Get Ready for Winter

October 19th, 2009

Temperatures have fallen below normal for several days and the chill of winter rapidly is approaching. Experts with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension have some tips to help home and small business owners prepare for the season.

The story: Heating fuel prices remain a large part of the budget for home and small business owners. As winter approaches, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has gathered and prepared several resources to help conserve energy and save on fuel costs.

The hook: University of Maine Cooperative Extension energy experts have put together the suggest the following energy saving tips to conserve heat and make homes more comfortable this winter:

1. Seal air leaks on doors and windows through caulking and weather stripping. Add foam outlet inserts and use baby proofing plugs in the outlet to reduce air leakage.

2. Install storm windows and use drapes or other window treatments at night to conserve heat. Lock all your windows to hold the sashes tight in their frame and reduce air leaks.

3. Install and use a programmable thermostat.

4. Turn water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and install faucet restrictors and low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water costs.

5. Increase insulation. This can qualify for 30 percent federal tax credit.

6. Replace old refrigerators with energy star appliance. This can qualify for up to $75 rebate from Efficiency Maine.

7. Close closet doors and doors to unused rooms.

In addition, Cooperative Extension offers a variety of helpful tools on their Web site for:

• Small businesses, including videos of energy saving tips for your business from Deb Neuman, Director of the Target Technology Incubator.
• Home owners, including energy conservation videos to help you around the house.
• Those looking for heating fuel alternatives comparing the cost and value of different types of fuel, available tax credits, and home heating safety.

Contact information:

UMaine Cooperative Extension energy experts Donna Coffin, (207) 564-3301 and Kathy Hopkins (207) 474-9622. For assistance in reaching Coffin or Hopkins, call Aimee Dolloff at (207) 581-3777.