ROCKLAND – At least 70 percent of the homes in Rockland were built before effective insulation and air sealing were common, according to a news release. This means many residents live in buildings that are drafty and that cost far more to heat than would be needed if the building was tighter and had effective insulation. To help address this challenge, the City of Rockland, through its Energy Committee, launched Weatherize Rockland in December 2016. The next sign-up deadline is Wednesday, July 26.

Breaking Down Barriers For Homeowners
The Weatherize Rockland initiative is designed to make information on options to lower energy use and o improve comfort in homes readily available to residents of the City. Weatherize Rockland is also designed to simplify the process for homeowners to decide if an air sealing or insulation project makes sense for them. For example, any resident living in a single family home, or the owner of a rental property with up to four units, can get a free Home Energy Consult through Weatherize Rockland.
During the consult, staff from Penobscot Home Performance, the home energy contractor for Weatherize Rockland, inspects basements, crawlspaces, heating systems, as well as attics and uses a thermal imaging camera to evaluate wall insulation. Penobscot provides the homeowner with an estimate for proven, cost effective options to lower energy usage. Penobscot staff will also note any problems like roof leaks, mold or vermiculite insulation that need to be addressed before proceeding.

$40,820 In Savings On Home Energy Projects In First Six Months Of 2017
After the homeowner's question of "what types of projects would make my house warmer and easier to heat," the next question is "how much will the work cost me?" All home energy projects done through weatherize Rockland receive a discount on the work from Penobscot Home Performance. Furthermore, the Rockland Energy Committee and the staff at Penobscot Home Performance will work with the homeowner to identify all of the Efficiency Maine Rebates for which a project would qualify.

For example, a home that has the basement, walls, and attic insulated would qualify for Efficiency Maine rebates ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. A home installing a ductless split system heat pump for heating
and cooling would qualify for rebates from $500 to $2,000.

If needed, the Rockland Energy Committee and Penobscot can direct homeowners to financing options tailored to home energy projects.

Since the first Weatherize Rockland signup period closed in January, 23 projects have been completed and more are underway. The total value of these projects, mostly insulation and air sealing work, was $113,120. The cost to homeowners was reduced $40,820 (36 percent) by Weatherize Rockland discounts and Efficiency Maine rebates. If a homeowner considered a home energy savings project in the past, but dropped it because of cost, a project through Weatherize Rockland could be more affordable.

Example: Insulating and Air Sealing A One And A Half Story Home Built In 1880
The main part of Nan's 1½ story home was built around 1880. The home is nearly identical to dozens of similar homes built in the late 1800's and early 1900's in neighborhoods across the City. Except for very
limited fiberglass insulation in the attic, the house was not insulated. Nan kept the thermostat low and she described the heating bills as still being "painful."

Penobscot insulated all the exterior walls, the attic and roof slopes, the basement walls, and under the floor of a small addition. A moisture barrier was added on the foundation walls and extensive air sealing around windows, old chimneys, and wiring was done throughout. Cold air leaks into and heated air leaks out of the heated living space were reduced by 53 percent. Nan indicates her home is quieter and cooler in the summer. "I could not be happier with the work done by the crew from Penobscot Home Performance," according to the release.

Example: Air Sealing And Heat Pumps In A 1960's Ranch
Ria's home was built in 1960 and insulation had already been added to the walls and attic. The Weatherize Rockland project included a day of air sealing work, interior LED lighting upgrades, installation of a two zone cold climate/split system Fujitsu heat pump, and installation of a new Rheem heat pump type hot water heater. When just the hot water heater had been installed, Ria wrote, "my power bill is 31 percent lower this month compared to last year. Color me happy!"

Join Your Neighbors In Saving
2.4 Times More Home Energy Projects Completed In Rockland

For homeowners plagued by ice dams on their roofs in snowy winters, for homeowners with cold drafty rooms, or for homeowner's who fret over heating bills every winter and promise to do something before next winter, now is the time to join neighbors and signup for Weatherize Rockland.

According to Efficiency Maine data, for the first six months of 2017, 2.4 times as many home owners had projects done since Weatherize Rockland launched compared to the same period last year.

Sign Up By July 26
The next sign up deadline for Weatherize Rockland is Wednesday, July 26. Anyone interested can sign-up online at www.WeatherizeRockland.Me/Signup.

Homeowners can direct questions to Info@WeatherizeRockland.Me, check out Weatherize Rockland on Facebook, or leave a message at the City Manager's Office (593-0635) and a member of the Energy Committee will call back.