ROCKLAND — Knox and Waldo County homeowners, landlords and renters can now sign up for low-cost, energy-saving window inserts from the WindowDressers Community Build Programs in Rockland, Belfast, and Searsport.

Inserts provide an affordable solution to a common problem in many Maine homes: drafty windows. The volunteer-made interior storm window inserts warm homes and helps people save money on heating. Homeowners can see fuel savings of up to 25 percent or more, depending on the other insulation factors in the home.

WindowDressers is a Rockland-based nonprofit organization producing low cost insulating window inserts at 15 Community Builds throughout Maine. Inspired by the barn-raising model, its mission is to bring community volunteers together with the common purpose of fabricating affordable window inserts that provide warmth, lower heating costs, and lower CO2 emissions.

Inserts are custom measured and cut, then wrapped with clear polyolefin film and shrunk drum-tight on both sides to create clear views through an insulating dead-air space. Foam weather stripping around the outer edges stops drafts and gives the insert a clean custom fit. The inserts have pine frames and are installed from the inside of windows. They are estimated to have an R factor approaching three. With reasonable care, they can be re-used year after year.

The cost of inserts is based on the size of the window and the choice of finish (natural pine or white). For instance, the price for a 32" x 51" insert in pine is $23.44 including tax, and for white, $28.01. WindowDressers has a goal of reserving 22 percent of its annual insert production for low-income households. These customers can receive up to ten windows for a requested contribution of $10 in total.

Teams of volunteers will be measuring windows beginning in April. The inserts will be produced at the Community Build at Lincoln Street Center in Rockland from the beginning of September through December; and at Community Builds at the Boat House in Belfast (November 10-23) and at Searsport Union Hall (October 24 - November 4). The number of homes and businesses taken on by the Community Build is limited, so interested households should not delay. New volunteers are always welcome.

To sign up to have a volunteer team measure your windows for inserts and to find out more about your local Community Build, go to windowdressers.org and fill out the contact form. You can also call (207) 596-3073, or email info@windowdressers.org. A local measuring team will call you to make an appointment.