Exploring Your Home Energy Upgrade Choices: Five Strategies for Clarity

You may be aware of the cost savings and carbon footprint reductions of energy-efficient home improvements.

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Affordable Home Improvements Amidst Green Initiatives

Choosing between options can be overwhelming, especially with complex government websites, contradicting advice, and limited time.

Starting your investigation may leave you trapped, especially if you have other home renovation projects or a disinterested landlord. Maybe your monthly heating expense isn’t bad or you can’t afford an update. When summer hits and heating expenditures seem less important, it’s easy to put these decisions off.

Yet, now is the perfect time to make home improvements that save money. Air sealing and heat pumps are cheaper than ever thanks to state and federal legislation aimed at reducing American greenhouse gas emissions.

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Here are five tools and tips for this process:

1. Ask Your Local Community Action Agency: Contact your local Community Action Partnership (CAP) for energy specialists who can help you choose, install, and save money.

2. View Federal Tax Credits Online: Explore federal tax credit opportunities online with Rewiring America’s incentive calculator. These credits can considerably lower your tax burden after home energy and efficiency upgrades.

3. Visit Efficiency Maine’s Website: Efficiency Maine, the state agency that manages energy rebates, offers income-based incentives. For program information, visit their website or call their center.

4. Ask Neighbors and Energy Auditors: Get contractor suggestions from your community and consider an energy audit to assess your home’s energy demands.

5. Develop a Multi-Year Energy Upgrade Plan: Avoid being overwhelmed by planning energy upgrades over several years. List project ideas, assess timetables and expenses, and set aim to progress gradually.

Though time-consuming, receiving treatment immediately can save money and improve comfort. Controlling costs, options, and time in your home’s energy transformation requires early action.

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