The standard energy assessment includes:

-- Assessment of the home's current carbon emissions, annual utility expenses, home's energy ranking compared to all other homes nationwide and recommendations for improving it.

-- Cost/benefit analysis and carbon cutting impact of desired energy efficiency & renewable home improvements whether purchased, financed or done before selling.

-- Allows for special terms with lenders who offer "green mortgages" for home purchase or refinancing, to finance energy efficiency improvements at some of the lowest interest rates available (2.375 - 3.5%) or even short term up-to-24-month 0% interest financing options.

Additionally, if Green Homeowners United is invited to undertake the energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in a home we've assessed/audited, or if you sign up for a "Green Mortgage" when buying or refinancing a home, the amount paid for the assessment or audit will be reimbursed.

Click here to schedule an energy assessment online now, check out available dates/times

We take all precautions with assessments, including sanitizing, distance, masks and everyone affiliated with Green Homeowners United is fully vaccinated.

All the features of the Standard Energy Assessment, plus:

-- Use of special diagnostic equipment such as a "Blower Door", thermal camera and health/safety tests of combustion appliances.

-- Report written for prospective buyers to show the energy profile of the property to encourage encourage higher offers at time of sale.

-- Written scope of work for recommended improvements, either for DIYers or other contractors, to ensure the work is done effectively.

-- Eligibility with energy audit for $750-$800 in rebates from Focus-on-Energy for attic or wall insulation projects that incorporate air sealing.

Additionally, if Green Homeowners United is invited to undertake the energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in a home we've assessed/audited, or if you sign up for a "Green Mortgage" when buying or refinancing a home, the amount paid for the assessment or audit will be reimbursed.

Click here to schedule an energy assessment online now, check out available dates/times

We take all precautions with assessments, including sanitizing, distance, masks and everyone affiliated with Green Homeowners United is fully vaccinated.

Not sure about an in-person home energy assessment? Our Carbon Emission & Green Refinance study can be done fully remotely and at no cost through a combination of a phone interview with you about your home's characteristics and mortgage information, research about the home and communication with your utility company (WE Energies customers only at this time). Our research will give you an idea of if a green refinance can help you, if solar is feasible on your home and what the home's current contribution to carbon emissions is. Click here to schedule a phone interview to start this process.

If you're thinking about refinancing but aren't sure, or you want to pay now for energy improvements that will pay for themselves over time and you don't want to worry about financing or paying interest, consider our Energy Efficiency Improvements package. This $3,500 amount can be paid

1. One-time by check or credit card,

2. As part of a 0% interest no-payments for up-to-12-months financing option that can be taken over by a mortgage lender if you do decide to refinance your home within 1 year after the project is undertaken, with no additional fees or costs.

3. As part of a 0% interest up-to-24-months with equal payments financing option with no extra fees or pre-payment penalty.

The $3,500 Energy Efficiency Improvements package includes:

-- Full energy audit and report, as detailed above.

-- Blower-door assisted air sealing work to identify and seal sources of air leaks in and out of the home. (You spend money to heat & cool the air inside, don't let it leak out)

-- Increasing insulation levels to reduce heat loss in attics, above-ground portions of basements, and/or water heating systems.

--A collection of energy-saving upgrades that can include (but not limited to) smart thermostat, advanced power strips, duct-sealing, LEDs, water-saving improvements and more.

-- A report for future buyers to show how energy efficient the home now is, which studies have shown increase amount buyers are wiling to pay at sale by between $10,500 to $21,100 in the average Wisconsin home.

-- A "Proud Green Homeowner" t-shirt.

-- Guidance in navigating "green refinancing" and other financing tools, which can integrate the cost of our Energy-Efficiency Improvements package.

Additionally, we will provide list of what other improvements would be cost-effective for further considerations to cut carbon emissions and save money. And if it turns out your home doesn't require $3,500 worth of energy efficiency improvements, we'll refund the difference.

If you have a mortgage with an interest rate above 3%, with at least 10 years remaining, then you may want to consider a green mortgage refinance. Or, if you are considering buying a home, consider a green mortgage purchase.

Green mortgages allow you to purchase or refinance a home at the same interest rate as you normally could, but the lender can also include funds in a special escrow account to pay for energy improvements to the property.

Reach out to Green Homeowners United to find out which lenders are currently offering green mortgages.

Benefits of a Green Mortgage:

1. Up to $6,500 for energy-efficiency improvements like insulation, air sealing, and smart devices, to name a few (or more with an energy assessment).

2. Photovoltaic solar panel system that covers most or all of the home's electric bill.

3. Covering the cost of an energy audit, with diagnostic equipment and health/safety tests, and a report detailing the energy efficiency of the home to increase the amount future buyers will be willing to pay. (Note, if you had the audit before closing on the mortgage, the lender can reimburse you)

These improvements can come at effectively no cost to you, as every $1 invested by the lender and owed on your mortgage must be met with at least $1 off of your collective utility bills (electric, gas, water or sewer), without leaving you to pay the costs of you move away before the mortgage is over and no down payment required.

If you are buying or thinking of refinancing, and you'd like to both save money and the planet, give us a call or sign up here. Additionally, consider an energy assessment first to customize the improvements list; the lender can reimburse you for it if you to proceed.

Sign up to learn more about if a Green Mortgage makes sense for your home