SCARBOROUGH — For those worried about the high cost of energy, thinking about making upgrades to their home to save fuel and funds, or wondering where to turn for heating assistance when the oil tank and bank balance both run low stop by a free Weatherization & Heating Resources workshop on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Scarborough Public Library at48 Gorham Road.
It doesn’t have to cost a lot to keep warm. Draft stops are effective and easy-peasy to make, weatherizing tape and some plastic film can keep more of the heat in, cold out, after all, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”
Investments now can save more over the long term. And, a few small and inexpensive DIY changes right now can help keep a home snug and family warm this winter. Saving energy is good for our budgets and for our planet, too.
Scarborough Sustainability Committee, Scarborough Conservation Commission, Efficiency Maine and Project GRACE are teaming up with the Scarborough Public Library to host the free workshop before the cold settles in.
Efficiency Maine offers low-cost loans for energy upgrades, new rebates on supplies to button up a home, tips to save energy, info on repairing or replacing heating systems, and more.
Learn about the federal HEAP program for income-eligible Mainers, the Keep ME Warm Fund and other local fuel funds for neighbors struggling to pay winter heating bills.
Get tips from a handyman with DIY demos and pick up a free sampling of weatherization supplies and energy-saving LED lightbulbs.
Enjoy light refreshments, too.
“As prices rise and temperatures fall, many of our neighbors will be faced with some tough choices this winter: to eat or heat, pay an oil bill or fill up a prescription,” said Steffi Cox, Project GRACE’s executive director. “Anyone who is worried about their winter heating bills can benefit from snugging up drafts or learning about the help available.”
“Simple fixes and upgrades to reduce drafts and keep heat in our homes will help our wallets,” Town of Scarborough Sustainability Coordinator said. “They also have the added benefit of reducing carbon pollution. They’re a win-win!”
“At the Library we are often consulted first when people seek resources on a topic,” Scarborough Public Library Coordinator of Programming and Communications Lucy Jackson Norvell said. “With regard to providing weatherization and heating resources, it makes sense to team up for an in-person workshop with the Town Sustainability Committee and Conservation Commission as well as our frequent collaborators Project GRACE and Efficiency Maine to focus on such an important topic. We will be sharing action steps residents can take, supplies they can use, and sources of help to consult now that winter will soon be here.”
Event sponsors include: Biddeford Savings, Prouts Neck Association, Caterina MacLean Group/North Star Realty, AARP Foundation, Scarborough Library, Efficiency Maine and Project GRACE. Find more info and links at scarboroughhelps.org
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