Many homeowners assume that newer homes are efficient by default. But a Belfast family discovered that wasn’t the case when their energy bills stayed stubbornly high and some rooms never felt comfortable, even during mild weather.

An energy audit revealed that the home had hidden air leaks and insulation gaps that were quietly undermining comfort and efficiency.

When newer homes don’t perform as expected

From the outside, the house looked modern and well-built. But inside, the family noticed uneven temperatures and rising heating costs. Some rooms were drafty, while others felt difficult to keep warm during the winter.

These symptoms often point to problems that aren’t visible, especially air leaks in the attic and insufficient insulation in key areas.

Without proper air sealing, heated air escapes through small gaps in the building structure, forcing heating systems to work harder and increasing monthly utility costs.

What the energy audit revealed

A comprehensive home energy audit provided a clearer picture of what was happening behind the walls and ceilings.

The inspection identified several key issues:

• Air leakage in the attic

• Insulation levels below recommended standards

• Heat escaping through hidden gaps in the building envelope

These issues are common, even in homes that are only a decade or two old. Construction quality, evolving building standards, and normal settling can all contribute to performance problems over time.

The fix: air sealing and attic insulation improvements

The recommended solution focused on improving the home’s thermal boundary - the layer that separates indoor conditioned space from the outdoors.

Work included:

• Sealing air leaks in the attic

• Improving insulation coverage and depth

• Addressing areas where heat loss was most severe

By tightening the building envelope, the home could retain heat more effectively and maintain more consistent indoor temperatures.

Rebates helped offset the cost

Efficiency Maine rebates helped reduce the cost of the upgrades, making the improvements more accessible.

Many homeowners in Midcoast Maine qualify for rebates when upgrading insulation and air sealing, especially when improvements are guided by a professional energy audit.

These programs are designed to lower heating costs, improve comfort, and reduce overall energy use.

The result: improved comfort and lower energy use

After the improvements were completed, the homeowners noticed immediate benefits.

Rooms that had previously felt cold and drafty became more comfortable, and the home’s heating system no longer needed to run as frequently to maintain a steady temperature.

Upgrades like these often provide long-term value through reduced energy costs and improved year-round comfort.

What Maine homeowners can learn from this

This project highlights an important lesson: even newer homes can benefit from targeted efficiency improvements.

Air sealing and insulation upgrades are often among the most effective ways to improve comfort, reduce heating costs, and extend the life of heating equipment.

A professional energy audit is typically the first step in identifying the most impactful improvements.

About Evergreen Home Performance

Evergreen Home Performance helps Midcoast Maine homeowners improve comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality through energy audits, insulation upgrades, and air sealing services.