General
What is the BetterBuildings for Michigan program?
BetterBuildings for Michigan provides incentives and improvements that encourage energy effi-ciency, lower utility bills, and more comfortable living and working spaces.
How is BetterBuildings for Michigan funded?
BetterBuildings for Michigan is funded by a $30 million grant the state received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to achieve more energy- efficient homes and businesses.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to participate?
Eligible participants must live in a designated area within the selected neighborhoods. There is not an income requirement to qualify. Special programs that provide additional energy savings improvements are available for low to moderate income households up to 250 percent of the poverty level.
How are eligible neighborhoods selected?
In order to make the most effective use of the dollars we have, the state chose to focus the program in residential areas with a strong combination of:
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aging but sturdy housing stock,
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committed property ownership, and
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a strong social network.
Why is BetterBuildings for Michigan available in only a select few neighborhoods?
BetterBuildings for Michigan is a public program with a limited amount of funding. The program was designed to test various approaches to driving energy-efficiency improvements. Through this program, we will study the effectiveness of the various approaches to determine how to develop and grow this market long after the grant funding ends.
What if my neighborhood is not chosen to participate?
BetterBuildings for Michigan is not the only program that promotes energy efficiency. You might also look into the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program (www.michigansaves.org). You can help offset the cost of these improvements through rebates available from DTE Energy (www.yourenergysavings.com) and Consumers Energy (www.consumersenergy.com), as well as state and federal tax credits (dsire.org). The Weatherization Assistance Program is also available for lower- income households.
I rent. Do I qualify for the program?
Yes, but renters need to get approval from their landlords. Please contact your landlord and ask if he or she is aware of the opportunity.
Services and Equipment
What specific types of services/equipment will the program provide?
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Locate and seal air leaks in windows and doors
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Seal and insulate ducts as needed
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Install up to ten energy- efficient light bulbs
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Install as many as two high-efficiency shower heads
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Install a programmable thermostat
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Install water heater insulation and pipe wrap
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Conduct comprehensive assessment of home and identify additional energy-saving improvements, such as furnaces, insulation, etc.
I’ve made many energy-related upgrades to my home. What can BetterBuildings for Michigan do for me?
That’s great. Has a professional contractor completed a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy use? If not, you may identify additional opportunities to save energy and lower your utility bills.
Can I receive the BetterBuildings for Michigan grant money and do the work myself?
No. The program covers comprehensive energy assessments conducted by qualified professionals. It also offers energy- saving devices contributed by DTE, Consumers Energy, and other partners.
What if the assessment reveals the need for a new furnace, windows, or other big-ticket items that I cannot afford?
The goal of BetterBuildings for Michigan is to help prioritize energy savings for your home and make modest upgrades at minimal cost to the home owner. There is no requirement to act on the findings of the assessment. Additional incentives, affordable loans, and other resources may be available if you choose to purchase additional energy-saving items.
Contractors
Who performs the work?
BetterBuildings for Michigan contracts with authorized professionals to perform the assessment and install the upgrades.
Can I select my own contractor?
No. BetterBuildings for Michigan has selected authorized professionals to provide the service.
Why do I have to use a BetterBuildings for Michigan contractor?
BetterBuildings for Michigan contractors are specifically trained in the program’s goals and incentives. This is essential to maximize results for individual home owners and to ensure the program’s success.