Fair offers visitors tips on saving energy and money this winter | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
October 12, 2011
Adrian Villegas, energy auditor for the Social Development Commission (SDC), shows the crowd how to properly set their water heaters. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Despite temperatures hovering near the 80-degree mark, neighborhood residents had wintry conditions in mind recently as “Weatherization Fair 2011” took place at Clarke Square Park.
The fair, hosted by the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC) of Milwaukee, offered visitors the opportunity to learn weatherization tips that organizers say are good for the environment and their checkbooks.
Maria Matos peers into the bag containing her weatherization kit. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Residents moved through five stations, each featuring an energy conservation demonstration. Steve Briggs, energy auditor for SDC, manned the station offering tips on proper settings for a water heater.
“Most people keep their water heaters turned all the way up at 140-150 degrees, which keeps them running constantly, but they only need to be set to 120,” Briggs said.
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After visiting all five stations, residents received a free weatherization kit from the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative and SDC. The kit, valued at more than $50, contained foam tape, two light bulbs, and energy-saving and weatherization products.
Erica Caldwell, who received a kit, said that this is the first year she plans to weatherize her home. When asked why, Caldwell simply said, “I need to lower my We Energy bill.”
SDC also provides free weatherization services to homeowners and tenants who qualify.
For more information or to see if you quality for SDC’s Weatherization Program, call (414) 344-9010.