Winter Is Coming

Hello from your A²ZERO Home Energy Advisors!

Winter is coming.  What is your plan for action to address the comfort, safety and cost of heating your home? 

If you already have a Path To Zero report, look back over the recommendations.  The City of Ann Arbor has up to $8,000 in rebates for insulation and air sealing to help you with these projects.  The A²ZERO Heat Pump Concierge can provide system design, pricing, and installation oversight when you are ready to swap out your old gas furnace for new, highly efficient equipment.  And they can apply for Ann Arbor’s heat pump rebate of $4,000-$5,500 on your behalf, along with a rebate for ductwork modifications where necessary ($1,500-$2,500).

Is your water heater 12 years old or more or showing signs of deterioration? If so, it’s a good time to think about replacement. Ann Arbor is seeing strong heat pump water heater adoption rates, and we have $1,000-$2,000 available in rebates to help you make this upgrade, before you face a cold shower in January.

Finally, call us!  We are here to help.  Questions about your options?  Need to understand an estimate you received or help with project planning?  Just sign up for a Consult Call or try us at 734-290-6643 and let’s chat!

Beth’s Story

Beth Venier grew up in Trenton, Michigan and began working for the University of Michigan Health System in the early 2000’s, commuting an hour each way.  She decided to move to Ann Arbor in 2008 and purchased her 1958 brick ranch home in the Van Dusen neighborhood in 2009, not far from Pioneer High School. 

“I love my neighborhood,” says Beth.  “When I had recent surgery, neighbors came by with food and helped walk my dog. It’s really friendly.” 

About 5 years ago, Beth decided to get solar panels on her home. After experiencing a number of power outages and losing all the food in her refrigerator, she saw a Solarize sign in a neighbor’s yard and talked to them about the program. She wanted to look into battery backup energy storage for her solar array, since rooftop panels alone do not provide power when DTE’s grid is out. She then decided to work with Ann Arbor’s Solarize program to help organize a group-buy for batteries so she could have back-up power herself and also help dozens of other people get discounts on solar at the same time.  Beth talks to friends about using batteries instead of generators now: “When that Generac tests itself over and over, you’re paying for all that gas.”

Then more recently, Beth attended an event at the Ann Arbor District Library.  “I heard Missy Stults speak about A²ZERO rebates for heat pumps.”  Beth’s home still had its original boiler from 1958 with baseboard heat and her air conditioner was from the 1990’s.  First, she contacted the A²ZERO Home Energy Advisor for a free assessment and plan.  “They told me my envelope was pretty good, but I could use new HVAC,” and her Advisor recommended she consider a heat pump. 

So, Beth worked with the A²ZERO Heat Pump Concierge, where she received design recommendations and learned about additional state rebates she qualified for.  “It was a good experience, though a long process as the contractor had to replace the attic ductwork and that was pretty complicated.”  But since Beth was replacing the heating and cooling system before it failed, she was able to take her time and do it the way she wanted to.  She was also able to obtain a total of $14,050 in rebates to help complete her project (“who knew I was ‘income qualified’ for the enhanced City rebates?!”).

The heat pump has just been installed, along with the new ductwork.  Beth is inviting a neighbor who helped drive her to therapy to come see the finished work, as they are also thinking about a heat pump. “I’m not afraid of gas, but this is more ecologically friendly, and that’s a good thing.  And I can use my solar to power it.”

Thank you for sharing your story, Beth!