Just before the mid-term elections, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act. It includes money-saving subsidies intended to transform our economy from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, while reducing our nation’s emissions 40% by 2030. The shift will result in cost savings for all who take advantage.
Better yet for the federal deficit, the subsidies are all paid for, thanks to a minimum 15% tax on profitable companies that currently pay minimal or no taxes.
Our own Efficiency Maine is eager to help everyone make the most of the cost savings. Their website (efficiencymaine.com) has customized programs for you, your home, business and municipality.
A good start, for any building owner, is to order air sealing and an energy assessment. There is no cost for this for those on low and moderate income. A $500 rebate is available for others, with a $100 minimum copay.
An energy assessment, performed by a qualified energy advisor, will likely include a blower door test. By decreasing the interior air pressure, it sucks in air through otherwise invisible cracks that can be identified by an infrared camera. The assessor then seals those cracks with caulk or foam. They will also comment on indoor air quality and the need for additional insulation. That might include blown-in cellulose in attic spaces, or foam on a basement wall. Both make a huge difference.
Here’s an example from an 1800s Cape Cod. Following a combination of air sealing, blown-in cellulose in the attic, and foam covering the basement walls, the furnace burned only 1 tank of oil (down from 3). Furthermore, the foam-filled holes in the rock-and-cement cellar wall now keep the mice out.
With such savings on heating oil, consider switching to a heat pump. Now capable of heating when it’s 15 below outside, heat pumps also function as air conditioners in summer. Summer or winter, just set the thermostat. Keep your oil burner as a backup, and get rid of those less efficient window-insert air conditioners.
Heat pumps do cost money. But because they will save you money year after year, it’ll be worth the initial cost. Efficiency Maine gives generous rebates, and if you still find it tough to come up with the money, consider taking out a loan to get one operational. You’ll be halving your energy costs year over year.
Heat pumps are also the best for heating water. You’ll likely save hundreds of dollars per year with heat pump water heaters, compared to oil or propane burning boilers, or traditional electric hot water. They also serve to dehumidify basements, which can be a real boon. Efficiency Maine offers a great deal on them.
Maybe you have already replaced all old light bulbs throughout your home, office or workplace with LED bulbs. They use 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer than the incandescent light bulbs most of us grew up with. Appliances have also seen energy improvements. Check for the “Energy Star” label for washing machines, refrigerators, etc. Efficiency Maine’s excellent website has details.
How about going solar? At a minimum, sign up to join a Community Solar Farm. Several offer a 15% reduction of the power portion of your monthly electricity bill at no cost to you. With extra funds, a south-facing roof or other suitable site, check with one of Maine’s solar companies to find what investment it will take to go fully solar, using CMP’s or Versant’s “net metering” agreement to cover nights and days without sun.
Then there are your vehicles. Gas cars each use about the same energy as an average house! Electric vehicles are about 4 times as efficient! Choose one and get going.
Homeowners, businesses, landlords and municipalities are all beneficiaries of Efficiency Maine’s special programs The Inflation Reduction Act’s special tax credits are good for everyone. It’s a win-win for you, your inflated budgets, and the environment. It’s time to get into action.
Peter Garrett of Winslow is a member of the Citizens Climate Lobby.
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