WindowDressers Community Build will again help residents with energy-saving inserts

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Homeowners, landlords and renters in the Dover-Foxcroft area can now sign up for low cost, energy-saving window inserts from the WindowDressers Community Build program.

Inserts provide an affordable solution to a common problem in many Maine homes: drafty energy-sucking windows. The volunteer-made interior storm window inserts warm homes and help people save money on heating. Homeowners can see fuel savings of up to 25 percent or more, depending on the other insulation factors in the home.

WindowDressers is a Rockland-based non-profit organization producing low cost insulating window inserts at Community Builds throughout Maine. Inspired by the barn-raising model, its mission is to bring community volunteers together with the common purpose of fabricating affordable window inserts that provide warmth, lower heating costs and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Now in its second year, the 2016 Dover-Foxcroft Community Build is possible through volunteer efforts and partnerships with the Maine Highlands Senior Center and the Thriving in Place Coalition. Inserts are custom measured and cut, then wrapped with clear polyolefin film and shrunk drum-tight on both sides to create clear views through an insulating dead-air space. Foam weather stripping around the outer edges stops drafts and gives the insert a clean custom fit. The inserts have pine frames and are installed from the inside of windows. They are estimated to have an R factor approaching three. With reasonable care, they can be reused year after year.

The cost of inserts is based on the size of the window and the choice of finish (natural pine or white). For instance, the price for a 32-inch by 51-inch insert in pine is $23.44 including tax, and for white, $28.01. WindowDressers has a goal of reserving 22 percent of its annual insert production for low-income households. These customers can receive up to 10 windows for a requested contribution of $10 in total.

Teams of volunteers will begin measuring windows in April. The inserts will be produced at a community build Nov. 14-18. The number of homes taken on by the local build is limited to about 30, so interested households should not delay.

To sign up to have a volunteer team measure windows for inserts, go to www.windowdressers.org and fill out the contact form or call 596-3073. A local measuring team will call to make an appointment. To get more involved with the Dover-Foxcroft Community Build,email lmfernow@rcn.com.