YORK COUNTY   — It may feel quite warm outside today, but winter isn’t far off. For low income homeowners, sometimes keeping warm is a struggle through a lengthy Maine winter, especially with rising fuel costs.

On average, heating oil is up 58 cents a gallon statewide as compared to September 2017, according to the Governor’s Energy Office.

For those with drafty homes, heating costs can be particularly high.

Luckily, Habitat for Humanity’s Keep York County Warm! program, provides weatherization services for up to 40 low-income homeowners annually at no cost, Director Amy Nucci said.

Using Efficiency Maine rebates, Habitat for Humanity York County covers the required $50 homeowner copay to secure $600 worth of air sealing services for each home.

Weatherization Coordinator Alana Shapiro said that a portion of the program, provided through contractors form Efficiency Maine, and also includes an energy audit.

As well, volunteers build and install an average of six interior storm window inserts for each home, saving $16 in energy costs per window each year. and Keep York County Warm! provides LED bulbs, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and low flow devices.

Nucci said the Department of Energy estimates that families receiving weatherization services can see their energy bills reduced by about $437 annually.

Families in need can apply, Shapiro said.

Low income homeowners — including mobile home owners —living in York County’s 29 communities, from Cornish to Kittery, can apply at York County Community Action or their local general assistance office, said Nucci in a statement. Homeowners who qualify for LIHEAP or have received any form of general assistance within the last year are eligible for Keep York County Warm!

Those who would like to volunteer to build and wrap storm window inserts at Habitat for Humanity’s Kennebunk Weatherization Workshop, take window measurements and install window inserts and other weatherization materials, should contact the agency. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, and training is provided to all new volunteers.

Individuals, organizations and churches are also encouraged to “Adopt a home” for $50.

Those with questions  bout the application process or would like to volunteer should email: kycw@habitatyorkcounty.org or call 985-4850.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.