Low-income mobile home owners in Maine can replace costly oil heating with whole-house heat pumps through an Efficiency Maine pilot program.

The initiative offers a $13,900 rebate, bringing homeowners' share to $1,000.

Here's what to know

Greystone Mobile Home Cooperative in Veazie became the program's third participating park, following Shady Oaks in Arundel and Fox Run in Lewiston, according to WABI. The rebate is available through December 31.

Under the initiative, ductwork carries heat throughout the home, rather than limiting it to a single room as a wall-mounted unit would. Participating mobile homes will receive these heat pump systems in place of their oil furnaces, Jake Norris, who coordinates external organizing at the Maine Labor Climate Council, explained.

Maine state Sen. Mike Tipping, a Democrat from Penobscot, noted that kerosene exceeds $7 a gallon and heating oil exceeds $6. 

"We have the highest prices ever, we have the oldest housing stock in the country, and it is creating a crisis this winter," Tipping said, per WABI. "But what we're hearing right now is really concerning. People are looking at kerosene that is over $7 a gallon, oil that's over $6."

And because older homes and mobile homes often have poor insulation, Tipping told WABI that "it's often the people that can least afford it that are facing some of the highest costs right now," leading to the desire to see a program like this that addresses the problem. 

Upgrading heating and cooling is one of the best ways to save on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices, especially since heat pumps can be installed alongside any existing heating while also providing cooling. Palmetto can help homeowners explore their HVAC options and reduce energy bills with newer, more efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps. 

For those on a budget in particular, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network helps homeowners find efficient heating and cooling solutions and connects them with vetted installers while offering payment plans that include leasing the equipment with no upfront cost and maintenance included.

More background

Medicine and lot rent are among the expenses Greystone residents may have to sacrifice to buy heating fuel, WABI reported.

Water access is also at stake. Without enough fuel to keep pipes from freezing, residents may lose water flow throughout their homes.

Heating bills can be especially steep for mobile home residents on limited incomes, Tipping explained. Their homes often have less insulation than houses, and the kerosene many use to heat them costs more than other fuel options.

What's being done?

Homes must meet energy-audit requirements for their low-income residents to qualify, Norris said. Eligible residents include recipients of MaineCare, HEAP, TANF, and SNAP. The Maine Labor Climate Council has helped get the word out and supported installations.

Dawn Bisson, who has lived at Greystone for nine years, applied after seeing how the initiative helped her neighbor. Bisson asked neighbors to gather on her deck to discuss their struggles affording heat.

"I worry about my coworkers, my children, my grandchildren, and the people who live in this park," she said.

For homeowners not ready to spend up front, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.

Homeowners can pair solar panels with electric appliances, including efficient HVACs, to drive utility costs even lower. EasyHome makes it easy to compare solar options and find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget.

Where can I learn more?

Homeowners across New England are considering heat pumps to get away from costly oil heating.

• A Maine ranch is preparing for a whole-home heat pump overhaul after losing heat.

• In Maine, some mini-split owners say cold-climate units handle subzero winters without backup heating.

• In Maine, heat pump installation quotes of $20,000–$25,000 raise sizing concerns for a small house.

• Seven Massachusetts towns have combined incentives, bringing one heat pump to $2,000 through stacked financial assistance.

• A New Hampshire homeowner who swapped oil for heat pumps says $6 fuel vindicates the switch.

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