Home energy-saving test offer ends April 30

The BetterBuildings for Michigan home energy assessment program is available to faculty and staff members through April 30.

The discounted offer is now available for homeowners referred to the program by Grand Valley individuals already participating; faculty and staff members can invite up to five potential applicants who do not have to be affiliated with Grand Valley to receive the discount. The cost for participants from Grand Valley is $100, which is a $300-500 value.

Nearly 125 faculty and staff members have participated in the energy-saving test that includes a home energy audit and other services that can improve energy performance and lower utility bills.

Michelle Burke, director of Student Life, was an early adopter of the program and said the crew gave her great advice for the next steps to improve their home. “The audit was well worth the time,” she said. “The $100 fee is a great deal just for the materials they install. They outfitted all of our lamps with low-energy lightbulbs, installed a low-flow shower head, and best of all, they installed and showed us how to use a programmable thermostat, and we saw a savings on our gas bill in the first month of use.”

Program participants 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. Participants living outside of the City of Grand Rapids will receive utility rebates and low-interest financing options to make home improvements.

For more information visit www.bbmgr.org/gvsu or call (616) 451-3051.