As winter sets in, drafty windows don't just keep houses cold – they also waste energy used to heat homes.

The Turlock Irrigation District and Habitat for Humanity Stanislaus County have partnered to address this problem with the Windows of Hope program, offering affordable energy efficient windows to low-income families.

The program offers energy efficient windows for $25 each, regardless of size. Customers are asked to install the windows on their own, following a one-hour orientation session, but Habitat for Humanity can offer aid in some cases.

To participate, a four-person household may not earn more than $33,525 annually. Homes larger than four persons may add $5,730 to the cap for each additional household member.

Homes of one or two may earn no more than $22,065, while three person households may earn only $27,795.

Participants must also own the home in need of the window upgrade.

For more information, call 575-4585 ext. 100, or visit http://www.stanislaushabitat.org/home/windows_of_hope/

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.