Hour Weatherization: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Hour Exchange Portland collaborated with partner community organizations in an effort to winterize 18 low-income houses within the Greater Portland area. Volunteers preformed various air sealing and energy savings tasks throughout the homes. Over 30 volunteers participated in this project and all houses were effectively winterized. The project highlighted King's commitment to community service and assisting those in need.

Crew Leader Alexa Plotkin preps a window for winterization. Photo courtesy of Stephen Davis Phillips sdp-p.com.

Hour Exchange Member Hagos Tsadik finishes installing a CFL light bulb. Photo courtesy of Stephen Davis Phillips sdp-p.com.

Volunteer Julienne Coleman puts pipe insulation around hot water pipes in a basement. Photo courtesy of Stephen Davis Phillips sdp-p.com.

Crew Leader Trista Garrity and Volunteer Dylan Wood putting plastic on windows. Photo courtesy of Stephen Davis Phillips sdp-p.com.

10 Ways to Save Energy

1. Water Heater

Set your water tank thermostat to 122 degrees and add an insulation blanket. Insulate your hot water pipes as well. Save up to 7% on your water heating bill.

2. Lighting

Replace incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps. By replacing your home’s five most frequently used lighting fixtures you can save up to $65 each year.

3. Phantom Loads.

Eliminate phantom loads with power strips and timers. Many appliances are on when you think they are off. Save up to 14% in the other electrical category.

4. Programmable Thermostat.

With proper use. ENERGY STAR programmable thermostats can save about $150 every year in energy costs.

5. Air Seal Your House.

Air seal gaps and holes in your house. Start with your basement sills, then pipes, wires and lights through the attic floor. Next, seal your walls, windows, doors and electrical outlets. You can save up to 10% of your energy bill by air sealing.

6. Appliance Efficiency.

Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances- from refrigerators, cold clothes washers, and dishwashers, to room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and air cleaners. You can save up to $75 a year in energy costs while saving the environment.

7. Attic Insulation

For very cold Northeastern climates, 14 inches of blown cellulose insulation is recommended to achieve R-49. Don’t forget to insulate attic door. Savings vary depending upon how much insulation is already in place. An energy audit will tell you what you need.

8. Wall Insulation

Consider insulating your walls if you have not already done so. This is difficult in an existing home and requires a contractor. Savings may be significant, but vary widely.

9. Basement Walls

Insulate your exposed exterior basement walls. Think of this area as one giant single-pane window without the solar gain. This a major product and requires a professional. Save 5-20% on space heating.

10. Heating System

Heating and cooling costs amount to over half the home’s total energy bill. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment and sealing your ducts can cut your energy bill by as much as 10-40%.

Hour Weatherization

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

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