It may be hot now, but winter will be here before you know it. For those who have struggled with rising energy costs trying to heat a drafty home, Window Dressers, a Maine-based nonprofit, may be able to help.
For a limited time, the nonprofit is offering custom-made window inserts at no cost to eligible households in Windham County to help them stay warm and reduce their heating bills.
Window Dressers Executive Director Jessica Williams said "They're easy to install, make a huge difference in comfort, and most importantly, they're free to anyone who qualifies," in a news release.
The inserts act like an invisible layer of insulation, sealing out drafts without requiring homeowners to replace their windows - which can be prohibitively expensive. Each one is measured and built to fit existing windows and can be installed in minutes, organizers said, with no tools, damage, or permanent changes to the home.
In addition to saving residents hundreds of dollars on energy bills, the inserts are said to significantly reduce household carbon emissions, making the program a win-win for families and the planet. Since its launch, WindowDressers has installed nearly 1,000 inserts around Windham County and they say they are ready to help even more homes this year.
The program is open to renters and homeowners, particularly those in older homes or apartments. Priority is given to low- to moderate-income households, seniors, and families on fixed incomes. There is no cost to apply or participate. For households that may not be eligible for free units, window inserts are available at a reasonable cost.
Window Dressers is organizing a network of volunteers to help build the custom window inserts in October in Brattleboro and Rockingham, and is looking for more volunteers to help. Call Brattleboro coordinator Nancy Detra at 802-779-1006, or Rockingham coordinator Peter Bergstrom at 802-444-1860, or visit windowdressers.org for more information.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.