Customer Testimonials

Our goal in working with Penobscot Home Performance on our new construction was to end up with a home that was energy efficient, comfortable and healthy. We could not be happier with the results. Our heating bills this winter have been very reasonable. We have absolutely no drafts and the temperature within our home is remarkably stable despite significant outdoor temperature swings - even in the spring and fall when our heat and AC are off completely. Matt and Paul were extremely helpful and professional throughout the process. More importantly, they helped us prioritize the components of our insulation package so we could make decisions that let us get the most bang for our buck while staying within our overall budget.

Brad W., Bangor

We had thought that our 1890s house was reasonably tight, what with blown cellulose in the cap and walls, high quality storm windows, and heavy insulating bats along the foundation. To our surprise, the blower door test showed cold air pouring into the basement, as well as at the wall between the finished and unfinished parts of the attic. The entire energy audit was an education, as Matt and Paul took plenty of time to explain what they were doing and learning. An excellent detailed report helped us to understand how our house compared to national standards and similar homes. The estimate was broken down into sub-jobs showing clear costs and potential benefits for each, which helped us to decide which to prioritize.

Ultimately we had additional cellulose blown under the floor and along the outer walls in the unfinished attic, a new insulated wall built, and smaller leaks sealed around plumbing vents and in storage cubbies of the finished attic. In the basement, the fiberglass bats were replaced with expanding foam insulation, and new energy efficient windows were installed. While insulating the damp crawlspace at the back of the house, the crew also sealed that area with heavy polyethylene. This dramatically improved air quality in the basement and in the rooms above the crawlspace.

Matt and Paul and their workers were great to deal with, always professional, pleasant and reliable. They came when they said they would, worked hard on the job, and cleaned up after themselves. Matt kept us well informed about the work schedule and was very accommodating about any changes we might request.

While it's too early to predict the impact on our winter fuel bill, this autumn the house is definitely holding heat better through the night and feels much less drafty on windy days.

Thanks, Matt and Paul, for helping us to stay cozy and put a bit less carbon out into the atmosphere! We'll keep you posted on the results after the cold weather arrives.

Naomi J. , Bangor

In September 2008, Matthew Damon performed my home energy audit. In March 2009, Penobscot Home Performance replaced all of the insulation in my garage and my attic, created a cap to seal off the attic from the living space, installed a ceiling fan in my previously-unventilated bathroom, and sealed off my attached garage from the rest of the house. Over the last year, since the improvements were made, my annual oil consumption has decreased by two-thirds from what it was prior to the upgrades. I was thrilled with the professionalism of the P.H.P. crew; they always arrived when they told me they would, I felt confident leaving them in the house to do the work, even if I needed to leave the house, and the job was finished before the estimated completion date. Additionally, there were no hidden or surprise charges - what they told me it would cost was what it actually cost. I would highly recommend P.H.P. to anyone looking to upgrade the energy efficiency of their home.

Amanda G., Bangor, ME

January 2009 oil usage: 261 Gallons.

January 2010 oil usage: 94.5 Gallons.

I've been keeping detailed records of our power usage since we moved into the house. No other usage factors have changed - our thermostat is still set the same. Thus, these figures can only be related to your energy updates. Since you guys insulated the basement and attic, we've saved $703.04 in fuel oil, $60.19 in propane use, and $76.84 in electricity. That's $840.07 in six months.

Many thanks.

Jamie B., Bangor

Paul and Matt performed an energy audit for our 80 year old home this past spring. They were very professional as they explained what they were testing, how and why. During the audit they discovered many areas in our home that had cold air pouring in (and heat pouring out!). They walked us around the house using the thermal imaging camera to show us all the trouble areas, although in some places it wasn’t needed as we could feel the draft easily!

They also checked our boiler & water heater for efficiencies and safety and pointed out small exhaust leaks that needed attention in both appliances. After the audit they discussed several projects we could do ourselves, as well as a full report of the projects they could do for us and how soon they would pay for themselves in lower fuel costs. Equally as important, they didn’t try to sell us on more expensive projects that didn’t have good payback times.

In the end we opted to have our basement and attic sealed and insulated, as well as a more powerful and quite bathroom fan to get excess moisture out of our home. Great job guys and looking forward to the savings this winter!


 

Tim O., Bangor

I requested an audit in order to meet the requirements of the Maine solar rebate program. The audit uncovered some problem spots with an otherwise well-insulated and sealed home, and explained how and where heat moved through the house. The audit itself was an education for me as well as for the builder and architect. We learned a lot about heat flow and proper insulation and sealing during the building process. An energy audit of this quality pays for itself over and over.

Sue M, Bar Harbor

Hi Matt! I thought you'd like to hear more complete news on the energy savings at my house since you completed the insulation and weatherization work.

From January through April 2008, oil consumption was 918.9 gallons; in the same period in 2009, it was 398.3 gallons. During that period in 2008, electricity consumption totaled 3451 kilowatt hours; in 2009, it was 2914.

Thanks! I've loved it!
 

Sharon J., Milford

Thank you for your help and pleasant attitudes as you worked. I hope your company succeeds. You both deserve it.

Kathy T., Orono

Penobscot Home Performance conducted an energy audit of our house and completed the insulating and air sealing measures they had recommended. We’ve been very pleased. The house is quieter and more evenly warm, but the best result has been the impact on energy consumption. We have seen sharp declines in consumption of fuel oil and electricity. Our fuel provider fills our 275 gallon tank on a schedule dictated by degree days and past consumption patterns. There have been two deliveries since completion of Penobscot Home Performance’s work: one of 53 gallons, one of 44. In the same period a year ago, there were also two deliveries: one of 152 gallons, one of 149. At this rate, the investment in home improvement will very quickly pay for itself. Even better, we will have made major reductions in our carbon footprint.

Sharon J., Milford