Homeowners
Federal Programs
Homeowners can take advantage of federal legislation that does much to promote energy efficiency. Energy efficiency incentives to upgrade existing homes have been extended and are now available for 2009 and 2010. Incentives are available for many energy improvements such as air sealing, insulation, heating, cooling and water heating equipment. Most of these incentives are for 30% of the total cost, up to a cap of $1,500. For more information regarding the federal incentives, please visit www.energytaxincentives.org.
State Programs
Michigan Home Improvement Tax Credit
Households with adjusted gross income less than $75,000 are eligible for a tax credit up to $150 for insulation, furnaces, water heaters, windows, refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. For more information, go to www.legislature.michigan.gov.
Michigan Property Improvement Program
Households with incomes of up to $74,750 may borrow up to $50,000 from the State of Michigan to make energy-efficiency improvements. There is no home equity requirement for loans up to $25,000. Interest rates range from 4% to 8%. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/mshda .
Local Programs / Utility Incentives
DTE/MichCon Programs
DTE and MichCon are offering rebates on various energy efficiency improvements, as well as on the cost of an energy audit. Homeowners can receive a $150 rebate from DTE/MichCon for an energy audit from EverGreen. Starting in 2010, non accredited/certified individuals are no longer able to provide this service in order for a homeowner to qualify for the rebate. Homeowners who have energy audit also qualify for up to $1,325 on energy efficiency improvements. For more information, go to www.yourenergysavings.com.
