Furnace Test & Tune Program
You may qualify for a free tune-up of your furnace and free installation of energy saving measures. If your furnace is unsafe or un-repairable, you may qualify for a replacement furnace at a significantly reduced cost.
Qualifications
To see if you qualify for a FREE diagnostic test & tune-up of your furnace and for installation of FREE energy saving measures, please review these requirements:
Live in greater Washtenaw County, Michigan area
Own your home (rental homes, condos and multiple-residence structures are not eligible)
Have a natural gas fueled, forced air furnace in your home (boilers are not eligible; electric furnaces & heating-oil or propane fueled furnaces are not eligible)
Use DTE for BOTH your natural gas and electric services
Cannot have had a furnace tune up through the DTE program in the last 2 years (exceptions may be made in cases where the furnace is not working)
Meet Income Eligibility requirements below
Eligibility
Annual household income must not exceed the maximum amounts shown below, based on household size OR a household member must have participated in one of the qualified assistance programs listed in the past 12 months. You will be required to provide proof of income and/or participation in a qualified assistance program to be considered for the program*.
Gross Income – Income before taxes and other deductions are subtracted
Household Annual Income – gross income of all adults living in the household (18+ years old)
Household Size – number of persons living in the household, regardless of age
Qualified Assistance Program – State or Federally funded income-qualified assistance programs:
▫ DHS (Department of Human Services) ▫ SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
▫ FIP (Family Independence Program) ▫ TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
▫ LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) ▫ THAW (The Heat & Warmth Fund)
▫ SDA (State Disability Assistance) ▫ WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program)
▫ SER (State Emergency Relief) ▫ WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Annual Income | $66,300 | $75,750 | $85,200 | $94,650 | $102,250 | $109,800 | $117,400 | $124,950 |
*Examples of income documentation must represent at least 30 days’ worth of income and might include: paystub(s), benefit award letter, participation letter, bank statement showing direct deposit or W2/tax return for the most recent year available.
If any adult in the household has no income, or if their income is not documented in an easily transmitted format, an Income Statement will be required. Income Statements are automatically created when you use the online enrollment and ‘No Income’ is indicated. A sample is available by clicking on the link below if you are not completing the online enrollment.
Manufactured Homeowners must also provide proof of ownership in the form of a Title or recent mortgage statement.
You will be able to upload up to 4 documents with your online enrollment, or you may provide them separately by:
Email: furnace@h4h.org
Fax: 734.215.9843
Mail: Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley
ATTN: Furnace Test & Tune Program
950 Victors Way, Suite 50
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
If You Qualify
Once you have submitted your enrollment and supporting documents, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley will review it for eligibility. If you qualify, a Habitat and DTE approved Heating & Cooling contractor will contact you to schedule your Test & Tune appointment. Work performed by the Heating & Cooling contractors will include the following:
Visual inspection of equipment to determine overall condition
Clean burners, combustion changer and heat exchanger surface, when accessible
Clean and inspect burner orifices and ignition system
Check for proper venting and adequate combustion air, based on code
Check and test safety controls
Inspect filter – replace 1” and 2” filters, and/or clean washable filters
Run equipment through complete sequence of operation
Additional Energy-Saving measures, provided by Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley, will be delivered based on your needs and eligibility (as determined by DTE Energy). These may include:
Programmable Thermostat
Showerhead (1.5 gallons per minute flow rate)
Kitchen & Bathroom faucet aerators (1.0 gallons per minute flow rate)
Up to 20 LED light bulbs (must replace existing incandescent or CFL light bulbs)
repairs or replacement
Limited funding is available for furnace repairs identified during the normal diagnostic tune-up. There is currently no funding available for air conditioning or water heater repairs. Our contractor may, after their analysis, recommend a replacement for furnaces, air conditioners or water heaters that are:
Unsafe or un-repairable
20+ years old (furnace or ac) / 12+ years old (water heater)
Inefficient
In poor condition or improperly installed
Payment of a $20 Program Fee is required for all replacement projects. Standard installations are offered to qualified participants at no additional cost. Repayments may be required for non-standard installations and will be discussed prior to work beginning. If a replacement is undertaken, the homeowner will also agree to:
Provide additional household documentation, if requested
Complete necessary paperwork
Complete 8 hours of volunteer time in Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley approved activities (options will be made available for persons with differing abilities and in consideration of Covid-19 concerns)
Disclaimers
Work will be performed as determined by Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley and its contractors. In some situations, replacements may not be possible based on funding, the willingness of the homeowner to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley, or conditions in the home.
Services and replacements are based on a first-come, first-served basis. Quantities are limited. This program may be terminated at any time.