N

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation will be hosting free upcoming home energy workshops in Manchester and surrounding areas during the month of October to help homeowners learn some simple and easy ways to cut down on their home energy use.

The Manchester workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 10 at the DREMC office, 209 E. Fort St., Manchester.

Ginna Warren of Duck River Electric said the program began back in 2017, but took a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are just now being brought back.

“This is nothing new, but they are very well attended,” she said. “Our membership is interested in coming to these because they learn so much from our residential energy advisor Pat Garrett.”

Warren said registration for the workshops is required due to limited space.

The workshop includes a light supper and an educational program presented by Garrett. Workshop attendees will receive an energy efficiency starter kit; limit one per household.

Warren said the starter kits include two LED lightbulbs, window weather stripping, tubes of caulk and foam gaskets that can be installed behind an electrical outlet.

“Those are also places where cold air could come in during the winter and these little foam gaskets go right behind the plate, they are easy to install, and you get several of those too,” Warren said.

Information about rebates available through the TVA EnergyRight Residential Services Program will be announced for retrofit upgrades and new homes to encourage energy efficiency. The rebates are designed to assist DREMC members in achieving their goals to improve energy efficiency year-round and create a more comfortable home.

Warren said those attending a workshop will learn some tricks and trips for making their home more energy efficient that perhaps they might not have thought about before.

“I think probably the most valuable information that is shared with them in the workshop is about the easy things we can do to make our homes more energy efficient, sealing the air gaps around our windows, around our doors, even where electrical and plumbing pipes and wires come into your home,” she said. “Those are little holes too that we tend to forget about.”

Other things like utilizing caulk and expandable form and making sure there is proper insulation will also be discussed.

“We reiterate that adding and improving the level of attic insulation is very effective when you are looking to lower your energy bills in the summer and the winter months especially the attic insulation makes a difference,” Warren said.

For more information about DREMC’s Home Energy Workshops or to enroll, visit www.dremc.com/workshop or call (931) 680-5880.