Get a $100 home energy audit through December - KMSP-TV

October is Energy Awareness Month.  It's also the perfect time to get a home energy audit.  An assessment typically costs $350, but now through the end of the year, Southeast Michigan residents can sign up to get it done for $100.

"What we offer is a very in depth assessment of your home that finds out where it's leaking air, which is the biggest energy drain on most homes," said Jacob Corbidae with the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.

The program is funded by a $30 million federal grant.  More than 30 communities from the City of Detroit to Washtenaw County are eligible to participate.

"Everyone knows this is a good idea, but it's not clear who can you trust, what should you actually be doing, how are you going to afford it," Corbidae said.

The BetterBuildings for Michigan program takes all of that guesswork out of it.  They'll also install energy efficient light bulbs, shower heads and faucets and a programmable thermostat.

Homeowner get a full report about trouble spots and rebates and incentives to make improvements.

The best part?  Making energy saving changes will save you money on your utility bills.

"The potential's pretty high.  Depends on what you want to do," said Corbidae.  "We've got some homeowners who have been saving as much as $800 a year.  That's almost half of most homes' annual energy cost."

So far, about 4,000 Michigan homeowners have taken advantage of this program, but it only runs through December.  If you would like to sign up, visit www.MIHomeEnergy.org or call (313) 566-4801.