Our UUSD Windows of Hope Program
Together the EarthCare Team and the Men’s Covenant Group began a new energy savings program, the Windows of Hope. Household utilities are often one of the largest expenses for residents with low income, sometimes taking as much as 15-20% of their precious earnings, which is often double that of their more affluent neighbors. Although some government programs, such as the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program, address energy problems, none focus on one of the major energy costs — inadequate exterior windows. Windows can collectively waste up to 50% of the total heating costs. The UUSD Windows of Hope Program will help solve this problem.
Spearheaded by Delaware Interfaith Power & Light, the UUSD Windows of Hope Program is named for its centerpiece, the Interior Storm Window. It is 
a simple and effective insert that reduces heat loss in existing exterior windows. Easy and inexpensive to make, these inserts are estimated to decrease each window’s heat loss by as much as 10-20%. The simple wood frames with dual plastic panes are custom-made for any window and are approved for historic districts. Lightweight and easy to install and remove, they add about R2.3 to each window’s current R-value, tripling the insulating effect. The Mylar film used is clear and does not distort the view. The windows also offer the added benefit of reducing external noise, and in an air-conditioned room or home, they can be used in summer to reduce the electric usage. Thanks to a wonderful program from Energize Delaware, this service can be coupled with a low-cost home energy audit and energy conservation education to identify additional ways to lower energy costs.
In order to identify homeowners who would most benefit from the Windows of Hope program, we work with community partners like Meals on Wheels.
The Ellsworth Assembly of God in Ellsworth, Maine has been successfully conducting this program for several years. Their storm window introductory video may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VebKdFdc3ZU.