Better Buildings for Michigan invests $1.5M to help Grand Rapids homeowners reduce energy bills

A $1.5M grant through the State of Michigan's Better Buildings for Michigan program is helping residents of six Grand Rapids neighborhoods save money on energy costs by showing homeowners how to make their homes more energy efficient. The grant is part of a $70 million Department of Energy grant that could help improve energy efficiencies in some 11,000 Michigan homes, including up to 3,000 Grand Rapids residences.

The City of Grand Rapids hired the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) to conduct "sweeps" in the six neighborhoods to educate homeowners on the low-interest loans available through the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program and various incentives for making their homes more energy efficient.

Through the program, homeowners pay $50 for a home energy assessment that determines where the greatest energy costs lay, says Ann Erhardt, WMEAC energy programs manager. In Grand Rapids, state-certified contractors DwellTech Solutions and WellHome conduct the assessments using a blower door and infrared camera to find air leaks and cold spots, and also test for gas leaks and safe combustion around furnaces and water heaters. While on-site, the contractors begin sealing up air leaks, wrapping pipes, and installing energy-efficient light bulbs.

The assessment produces a report and infrared photos showing problem areas, then provides a suggested action list ranked by estimated cost savings. If the homeowners choose, they can hire the contractor to fix the problems, or can hire someone else. Erhardt says the advantage to using the state-certified contractors is that they can help homeowners apply for the low-interest loans and state tax incentives.

"The assessments really tell you what improvements will help your home the most," Erhardt says. "It might not mean getting new windows, it might mean air sealing your home or insulating your attic."

The first sweep wrapped up in Eastown last March. A second is underway through the month of June in Riverside Park. In July, WMEAC will be in Oakdale, followed by three more neighborhoods to be determined.

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Source: Ann Erhardt, West Michigan Environmental Council Energy Programs Manager; Jan Patrick, Michigan Biomass Energy Program
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor