Energy efficient buildings save money and resources. There are numerous energy efficiency rebate and incentive programs across the United Sates; SE Michigan residents may be eligible for a program listed below.

Not a Michigan resident? Be sure to peruse the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).

Program: Washtenaw County Weatherization Program (ARRA Funds)

Summary: FREE energy saving repairs, including insulation, furnace & water heater inspection and repair, refrigerator inspection & replacement, caulking, weather-stripping

Eligiblility: Household income at or below 200% of federal poverty level or 60% of Michigan median income for the last three months (family of 4 = $11,272 maximum income in last 3 months) –OR- currently receiving SSI, SDA, or FIP funds.

For more information, please visit Washtenaw County's website.

Program: Washtenaw County Housing Rehabilitation Program – Energy Efficiency Program

Summary: Provides low-income homeowners a low interest, deferred loan up to $15,000 for energy efficiency improvements, including energy audits, Energy Star appliances, energy efficient lighting, windows, doors, heating & cooling systems, air sealing, insulation, and water saving devices.

Eligiblility: Annual household income at or below $74,750 and a qualifying credit score.

For more information, please visit Washtenaw County's website.

Program: Michigan State Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency ‘09-11

Summary: Beginning in 2009, certain Michigan taxpayers are eligible for a tax credit for the purchase and installation of qualifying energy efficient home improvements. The definition of qualifying home improvements is limited to the following categories:

• insulation
• water heaters
• furnaces
• windows
• refrigerators, clothes washers, and dishwashers

All equipment must meet the EPA Energy Star efficiency criteria. The items must be intended for residential or non-commercial use. The amount of the credit is 10% of the installed cost of each improvement, up to $75 for single filers and $150 for joint filers. A taxpayer may not make more than one claim under each equipment category during a single tax year. If the amount of the credit exceeds a taxpayer's tax liability for a given year, the balance will be refunded. The credit only applies to equipment purchased after December 31, 2008 and before January 1, 2012.

Eligiblility: In order to claim the tax credit, persons filing single returns must have an annual income of $37,500 or less and married couples filing jointly must have an annual income of $75,000 or less.

For more information, please visit DSIRE's website.

Program: DTE/MichCon Energy Efficiency Incentives

Summary: Multi-layered incentive system designed to assist homeowners reduce the cost of making improvements, including incentive checks for energy audits, air sealing, insulation, duct sealing, window replacement, up to $1,500 per household

Eligiblility: You must be a Detroit Edison and/or a MichCon customer, the energy-saving measure(s) you install must meet the efficiency requirements set forth by the program guidelines, the incentive claim form must be completed in its entirety and submitted with all required documentation, and the application must be for measures installed on or after June 3, 2009.

For more information, please visit DTE Energy's website.

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Program: FHA 203(k) Rehab Mortgage

Summary: Enables homebuyers and homeowners to finance both the purchase (or refinance) of a house and the cost of its rehab through a single mortgage or to finance the rehab of their existing home – from $5,000 to 110% of the appraised value of the home

Eligiblility: All persons who can make the monthly mortgage payments are eligible, credit score at or above 620

For more information, please visit HUD's website.

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Program: Michigan Appliance Rebate Program (Cash for Clunkers for Appliances)

Summary: Various rebates will be offered, based on appliance and efficiency level, for purchases of appliances following the program’s approval. Must be replacing an older, less-efficient appliance to qualify. Program will continue until funds run out ($8,823,000 from the Dept of Energy) and includes:

• Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) Tier 3 Clothes Washers
• ENERGY STAR® and CEE Tier 2 Dishwashers
• ENERGY STAR® and CEE Tier 3 Refrigerators
• ENERGY STAR® Oil Furnaces
• ENERGY STAR® Plus Propane Furnaces (AFUE 95%)
• ENERGY STAR® Propane Hot Water Heaters (EF>=.67)
• ENERGY STAR® Solar Hot Water Heaters

Eligiblility: State of Michigan residents.

For more information, please visit U.S. DOE's website, Michigan Energy Option's website, or the Michigan's DELEG appliance rebate website.