Is your Lake Minnetonka home ready for an easy energy win? If you want lower bills, better comfort, and a clear plan for upgrades, a Home Energy Squad visit is a smart first step. You get quick fixes installed on the spot and expert testing to uncover bigger opportunities. In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect, how to schedule in Hennepin County, and how to use the results to make confident next moves. Let’s dive in.
What Home Energy Squad is
Home Energy Squad is a utility‑supported in‑home visit that installs basic efficiency items, runs diagnostic tests, and gives you a customized plan for savings. It is offered to Minnesota customers of Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy and delivered locally by the Center for Energy and Environment. You can review the full program overview on the official Home Energy Squad page from CEE. Learn more about how visits work.
Residents in Hennepin County are eligible if they are customers of Xcel or CenterPoint. You can check eligibility and service areas before you book. Confirm eligibility for your address.
The program is active and trusted across Minnesota, completing thousands of visits each year. In 2024, CEE reported more than 7,500 visits statewide. See recent program highlights.
Which visit fits your home
Energy Saver Visit
- Best for homes built in 2000 or later, condos, mobile homes, and renters.
- Typical cost is around $70 before any city discounts or income‑qualified pricing.
- Installs LED bulbs, weather‑stripping, efficient showerheads and aerators, checks water‑heater temperature, and provides simple next steps.
- Plan for about 2 to 3 hours.
Energy Planner Visit
- Best for homes built before 2000.
- Typical cost is around $100 before any discounts.
- Includes everything in Saver plus diagnostic testing: blower door, infrared imaging, and combustion safety checks.
- Plan for about 2 to 3 hours.
Note: Some cities offer limited‑time discounts that can reduce or eliminate the visit fee. Minnetonka has partnered in the past, so it is worth checking for current buy‑downs. See a City of Minnetonka example.
What happens during the visit
Here is what crews commonly do on site:
- Install quick, low‑cost measures like LED bulbs (for eligible electric customers), faucet aerators, efficient showerheads, and weather‑stripping.
- For older homes or Planner visits, run a blower door test to find air leaks, use infrared imaging to spot insulation gaps, and perform combustion safety checks.
- Install compatible programmable or smart thermostats when allowed by utility rules. Rebate eligibility varies by equipment and utility program.
You will receive a short written report with findings and prioritized recommendations. If bigger projects make sense, CEE’s Energy Advisor service can help you compare options, find vetted contractors, and map out rebates or financing. Explore next‑step guidance and rebates.
Lake Minnetonka home insights
Waterfront and lakeside living adds unique conditions. Moisture, ventilation, and attic issues can lead to drafts or ice dams in winter. The blower door and infrared tools help pinpoint where air sealing and insulation will deliver the biggest comfort and durability gains. Many local homes benefit from attic air sealing and insulation, proper roof ventilation, and rim‑joist sealing in basements.
How to schedule in Hennepin County
You can schedule through the Twin Cities Home Energy Squad path. Start your HES booking here, or call 651‑328‑6220 for local assistance.
Plan for a 2 to 3 hour window, and make sure someone 18 or older is home the entire time. Payment, if any, is collected on site after the visit. If your home had a blower door audit recently, the program generally limits repeat audits for three years at the same address.
Also check for city buy‑downs before scheduling. Minnetonka and other nearby cities sometimes sponsor discounts for a limited number of households. Check for recent city partnerships.
Rebates and next steps
After your visit, you may choose to complete larger upgrades like insulation, air sealing, or equipment updates. Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy offer various rebates for weatherization and efficient equipment. CEE’s guidance summarizes typical offerings and links to the utility program pages so you can verify current amounts and contractor requirements. Review rebate pathways and options.
If a thermostat upgrade is part of your plan, your gas utility may offer a rebate for qualifying smart or programmable models. For example, CenterPoint lists a Minnesota rebate for eligible thermostats. See CenterPoint’s thermostat rebate details.
If you qualify based on income, you may be eligible for deeper, no‑cost weatherization services beyond HES. Start with Hennepin County’s Energy Assistance program through CAP‑HC for guidance and referrals, and the Sustainable Resources Center for local weatherization delivery. Learn about Energy Assistance through CAP‑HC and connect with SRC for weatherization.
Quick pre‑visit checklist
- Clear access to your attic hatch, utility room, and electrical panel.
- Confine pets if needed for equipment testing and crew movement.
- Have your home’s year built and any recent insulation or HVAC work in mind; average energy bills help but are not required.
- Plan for 2 to 3 hours with an adult at home. Bring a payment method if a fee applies.
Make energy a selling point
If you plan to sell, small improvements and a clear energy plan can boost comfort and buyer confidence. A Home Energy Squad report helps you target the upgrades that matter most in our climate. When you are ready to position your Lake Minnetonka home for the market, connect with Lynn Reiners for tailored guidance on pre‑listing strategy, marketing, and smart updates.
FAQs
How much does a Home Energy Squad visit cost in Hennepin County?
- Typical fees are about $70 for an Energy Saver visit and about $100 for an Energy Planner visit, with potential city discounts or income‑qualified pricing.
What do crews install or test during the visit?
- Crews install quick savings items like LEDs and weather‑stripping, and for older homes they run blower door, infrared, and combustion safety tests to locate bigger opportunities.
How long does the visit take and do I need to be home?
- Plan for 2 to 3 hours, and someone 18 or older must be present for the entire visit; payment, if any, is taken on site afterward.
Are there safety checks for gas equipment?
- Yes, Planner visits include combustion safety and carbon monoxide checks; any concerns are flagged with recommended next steps.
When will I see savings after the visit?
- Low‑cost measures can yield immediate small savings, while larger projects like insulation or equipment upgrades deliver bigger bill reductions over time.
Am I eligible if I live around Lake Minnetonka?
- If you are an Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy residential customer in Hennepin County, you are generally eligible; confirm details before you book.
Can I schedule another audit if I had one recently?
- Program rules usually limit repeat blower door audits at the same address for three years unless conditions change.
