The public is invited to two homeowner energy clinics: Thursday, Nov. 19, 1-3 p.m., in the Friends Meetinghouse, Belvedere Rd. Damariscotta; and Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6-8 p.m., in the Waldoboro Public Library, Main St. Waldoboro. Both workshops, jointly offered by the Coastal Senior College and Midcoast Green Collaborative, are free to the public. The instructor is Paul Kando, energy researcher, columnist, and teacher.

A homeowner energy clinic is a two hour workshop that covers the basics of building science and a rich variety of techniques to improve the energy efficiency of an existing house. During and after a richly illustrated presentation, those present are encouraged to ask their own questions and bring up challenges they face in upgrading their houses. The presentation is designed to primarily serve homeowners, but it is also useful to others involved in weatherizing homes and other buildings.

“The idea is to demystify home weatherization and encourage even the most timid home owner to act. The goal is to reduce energy waste and save money, without creating new problems in the house,” said Kando, who has been offering independent energy audits and energy seminars around the Midcoast region for years. “In our eagerness to plug holes that let in cold drafts, it is easy to forget that heat, air and moisture interact in a house, so tightening the structure the wrong way can cause unintended moisture problems, for example.”