Belfast and Searsport will be among 20 host sites this year across the state fabricating low-cost insulating window inserts during Window Dressers Community Builds. Last year in Belfast alone, over 100 Waldo County volunteers, in the tradition of an old-fashion barn raising, built more than 500 inserts for some 60 customers. Eleven local businesses supported the builds with food, supplies and volunteers.

There are 557,000 homes in Maine, and more than 90 percent of them need weatherization. A total of 6,200 inserts were produced state-wide last year and this year promises to be even bigger and better. Customized inserts are ordered by customers who pay a flat per-window charge. In addition, Window Dressers sets aside 22 percent of its annual total insert production for low-income households, who contribute a small donation.

Window Dressers is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Maine residents by minimizing heat loss through windows. Inserts offer an inexpensive alternative to window replacement, with an average window costing about $25. With 30 percent of home heat loss through windows alone, inserts reduce home heating fuel use and CO2 emissions simultaneously and cut down on drafts around windows as well.

Interested in learning more? Community Builds will take place this fall in both Belfast and Searsport. Visit windowdressers.org or call 207-596-3073 for details or to sign up as a potential customer or volunteer.