BIDDEFORD — Winter is the time for comfort, for warmth, and time spent indoors at home. But for some community members, winter is a struggle to pay surging energy bills and to keep cold from creeping into the household.

In an effort to help residents better protect their homes from winter weather, the city of Biddeford and the Age Friendly Biddeford Program have teamed up with Habitat for Humanity York County’s “Keep York County Warm! Program” in offering a free weatherization program.

“Age Friendly Biddeford is part of a tri-community Age Friendly Consortium with Saco and Old Orchard Beach and is collaborating with Habitat for Humanity and Efficiency Maine to bring this program to a small number of eligible households in Biddeford,” said Linda Waters, Biddeford’s  Community Development Coordinator.

Waters said Biddeford residents are eligible to participate in the weatherization program as long as they own their home and are income eligible in accordance with Habitat for Humanity application guidelines.

She said that because of budget constraints, the program can only serve eight qualifed participants on a “first-come, first-serve” basis right now.

“However, a waiting list will be kept of applicants beyond the maximum to be served this year,” Waters said. 

With applications now being accepted and available on the city of Biddeford’s website, Waters said it’s imperative with the limited amont of funding for the prorgam to complete the application, including the requested documentation, and return it as soon as possible.

“As a participant in this program, you would receive an energy upgrade bundle which provides up to six hours of basic air sealing and an energy audit,” she said. 

The weathization bundle includes insulating box sills with spray foam; sealing or insulating a mobile home underbelly (if applicable); repairing, insulating and sealing doors or hatches; and sealing or insulating heating system ductwork.

Waters said that Habitat for Humanity also provides interior storm window inserts at no cost to the homeowner.

Those with questions regarding the application and process are asked to call Waters at 284-9105 or send her an email at lwaters@biddefordmaine.org. Completed applications can be mailed to Linda Waters, City of Biddeford, 205 Main St., Biddeford, Maine 04005. 

For questions about the weatherization program, call Habitat for Humanity at 985-4850.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com.