Getting started with weatherization in South Portland | Our Sustainable City
South Portland Launches Weatherization Kits to Cut Energy Costs
South Portland, Maine – The city’s Sustainability Department has rolled out a new program to help residents lower their heating and cooling bills by sealing leaks around doors, windows and plumbing. The initiative, launched in early September, is part of the department’s Home Energy Program and is being distributed at community events throughout the fall.
What’s Inside a Kit
Each kit contains a bundle of seven items designed for do‑it‑yourself installation. The supplies include door sweeps, weather stripping, window insulation film, pipe insulation, a caulk kit, an air sealing spray, and an instruction manual with a video tutorial. According to the department, the kits are meant to be a first step toward a more energy‑efficient home, with the potential to save up to $400 per year on utility bills, as reported by the Maine Energy Office.
“Small weatherization measures can make a big difference,” said Robyn Landes, an AmeriCorps Resilience Fellow working with the department. “It’s a permanent improvement that can last for decades.”
How Residents Can Get a Kit
The city is handing out kits at two upcoming community events. On Saturday, October 10, residents can pick up a kit from the South Portland Transfer Station between 8 a.m. and noon during the Household Hazardous Waste Day. The second distribution will take place on Election Day, when the department will set up stations at various polling locations from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The department also offers a free, one‑hour home‑energy assessment for households that enroll in the Home Energy Program. For this year, the city’s funding will cover professional weatherization installation for up to 50 households. Those who are not selected can still receive advice and support by visiting the department’s office during its regular hours.
Office Hours and Additional Support
Sustainability staff are available for free, unbiased consultations each Monday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at 829 Sawyer St. Residents can walk in or join an online meeting at tel.meet/ivt‑cixj‑ueg. The office can help homeowners identify clean‑energy upgrades, connect them with qualified contractors, and point them toward rebates, tax credits, and other incentives.
“We want to make it easy for people to get started,” Landes explained. “If you’re unsure which upgrades to tackle or need help choosing a contractor, we’re here to help.”
The Bigger Picture
The program is part of a broader push to improve Maine homes’ energy performance. Weatherization not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances comfort during extreme temperatures. By sealing gaps around doors and windows and insulating pipes, residents can keep cooler air inside during summer heat waves and retain warmth during winter chills.
The initiative’s partnership with Age Friendly South Portland also highlights the city’s focus on ensuring that older residents, who are often most vulnerable to heating and cooling costs, can benefit from the program. Together, the two organizations are working to assemble and distribute the kits, with over 250 bundles already prepared during an early September assembly session.
Residents interested in learning more about the program, requesting a free assessment, or attending office hours can call 207‑819‑5477 or visit the Sustainability Department’s website. The city encourages all homeowners to take advantage of the kits and the professional assistance offered, especially as the cooler months approach.
For further information, visit the South Portland Sustainability Department’s website or contact the department directly.
