Home energy-saving test available through April

Conserving energy and saving money is important to liberal studies professor Justin Pettibone, which is why he jumped on the opportunity to participate in a home energy assessment program offered to Grand Valley faculty and staff members.

Funded by a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the BetterBuildings for Michigan initiative provides a home energy audit and other services that can improve energy performance and lower utility bills. The cost for participants from Grand Valley is $100, which is a $300-500 value.

During an assessment, contractors will uncover where and how much energy a home is wasting, install energy-saving measures such as efficient light bulbs, pipe wrap and new thermostats.

Pettibone said contractors explained everything they were doing during the assessment in his house and put together a customized, 20-page energy audit, which included a list of priorities to increase energy efficiency.

“I learned a lot about the way air flow moves through the house and the importance of insulating small gaps and how it makes a big impact on energy consumption,” Pettibone said. “I will save about 30 percent in total energy costs if I make the suggested improvements.”

Faculty and staff members living in the City of Grand Rapids will receive access to a zero-interest APR home energy loan up $20,000, utility rebates from energy companies and 20 percent off any improvements from the program. Faculty and staff members living outside of the City of Grand Rapids will receive utility rebates and low-interest financing options to make home improvements.

The offer for Grand Valley faculty and staff members is available through April. Learn more at www.bbmgr.org.