Keeping your home warm throughout winter is expensive, but there are ways to lower costs and funds that can help.

Funding available to help make your home energy efficient

If your home needs energy efficiency improvements, cost share funding is available to help you complete projects like air sealing and insulation, furnace and air conditioner replacements, and cold climate air source heat pump installation. The first step is to apply for a city-discounted Home Energy Squad planner visit. Residents of St. Louis Park qualify for a 50% discount, and income-qualified residents are eligible for free Energy Squad visits. Call 651.328.6220 or visit www.mncee.org/home-energy-squad to sign up.

At your visit, you’ll learn how your home uses energy and what energy-saving opportunities can lower utility bills. Energy experts can also install materials such as LED lightbulbs, door weather stripping and more. After your visit, you can apply for the city’s Climate Champions cost share funding on the Climate Champions page for matching rebates ranging from 50% to 200% of project costs.

Bonus solar reimbursement

Energy efficient homes and buildings use less energy to heat, cool and run appliances and electronics. Ensuring your home is energy efficient is an important step to take before going solar. Energy efficient homes may qualify for the City of St. Louis Park Climate Champions Solar Bonus cost share program. Visit the Climate Champions page or email apottorff@stlouisparkmn.gov to learn more about the program.

Efficiency programs for apartment buildings

Apartment buildings with more than five units are eligible for a free whole-building energy audit through the Multi-Family Building Efficiency program from Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy for no-cost direct install options and bonus rebates. Property managers can sign up at www.multifamilyenergysolutions.com.