Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department and Beebe Library purchased appliance energy monitors and thermal leak detectors

The Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD), in conjunction with the Beebe Library, has purchased appliance energy monitors and thermal leak detectors for Wakefield residents and businesses to borrow and use. The devices will enable residents to see how much energy their appliances use and what areas of their homes and businesses let heat out and cold air in through gaps, cracks and inadequate insulation. The cooperative program was the recommendation of Library Director Sharon Gilley and her staff. WMGLD purchased three Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitors and three Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detectors to make available to customers through the library. “The appliance monitors and thermal leak detectors are great basic tools for people who want to do the first level of a do-it-yourself (DIY) audit, or to check on the effectiveness of their DIY measures,” the Library Director said. “I'm delighted that the WMGLD responded so promptly and so positively to the library's inquiry about this opportunity. Their generosity means that homeowners don’t have to buy this equipment, as the library now has a few for everyone's use.” The equipment has been put into circulation and is available at the Beebe Library to library patrons who have an active card/account in good standing. Patrons must be residents of Wakefield over the age of 18 to borrow the monitor and/or detector. Patrons will be able to borrow the equipment for a one-week period, based on availability. A waiting list will be initiated if necessary to accommodate all requests. “The Kill A Watt appliance monitor is a great way to determine if it’s time to replace that old appliance,” General Manager Dion said. “After you connect the appliance to the Kill A Watt meter, it will show how efficient the appliance is by counting consumption by the Kilowatt-hour. Customers can calculate their electrical expenses by the day, week, month, or year to see whether or not it would more economical to keep the old appliance or replace it with one that is more efficient.” WMGLD residential customers who purchase an energy efficient ENERGY STAR® rated appliance may be eligible for an appliance rebate through the WMGLD’s ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program which provides a rebate of $25 to $100 on the purchase of qualified ENERGY STAR rated refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, room air conditioners, central air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and programmable thermostats, as well as energy efficient water heaters with an energy factor above .61. Information about the appliance rebate program can be obtained on the WMGLD website www.wmgld.com, or by calling 781-246-6363. The thermal imaging detectors can help residents find air leaks that can be easily caulked or sealed, or they can determine whether improvements already made are working. Customers who need to do extensive work to eliminate leaks or drafts through windows, walls, etc. may be eligible to take advantage of the WMGLD Incentive Rebate program. This incentive rebate program for energy efficient improvements is performed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) Home Energy Loss Prevention Service (HELPS) program. WMGLD residential customers who have an energy analysis (energy audit) may be eligible to receive 25% of the total cost of qualified energy improvements they make – up to $300. To take advantage of this program, customers must call the toll-free HELPS hotline at (888) 333-7525 or access the website at www.munihelps.org to obtain information about energy efficiency, renewable energy, and specific information about their own home’s performance. If energy improvements are needed, the caller can schedule an energy audit. If an audit is performed, and the energy conservation specialist makes recommendations, customers can choose whether to make the energy improvements. If the recommended improvements qualify for an incentive, they can submit their paperwork and receipts, along with the energy audit results after the work is done, to the WMGLD to receive the rebate. (This incentive is available only to the residential customer of record once each calendar year.) Customers will only be eligible to receive an incentive rebate for specific energy improvements after an audit has been performed through the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) Home Energy Loss Prevention Service (HELPS) program, and the appropriate paperwork and receipts have been submitted. An inspection of the completed improvements will be required before an incentive rebate will be distributed. There will be no exceptions. Information about the WMGLD Incentive Rebate program can also access this information on the WMGLD website www.wmgld.com, or by calling 781-246-6363. To learn more about the Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitors and Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detectors lending program through the Beebe Library, visit the library website www.wakefieldlibrary.org.