DRAFT: “Everyone can do simple things around their residence to help make their homes more comfortable during cold winter days, reduce the amount spent on heating costs, and do your part in reducing the carbon in our air that contributes to global warming,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “And, beyond that, for residents with bigger weatherization challenges, DNREC offers a weatherization assistance program for low-income families.”

Homes lose heat and energy in ways we often don’t notice, such as leaky windows or electric chargersthat are left plugged in when they are not being used. Combined with our need to keep warm in the winter,this can mean higher energy use and more costly energy bills.

To help residents, especially homeowners, find easy ways to reduce their energy use and bills, DNREC’s Division of Climate Coastal & Energy has posted a checklist athttps://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/energy/Documents/winter-energy-activity.pdf. Most of the actions on this list are no-cost, and home improvements such as weather-stripping and foam socket covers cost less than $10 at your local hardware store. Many families have cut their energy bills by making basic energy efficiencyupgrades or taking energy conservation measures. In addition, good energy habits are environmentallyresponsible and set a great example of conservation and stewardship for children.

Low-income homeowners and renters in Delaware can apply to the Division of Climate Coastal & Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program for an energy assessment of their homes and receive improvements such as weather-stripping, insulation, energy efficient light bulbs, and other energy-saving measures – all free of charge. To learn more about the program, visit https://de.gov/wap.

For more information on the Weatherization Assistance Program and other DNREC Division of ClimateCoastal & Energy programs, visit https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/climate-coastal-energy/, or contact the Division of Climate Coastal & Energy at 302-735-3480.