As cooler weather approaches and many households begin thinking about rising energy costs, Imagine Grinnell is encouraging local residents to take a closer look at their homes with Home Energy Toolkits and Radon Detection Kits, both available for checkout at Drake Community Library.

Imagine Grinnell’s Home Energy Toolkit program provides residents with practical tools and resources to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, increase comfort, and lower monthly utility bills.

The Home Energy Toolkits include window insulation film, spray foam to seal gaps and cracks, a caulk gun with caulking, LED lightbulbs, a digital thermometer, and a Kill-A-Watt meter to measure appliance energy use. Each kit also includes product descriptions, safety information, and step-by-step instructions. Additional information and instructional resources are available through the Imagine Grinnell website at imaginegrinnell.org.

In addition to the energy efficiency kits, residents can now check out radon detection kits to test their homes for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors.

“Radon is something many homeowners may not think about because you can’t see, smell, or taste it,” said Roger Hill, Imagine Grinnell board member. “Having access to a simple detection kit gives people an opportunity to learn more about the radon levels in their homes and decide whether additional testing or action may be needed. We want to make these kinds of practical resources easy for our community to access.”

Both the Home Energy Toolkits and Radon Detection Kits are free to borrow from Drake Community Library during regular library hours:

· Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

· Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

· Sunday: 2–5 p.m.

The programs are part of Imagine Grinnell’s ongoing efforts to promote a vibrant, sustainable, and healthy community. Other Imagine Grinnell initiatives include Tree Corps, Grinnell Bike Share, Marvin Garden, the Trail Team, and Prairie Burn Gravel Cycling.

Imagine Grinnell is a program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, dedicated to enhancing quality of life through programs and partnerships focused on sustainability, recreation, education, and community wellness.

To learn more about Imagine Grinnell and its programs, visit imaginegrinnell.org.