MAINE, USA — One high heating bill can tilt the scale for many families in Maine working with a tight budget.
The same goes for many residents turning to the York County Community Action Corporation for help, which offers weatherization assistance thanks to funding from MaineHousing.
"We are seeing a different trend in weatherization," Jackie Parisi, director of energy services, explained. "It used to be just installing insulation or air sealing, but now, we are really keeping people in their homes."
Energy audits, conducted by professionals like Gabriel Arroyl, identify problem areas in homes—often older ones. Arroyl frequently finds issues in attics and around foundations, where heat loss is most common.
"Out of my last 10 audits, each one of them saved over 25 percent of their efficiency over the next year," Arroyl shared.
Another way to reduce heating costs is by evaluating your heating system.
Shawn LaPlante of LaPlante Electric said heat pumps are emerging as a top choice for homeowners and can offer potential savings of around $1,000 per year compared to oil heat, according to Electricity Maine.
"The initial startup of [heat pumps] is when you're going to spend a significant amount of money, so it's a kind of set and forget kind of thing," LaPlante said.
For those sticking with their current systems, regular maintenance is key. LaPlante said increased efficiency could save households 10 to 20 percent on their heating bills, which could be a welcome surprise this holiday season.
"Making sure filters are cleaned on furnaces are a big thing. Making sure boilers are cleaned annually and also, too, the internals of the furnace are cleaned annually," LaPlante explained.