigate all available programs.

Question 15

Do you handle the rebate paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare and submit all rebate applications on your behalf. We know what each program requires, document everything during the project, and follow up to ensure timely processing.

Question 16

Can rebates be combined?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. State rebates and federal tax credits can often be stacked. We help you understand which programs can be combined for maximum savings.

Question 17

Is financing available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both Efficiency Maine and NH Saves offer low-interest and zero-interest financing for qualifying energy improvements. We walk you through options during your consultation.

Question 18

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Maine and New Hampshire. Our main office is in Lebanon, Maine, and our crews work throughout both states — from Portland and Scarborough to Concord, Nashua, and beyond.

Question 19

Do you use subcontractors?

Accepted Answer

No. Our auditors and installation crews are all in-house employees. One company handles everything — audit, install, test, and rebate paperwork.

Question 20

What is BPI certification?

Accepted Answer

BPI (Building Performance Institute) is the nation's premier standard for home energy professionals. It means our auditors have passed rigorous training and testing in building science, diagnostics, and energy efficiency.

Question 21

How long does the installation work take?

Accepted Answer

Insulation and air sealing on an average home usually takes 1-3 days, depending on the scope. We provide a clear timeline before starting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Energy Audits

Insulation

Air Sealing

Heat Pumps

Rebates & Financing

Service Area & General

What happened after homeowners called us.

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Serving Southern Maine & New Hampshire

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