Window Dressers presentation: insulating inserts pitched to Eliot Aging in Place; AIP to refer residents

Lisa Raitt, a volunteer coordinator with Raitt Farm, told the Eliot Aging in Place Committee on Feb. 18 that Window Dressers makes insulating window inserts intended to help homeowners save energy and reduce heating costs. Raitt said the inserts are made in Wells and that volunteers in York County measure and install them for qualifying homeowners.

"50-75% savings," Raitt said during her presentation when summarizing measured energy savings reported by the program, and she described grant support that funds installations for residents without funds. Raitt also said the program has reached roughly 9,800 windows across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont and that—per the presentation—some installations include pine-framed windows at a rate described in the slide as "10 windows/year." Aging in Place will serve as a referring agency for residents who need measurements or volunteer assistance, Raitt said. She provided a contact email during the meeting: bones2110@comcast.net.

Why it matters: insulating window inserts can reduce heat loss for older homes, lowering energy bills for households on fixed incomes. Committee members encouraged the group to share the Window Dressers contact information with residents and to include the program in outreach materials ahead of the town-hall showcase this weekend.

What happened next: Committee members accepted the presentation and agreed to list Window Dressers as a referral partner when discussing energy-saving resources. No formal vote or funding decision for installations was made at the meeting; Raitt said grant funds currently cover the costs for qualifying installs.