Energy efficiency is a sustainability win. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps keep our planet environmentally healthy. Improving your energy efficiency can start small, and options are available whether you rent or own your home.

Energy Audits

You can schedule a free energy efficiency audit for your home and create a plan to improve efficiency.

• DTE free Home Energy Assessment
• Consumers free Home Energy Analysis
• Energy star Yardstick Tool

Energy Efficiency Tips & Tricks

Explore advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Whether you own or rent, there are actions you can take, across a broad spectrum of required investment.

• Department of Energy energy efficiency guidance
• Energy star Home energy savings tool
• Department of Energy energy saving tips for renters
• DTE Energy Savings explorer
• DTE Energy Savings tips
• Consumers Energy Savings solutions
• How to keep your HVAC system running efficiently

If you’re looking to make a bigger investment in energy efficiency, such as upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system or improving your home insulation, consider the following funding options below.

• Michigan Saves – A green bank providing low-interest financing for sustainability projects
• Consumers Helping Neighbors – A low-cost energy efficiency program for low-income residents
• Weatherization Assistance Program – A no-cost energy efficiency program for low-income residents
• Oakland SAVES – Applications are currently closed
• How to select an energy efficient appliance

Electrification

Electrification refers to replacing equipment that uses fossil fuels with electricity-powered equivalents. For example, you may replace your gas-powered lawn mower or leaf-blower with an electric one. You may replace a gas stove or gas furnace with an electric stove or electric heat pump.

Electrification can have a significant impact on the carbon emissions and air quality in your community.

What is electrification?

• International Energy Agency info on electrification
• Department of Energy info on electrification

Resources to explore electrification options and potential savings:

• Rewiring America’s Electrification Savings Calculator
• Electrify Everything in your Home
• Federal tax credits for solar
• Federal tax credits for EVs
• Home Energy Rebate Program – Upcoming federally funded rebate programs for efficiency, electrification, and appliances

Energy Information for Oakland County Residents

Save the planet and save money too!

Federal Resources

There are several resources available for Oakland County residents to learn about tax credits for energy efficient home improvements.

The United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) Home Energy Savings Hub offers information on how homeowners can make energy saving changes and take advantage of federal tax rebates while submitting the IRS Form 5659. The DOE also provides information on appliances and home upgrades that are eligible for tax rebates and allows users to find available incentives based on ZIP code.

If you are unsure where to begin with energy efficient home upgrades, consider a home energy assessment. An assessment can help you determine how much energy your home uses, where your home is inefficient, and which problem areas and fixes you should prioritize to save energy and improve the comfort of your home.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Assessment Page contains information on professional and Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessments.

State of Michigan Resources

The State of Michigan and the Department of Energy, Great Lakes and the Environment (EGLE) provide additional information about the federal Home Energy Rebates Program. The Home Efficiency Rebate and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate programs fund energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for Michigan residents. The amount of money available depends on the following factors:

• The household's income
• Identified energy efficiency upgrades for the home
• Estimated energy savings,
• Rebate limits (established by DOE and EGLE)
• The selected upgrades being installed
• Total project costs.

All homeowners and renters of single-family and multi-family buildings are eligible. EGLE aims to prioritize serving Michigan's low- and middle-income households, including residents participating in other federal assistance programs. Standard Rebates will be available for households earning between 81%-150% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and Enhanced Rebates will be available for households earning 80% or below the Area Median Income.

The program will be available statewide in spring 2025.