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Nonprofit Launches Pilot Project to Create Cheap Storm Windows

December 28, 2009 - FARMINGTON -- One low-cost solution to keeping homes warm are removable, simple-to-make, interior storm windows that, when combined with other weatherization improvements, can save more than 25 percent on heating bills in older, drafty homes, says a volunteer who teaches others how to build them.

The beauty of the concept is that materials to make a panel cost around $16, said volunteer Nancy Teel, coordinator for the Community Energy Challenge.

"There is a huge need in the community, and this is definitely grass-roots, out-of-the-box thinking," Teel said.

The first how-to pilot storm panel project in Franklin County is going on at 82 High Street in Farmington, a nonprofit, affordable-housing community owned and managed by a group of area organizations.

Volunteers Tony Curtis and Brian Strothman, both of Farmington, were busy measuring windows there recently.

"This is all about keeping people warm, the environment and the economy," Curtis, an 82 High Street resident, said as he worked.

Curtis and Strothman are among 18 volunteers, six of whom are residents at 82 High Street, who have so far built and installed 12 panels for two units.

The Rev. Scott Planting, a member of the 82 High Street board of directors, said he is pleased to see the project is also getting residents involved.

"It is very hard to save energy in these older homes, but Nancy is getting great support. I am very glad that this is the pilot project," he said.

The project is part of the Community Energy Challenge, collaboration with the United Way, the Maine Commission for Community Service and Keep ME Warm, a statewide initiative funded by Efficiency Maine and Maine Housing.

The storm window initiative is part of the statewide weatherization effort by Keep ME Warm that has arranged to have 2,000 panels made at state prisons, according to the state's Web site.

Additional funding through the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area and the Maine Hearth Program will provide 25 Franklin County homes with six window panels each this winter, with the long-term goal of outfitting 100 homes annually, Teel said.

"Please keep in mind, this program is just getting going in Franklin County," Teel said.

"Realistically, it will be difficult to serve all those we hope to in the scheduled amount of time," she said. "The Community Energy Challenge will be an ongoing effort, potentially lasting for several years."

More volunteers are needed to take measurements, build, and install windows in Franklin County homes, Teel said.

Community workshops will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on five Saturdays in January and February starting Jan. 16 at the United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem Township.

Window measurements will need to be done ahead of time, and accurate measurements are critical, Teel said.

People who need inserts can request assistance in measuring their windows by calling the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area at 778-5048.

On Jan. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Charlie Wing, a nationally known author and energy expert who developed the window panel design for Habitat for Humanity Seven Rivers Maine, will offer a free presentation on low-cost ways to reduce home heat loss.

Habitat for Humanity Seven Rivers Maine, based in Bath, serves 31 towns in Lincoln, northern Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties.

The event will be at the Forster Memorial Building on Main Street in Strong. Wing's program is funded by Maine State Housing.

To register for the presentation or the workshops, call the Tri-Valley United Way.

It is open to volunteers, homeowners or renters in the Franklin County area, regardless of skill level, Teel said.

Low- to moderate-income households that qualify for heating assistance can receive six free panels, whether or not they take the training, as long as they sign up for a home window evaluation.

For those able to pay for the heavy-gauge plastic and wood inserts that fit tightly into a window frame, the cost is about $16.

By BETTY JESPERSEN, Morning Sentinel December 28, 2009


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