Get Started: Save on Home Energy Costs
Rockford residents gathered on September 17th, 2025 at Krause Memorial Library for the Live and Learn session, Saving Money with Home Energy Rebates, aimed to help homeowners cut rising utility costs and prepare their homes for extreme weather — with expert guidance from Brett Little of the Green Home Institute and Victoria Munro from Walker-Miller Energy Services.
A big thanks to Krause Memorial Library for hosting the event during their exciting expansion campaign. For those who missed it, be sure to check out resources at greenhomeinstitute.org and stay tuned for more sustainability events in Rockford!
1. Start with the basics:
Simple upgrades like sealing air leaks, adding insulation, or replacing old appliances can make a big difference in comfort and energy savings. These “low-hanging fruit” improvements are often DIY-friendly and eligible for rebates or tax credits.
2. Explore tax incentives:
The three programs discussed were the MiHER Program, HEAR Program, and HOMES Program. Applying is easy and only takes about 10 minutes. Be sure to have handy: pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 or 1099 Forms, and your utility provider account numbers.
Homeowners can claim 30% of qualifying project costs, up to $3,200 per year, through federal energy efficiency tax credits. Eligible improvements include
Energy audits (up to $150)
Insulation and air sealing (up to $1,200)
Heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems (up to $2,000)
Windows and doors (up to $600)
3. Think long-term
Bigger projects like heat pumps, geothermal systems, solar panels, and battery storage provide deeper energy and carbon savings — and can often be paired with green financing or rebates to offset upfront costs.
4. Pick one resource and get started!
Attendees learned about several helpful tools, including:
Consumers Energy and DTE have very simple ways to get rebates on your energy improvements. Click the links to start.
Energy Star Portfolio Manager for tracking energy use
GreenHomeInstitute.org/DIYHomeEnergy for project ideas and certifications
Clean Energy Credit Union for low-interest green home loans
Purchase a home Air Quality Monitor - two recommendations are Awair and Luft
Indow Window inserts that can eliminate costly leaks + get 30% tax credits on this purchase
Home Weatherization Assistance is available for low-income households
Green Financing though Michigan Saves or Clean Energy Credit Union or Freddie Mac can help with financing bigger home energy improvement projects.
5. Every improvement counts:
Whether you start with weatherstripping or move toward solar panels, each upgrade helps Rockford take a step closer to a more sustainable, energy-smart community.