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Residential Program
 Appliance Rebate Program Launches October 1, 2009
Look for the point of purchase displays at retailers statewide to take advantage of the Efficiency Maine Appliance Rebate Program. Enjoy rebate incentives today and lower bills tomorrow on selected Energy Star appliances:
- Clothes Washer - $50 rebate
- Refrigerator over 7.5 cu.ft./Freezer - $75 rebate
- Refrigerator 7.5 cu. ft. or less - $25 rebate
- Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier - $25 rebate
Be sure to obtain a mail-in rebate form from a retailer at purchase time to submit with a copy of your receipt.
 KILL-A-WATT® ELECTRICITY MONITORS
One of the most requested and popular "whodunits" at public libraries around Maine is the Kill A Watt®.
No, it's not the latest mystery novel on the bestseller list but rather an electricity usage monitor and educational tool kit available for free checkout from the library. The monitors will help Mainers detect the "energy thieves" in their homes, and the tool kit will help them put the lid on power consumption by appliances and electronics in their homes and businesses.
The Kill A Watt® and tool kit is on loan in most Maine public libraries as part of a state-wide community outreach campaign by Efficiency Maine, a program of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Mainers can check out the Kill A Watt® monitors, just as they would check out a book, from their local library at no charge. These monitors simply plug into electrical outlets and then allow a consumer to plug in any appliance to get readout on how much electricity the appliance uses and then calculate how much money it's costing.
The educational tool kits include a home energy savings tips brochure; instructions, informative resource sheet, and an energy tips bookmark which patrons may keep.
Tips for Using the Monitor
- Do not exceed the maximum rating of the device.
- Try using a plug strip or a grounded extension cord for ease of use.
- Read the device before unplugging.
- Test for 1 hour; press the purple button to read the kWh. Multiply the kWh reading by $.17 to find the cost to operate for the hour.
- Complete instructions (To request a hard copy/printed version of this document, please contact Joy.Adamson@maine.gov. Please allow 10 days for delivery from the time of request.)
Whodunit? If you have used the Kill A Watt Energy Detector, please take this survey at Survey Monkey. Unfortunately our limited supply of free CFLs has been exhausted; however, we truly appreciate your survey responses.
Kill-A-Watt Radio Spots
The Line-up | View Audio Script (To request a hard copy/printed version of this document, please contact Joy.Adamson@maine.gov. Please allow 10 days for delivery from the time of request.)
The Interrogation | View Audio Script (To request a hard copy/printed version of this document, please contact Joy.Adamson@maine.gov. Please allow 10 days for delivery from the time of request.)
>> View press release
Don't have a library in your town? Visit the Maine State Library's website to find out how you can request materials via the mail. http://www.maine.gov/msl/outreach/booksbymail
Cost Calculator
To calculate how much an appliance is costing you, check out this calculator created by the Lewiston Public Library. Simply enter in your read-out data from the monitor and the page will calculate how much the appliance is costing you a month.
ENERGY STAR® RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING PROGRAM
ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights) are among the most efficient light bulbs available today. CFLs use 75% less energy to produce light, are cooler to the touch and last 6 to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.
The Efficiency Maine staff is watching the development process and wanted you to be able to check on updates yourself. Go to the Alliance to Save Energy's special tax credit web site, energytaxincentives.org, for regular updates.
Efficiency Maine's Residential Lighting Program enlists the participation of and works closely with manufacturers and lighting retailers to encourage them to produce and sell energy efficient lighting products to the residents of Maine.
Looking for variety, but want to save money & energy?
The CFLs of today offer consumers many options: style, size, color, light output, wattage, indoor or outdoor. Three-way and dimmable CFLs are also available.
Now, no matter what your requirements, there are ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs, light fixtures, and ceiling fans with lighting to complement your interior and exterior décor.
It's all in the packaging.
When purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL — check the package! It will let you know if the bulb is rated for outdoor use, is rated to operate in a 3-way switch or as a dimmable. Proper disposal information is also included. The package will also help you choose the correct wattage. Basically, you need a lower wattage CFL to replace an existing standard bulb.
MAKE YOUR NEXT LIGHT AN ENERGY STAR!
It's easy to make the switch from a standard bulb to a CFL.
Standard Bulb Watts |
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CFL Watt Range |
40 |
........................... |
10-11 |
60 |
........................... |
13-16 |
75 |
........................... |
18-23 |
100 |
........................... |
24-29 |
150 |
........................... |
30-42 |
MAINE HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR®
 The Maine Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program links Maine homeowners with qualified building contractors who provide one-stop-shop access to a whole-house approach for energy efficient retrofit actions and low-interest loans. The program is administered by Efficiency Maine, a program of the Maine Public Utilities Commission. For more information, click here.
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Utilities Commission