Energy Efficiency

WindowDressers is a non-profit that focuses on making energy efficient window inserts available to the residents of Maine (with an emphasis for low income houses).

Island Institute is a non-profit organization based in promoting energy efficient ideas and connecting/supporting other non-profits in coastal Maine cities.

The Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO) Food Pantry works with Maritime Energy to avoid immediate shut off and aid low income individuals with energy bill payments.

Energy Star is a government program that promotes energy efficient home appliances (water heaters, dryers, heat pumps). Click the button to learn more about do it yourself projects you can do to weatherize your house.

For window insulation there are many do it yourself kits you can buy at local harware stores, but these are only useful for one season. If you want window inserts that last an estimated 5-10 years WindowDressers window inserts can be revmoved at the end of a season. You can also caulk the outside edges of the window frame to prevent drafty windows.  

Regularly cleaning your HVAC filter on your heating system will maintain an unobstruted flow of heated air.

Using a board of polyfoam you can insulate your attic hatch in order to avoid excess heat loss.

Having a quarter inch gap between the wall and your outlet equates to a 4 inch hole in your ceiling in terms of heat loss. Hence you can get outlet insulators from any general hardware stores to plug that heat loss gap. 

Insulation for doors (door sweeps and v-strips) can be applied in order to plug leaks regarding gaps underneath or on the side of a door.

In houses using forced hot air make sure all of the joints are sealed in order for no excess heat loss. Sealent can be found at general hardware stores.

Because a good portion of the cold air that enters a building enters in the basement, it is important to plug gaps between your basement and the upper floors. This may include clovering gaps  

Being that a foot of concrete has the same insulation value as a single pane of glass, adding rugs and carpeting can increase the insulation value of other concrete and stone/tial floors. 

Your fireplace can be a major source of heat while in use, but also a major source of heat loss when not in use.  If you are planning on not using it during the winter then you can fill a bag with paper (or a more durable substance) and plug your chimney to avoid excess heat loss. Make sure to take it out before you use it again!

As the sun is rotates nearest to the equator, Maine is in the northern hemisphere, hence in order to absorb the most natural sunlight retract the blinds & open all the curtains from all south facing windows during daytime. As well as closing the blinds and curtains during nighttime to retain heat. 

Dryer balls help dry clothes in the dryer faster via allowing for heat to more efficiently reach wet clothes, saving time and money! Can be scented or remain scent nuetral.