Home energy audits:

Washtenaw County providers include Infrared Energy Analysis, Buildscan Thermography, and the Clean Energy Coalition.

Watts-up meter:

These tools to measure the power used by your electric appliances are available at Home Depot or online (about $100), or for borrowing from the Ann Arbor Public Library.

Insulation:

The U.S. Dept of Energy recommends that homes in our area install or upgrade insulation to R-49 in attics and R-18 in walls. A list of local insulation contractors is available in the Homebuilders Association of Washtenaw directory.

High efficiency furnaces:

Buy a furnace that has achieved Energy Star rating. Lists of approved products are available at energystar.gov. In general, a gas furnace should be 90% AFUE or higher, oil at 83% or higher. Ask any contractor for these products. For local listings of HVAC installers go to the Homebuilders Association of Washtenaw directory.

High efficiency hot water heaters:

For gas storage hot water heaters, look for efficiency ratings of EF .63 or higher; electric resistance at .93 EF or higher. Search in the GAMA database to find available products by energy factor and tank size. (Be sure to specify your “Energy Source,” “Gas Type,” & “Heater Type.”  Specify “Residential Water Heaters”; under “Section” and enter your desired minimum Energy Factor and storage volume in the provided fields before running the query.)

Programmable Thermostats: 

One of the simplest things you can do to save energy, they are widely available online and at hardware stores.

Low-flow showerheads; 

Most showerheads use over 2.5 gallons per minute. Efficient showerheads (ideally 1.5 gallons per minute) can be purchased online.

Faucet aerators:

Efficient faucet aerators (.5 to 1 gallon per minute) can be purchased online and at local hardware stores. Take in your old aerator to ensure proper fit.

Energy star products:

When in the market for new products, first look on the Energy Star website to find those with high efficiency ratings. Then use their store locator tool to find retailers near you that carry the Energy Star products you are looking for.

Lighting:

Compact fluorescents and LED lights are available at hardware stores and online.

To submit suggestions/comments about this webpage,  please contact:
Barbara Lucas at the Washtenaw County Dept of Planning and Environment.

Funding for this website provided by the James A. and Faith Knight Foundation.