SACO — The Code Enforcement Office is targeting drafty windows, leaky doorways and other gaps and cracks as they conduct free energy surveys in homes throughout the city this winter.
The surveys are not an audit, but a way to identify some of the “low hanging fruit,” said Code Enforcement Officer Mark Mitchell. As much as 60 percent of heat loss in a home comes from cold air leaking into the house, bringing fuel costs up, he said.
“If we can go through a house and do an energy survey and save people 100 gallons (of fuel) a year, we’re pretty happy,” said Mitchell.
The survey takes about an hour and a half, said Mitchell. He and the homeowner go through the process together every step of the way, searching all areas of the house, from basement to attic, he said.
A remote thermometer is used to help determine changes in temperature around leaky areas of homes. Leaks are often found in the gaps around windows, doors, attic hatches and gas lines as well as clothes dryer vents held open from lint, he said.
Problem areas are identified and methods to help stop leaks are discussed.
“I don’t want to just be green, I want to help people save green,” said Mitchell.
Many of the solutions that Mitchell recommends are simple and low cost. Items recommended to help reduce leaks include light switch and outlet sealers, pipe insulation and insulating foam that can be used to seal gaps and cracks.
One item that Mitchell recommends is a Smart Strip power strip, which reduces electricity use by eliminating “ghost loads” or electricity used by appliances such as video game systems and televisions when turned off.
“The little things add up,” said City Councilor Eric Cote.
Cote said he has made changes in his household, including switching over to compact fluorescent light bulbs and caulking windows.
Cote said the energy surveys provide a great educational service for people to discover simple items, such as the Smart Strip, to reduce energy use.
Reducing energy citywide has been one of the goals of the city council, and other city initiatives have included handing out free fluorescent light bulbs to voters during elections.
To sign up for a survey, call 284-6983 or e-mail mmitchell@sacomaine.org.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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