UMaine Extension offers energy tips

    Are you looking for information on inexpensive things to do to your home or apartment to reduce your heating costs and/or make you more comfortable this winter?
    UMaine Extension is sponsoring an “Energy Saving Tips” program on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the UMaine Extension office in Presque Isle. Homeowners, home renters, apartment renters and all interested people are welcome to this free program. Please contact our office by mail at P.O. Box 8, Houlton, ME 04730; by phone at: 532-6548 or 800-287-1469; or e-mail: aplant@umext.maine.edu to let us know you are coming so we can have enough handout materials for everyone. Space is limited to 30.
    This program will give you relevant information on how you can reduce your energy use and costs in your home. First, you will assess how much you use and look at ways you are losing heating energy in your home or apartment. Simple low-cost ideas will be discussed that you can implement to reduce heat loss and make you and your family more comfortable, including how to reduce air infiltration and water heating costs. Energy use in the kitchen for meal preparation, dishwashing and refrigeration will be discussed, as well as energy use in the home laundry. Techniques and tips for reducing lighting energy will also be discussed.
    Moderate and significant energy-saving techniques will also be discussed including supplemental home heating methods, insulation materials, maintenance schedule of current heating system and the importance of ventilation.
    A discussion on return on investment for major energy expenses and an overview of alternative energy sources will round out the program.
    To sign up for this program or for questions about the program, contact our county Extension office at the address above. UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals. If you are a person with a disability and will need any accommodations to participate in this program, please call to discuss your needs. Please contact us at least 14 days prior to this event to assure fullest possible attention to your needs.