Gov. Baldacci visited a Cape Elizabeth home Tuesday for an assessment of the house’s energy use.

The demonstration was put on by Maine Home Performance, which is part of a national program dedicated to improving energy efficiency through home analyses and improvements.

“Today is the coming out party,” Baldacci said of the program, which links homeowners to contractors who are licensed to analyze energy use and make the necessary changes to the house. Though the program has been underway for about a year, it now has enough certified contractors on board – about 20 – to really get going.

“There’s going to be a huge demand,” Baldacci said.

The home of Sarah MacColl on Avon Road was chosen because of its numerous problems, like air leaks and a lack of insulation on the second story. An infrared camera, which shows air leaks that can’t be seen or felt, and a blower door, which is a powerful fan that determines the air infiltration rate of the building, were used to determine the extent of improvements needed in the home.

The assessments determine how homeowners can reduce energy costs, improve the health and safety of their homes and increase their personal comfort. Once improvements are made, not only will homeowners save money and be healthier, the value of their homes can increase.

“Not a lot of people know about this,” said Betsy Elder, contract manager for Maine Home Performance. “This program is going to help Maine become more energy independent.”

“This is something that needs to be done,” Baldacci said.

Sarah MacColl and Gov. Baldacci listen as Tom Boothby, building performance consultant for Maine Home Performance, gives an assessment of MacColl’s Cape Elizabeth home.

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