Post Author's Photographer By Kristin Eggen May 20, 2025

A person kneels beside a home energy audit setup with a blower door fan; text reads

WINNESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa — The Winneshiek Energy District is excited to announce a new program offering free comprehensive home energy audits to income-qualifying households in Decorah and Winneshiek County. This initiative is designed to help residents reduce their energy bills, improve home comfort, and identify practical steps toward energy efficiency and home upgrade opportunities.Thanks to recent grant funding, homeowners and renters can receive a detailed home energy audit at no cost. The assessment includes a thorough inspection of the home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and appliances, and includes a blower door test to assess air leakage. Participants receive a personalized report outlining recommended improvements, potential savings, and opportunities to make their homes healthier, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient.

“An energy audit can identify cost savings that aren’t always apparent,” said Paul Cutting, energy auditor for Winneshiek Energy District. “Reducing air infiltration and increasing insulation levels can lower energy costs by upwards of 25%, resulting in real savings.”

To be eligible for a free energy audit, households must have incomes less than 150% of area median income, or about $112,000 for household of two. Full details, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, are available at https://energydistrict.org/services/comprehensive-energy-assessment/


Kristin Eggen first came to the Winneshiek Energy District as a Green Iowa AmeriCorps member in 2015. Eight years later, she is thrilled to lead the grassroots clean energy movement in Winneshiek County. Kristin deeply appreciates rural communities, Northeast Iowa, community sustainability, and nonprofit management. She uses The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter methodology and graphic recording services to drive strategic conversations around community sustainability, justice, fundraising, and nonprofit health.

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