Save Energy, Save Money
Practical strategies for reducing energy costs in your Maine home — from building science basics to whole-home efficiency.
15 articles
Energy Assessment vs Home Inspection: What Maine Home Buyers Need to Know
A home inspection checks safety and code compliance. A home energy audit checks performance. Here is how to think about the timing for each.
How Often Should You Get a Home Energy Audit? (And When It Matters Most)
Most homes benefit from an energy assessment every 5-10 years, or sooner after major changes or comfort problems. Seven triggers that mean it's time.
How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost in Maine? (2026 Guide)
"Home energy audit" is what most Maine homeowners search for. Horizon Homes does not sell audits. We start with a free energy assessment: a visual walkthrough and a prioritized plan.
The 5 Best Energy Efficient Home Improvements for Maine Homes (2026)
Maine's housing stock is old and heating costs are high. These five upgrades deliver the biggest return, in the right order.
DIY vs. Hiring an Air Sealing Contractor in Maine: What You Need to Know
Caulking a window is a weekend project. Sealing a building envelope is not. Here is where DIY air sealing ends and professional work begins.
Spring Is the Best Time for an Energy Assessment in Maine
We booked 14 energy assessments last week in Greater Portland. By October that number triples and the wait doubles. Why spring gives you the advantage.
This Winter Cost You a Fortune. Next Winter Doesn’t Have To.
Maine heating oil hit $4+/gallon this winter. Spring is the best time to weatherize, add heat pumps, and lock in Efficiency Maine rebates before next...
Beyond Energy Bills: The Hidden Benefits of Weatherization
Most people call us because their heating bills are too high. But the improvements we make change things they did not expect, and those get talked about.
Your Heating Bill Was $1,200 Last Month. Here Is Where That Money Went.
A breakdown of where heat escapes in a typical Maine home, what each area costs you, and which fixes deliver the best return on investment.
Going Solar? Here’s Why You Should Weatherize Your Home First
Before investing in solar panels, reduce your home’s energy waste with insulation and air sealing.
The Whole-Home Approach: Why Smart Homeowners Insulate Before Installing Heat Pumps
Installing a heat pump without insulating first means a bigger, more expensive system. Learn why the order matters.
Home Energy Guide for Gorham and Windham, Maine
Gorham and Windham homes tend to be larger, oil-heated, and under-insulated. Here is how whole-home performance upgrades apply to these properties.
Energy Savings for Scarborough Homeowners
Scarborough homes built in the 1970s through 2000s still lose energy in predictable ways. Here is how to find and fix the gaps that drive up your bills.
Weatherization for Westbrook, Maine Homes
We are headquartered in Westbrook at 865 Spring St. Here is what we know about weatherizing the mill-era homes and workers' cottages in our own backyard.
Air Sealing Services in Portland, Maine
Portland's older homes lose 25-40% of heated air through gaps in the building envelope. How air sealing with blower door testing stops drafts at the source.