Every home is different, so we recommend getting an energy audit to get a better idea of your unique home’s current energy efficiency and the opportunities you may have to improve it. With a low- to no-cost energy audit, a trained professional will visit your home and test its efficiency and safety, making some same-day energy efficiency improvements and recommending other projects you can take on when you’re ready.
What Is an Energy Audit?
A home energy audit is an assessment of your home’s current energy efficiency. An auditor will examine your water heater temperature and adjust it if needed, check your home for air leaks, inspect the insulation in your attic and walls, and test your heating system and water heater for safety.
Based on what they find, the auditor will install energy-saving materials for immediate savings. You may be eligible for LED lightbulbs, door and attic hatch weather-stripping, a programmable or smart thermostat, and high-efficiency water fixtures.
You’ll also receive a customized report of the auditor’s findings with recommendations for additional energy-saving improvements, like insulation upgrades. Your report can help you talk to an energy advisor about your project priorities, available financial incentives or rebates, and even contractors who can do your projects.
How Do I Get One?
Your home energy audit will depend on your home’s location and your utility provider. If you purchased a home in Minneapolis after January 1, 2020 or in Bloomington after April 1, 2022, your home received an Energy Disclosure report with energy efficiency details. Find your home’s Energy Disclosure Report here. If you’d like an additional audit, use the resources below.
Twin Cities Metro Area
If you are a CenterPoint Energy or Xcel Energy customer, you are eligible for a Home Energy Squad visit. Visits cost between $70 and $100 for the audit, energy-saving materials, installation, and post-visit advice from an energy professional. Additional materials, like smart thermostats, may be available for an additional cost. Some cities provide visits at a lower cost to their residents, and some residents may be eligible for free visits based on their income.
If you live in Hennepin, Ramsey, or Washington Counties or in Dakota County without CenterPoint Energy gas, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) will conduct your energy audit. Visit the CEE website for more information and to schedule.
If you live in Dakota County with CenterPoint Energy gas or in a Minnesota county not previously listed, ICF will conduct your energy audit. Visit the ICF scheduling page to schedule.
Rochester Metro Area
If you are a Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) or Minnesota Energy Resources customer living in Rochester, you are eligible for the Neighborhood Energy Challenge (NEC) program. You will be able to attend a free energy-saving workshop to learn low- to no-cost energy saving tips. At the workshop, you will be able to sign up for your energy audit. Visits cost $75 for the audit, energy-saving materials, installation, and post-visit advice from an energy professional. Visit the NEC website for workshop dates and to register.
Other Parts of Minnesota
If your utility provider is not listed above or you live outside of Minnesota, you may be eligible for a home energy audit through another provider. We recommend you contact your utility directly to learn more about your options.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Take charge of your home’s energy use with a home energy audit. Not only will your audit save you energy immediately, but you may notice savings on your energy bills. Once you receive your audit and energy-saving installations, you can continue to improve your home’s energy efficiency by making the upgrades that your auditor recommends. For more information on their recommendations or to get started with financial incentives, trusted contractors, and more, Hennepin County and Rochester residents can contact an advisor for free, one-on-one project advice. If you live outside that region, we recommend connecting with a contractor for more information.