Maine is sweetening the pot to try to get homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient this summer. The state is offering a $1,000 cash bonus for home energy improvements completed by August 31, 2010, according to the Morning Sentinel. The new incentive is in addition to the $3,000 cash incentive that has been in effect since January to homeowners of all income levels, as well as up to $1,500 in federal tax credits.

A participating energy auditor must perform an home energy audit and then implement some of the recommended energy improvements.

If you need a Maine home energy audit, fill out our online form and a local, certified energy audit pro will contact you to set up an appointment. The energy auditor will inspect the outside and inside of your home for energy efficiency. They’ll also use a blower door test to track the amount of air that enters the home through cracks, seams, drafts and other holes in the building's enclosure.

The Maine energy audit pro will write up a comprehensive report detailing the areas in your residence that can be repaired, insulated and sealed to boost your energy efficiency. You can then choose what work you’d like to have done. In many cases the energy auditor will be able to do some or all of the energy efficiency improvement work, if you so choose.

The following energy improvements are eligible for the new Maine $1,000 incentive: insulation and air sealing, high-efficiency heating systems and water heaters including solar heating systems (solar thermal) and Energy Star windows and doors.

Talk to one of our Maine energy audit pros for more information, or consult the EfficiencyMaine website.

Maine also offers separate incentives for solar panel installations. DASolar.com can help you in this area, too. If you're interested in a Maine solar panel installation, sign up for a free solar evaluation.

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