$100 home energy audit program extended through March - My29 WFTC Minneapolis-St. Paul

We first told you about this program last October.  The Better Buildings for Michigan program gives homeowners the chance to make energy saving improvements at a discount price.

Step one is a home energy audit, which usually costs $350, but under the program you can get the four hour assessment for just $100.

"The audit helps them identify ways that they can save money on their energy bills, improvements that they may need to make," said Sue McAlpine, the program's director.  "Then they can go ahead and take advantage of the rebates and incentives and make the changes so that they can make their home more comfortable."

She said 3,200 people have signed up so far, but they're hoping for more than 4,000.  It is all made possible thanks to a $30 million grant from the federal government.

More than 30 metro Detroit communities are eligible from the city of Detroit to Washtenaw County.  The program is ideal for people with drafts and cold rooms or homes that need insulation, a new water heater, furnace or roof.

"In the winter it's going to keep your house warmer, and in the summer it's going to keep your house cooler," McAlpine said.

The program matches rebates from the utility companies and gives low interest or zero percent financing for improvements.  They will also install a programmable thermostat, compact florescent bulbs and high efficiency shower heads.  The best part is that you will save money in the long run.  The changes will lower your utility bills all year round.

"People are saving anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to a thousand dollars.  It just depends on the house and the amount of work that they need to do and the amount of improvements that they choose to make," said McAlpine.

The deadline for this program has been extended to March 31.  It is your last chance to get a home energy audit for $100.

For more information or to sign up, call (313) 566-4801 or visit www.mihomeenergy.org.