What insulation rebates pay in Detroit
These come from DTE's insulation and windows page and its home energy assessment page. DTE showed about 66% of natural gas funds left on the day we read it.
Attic or roof insulation
At least 500 square feet. DTE must be your main heat provider, which most gas customers meet.
Do More bonus
Attic insulation plus one more measure, such as wall, band joist, basement wall, crawl space or floor. Work must be done September 15 to December 15, 2026, and you apply by December 18, 2026.
Walls, rim joist, basement, floor
Above-grade wall $125 (250 square feet), basement wall $50, rim joist $50, floor $50, kneewall $25.
Air sealing and assessment
$50 for the blower door test and $75, $125 or $150 for cutting air leakage by 10%, 20% or 40%.
Windows
A small amount that rarely decides a window job.
DTE Energy Efficiency Assistance
For households at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, DTE pays for weatherization and other upgrades.
State weatherization
For households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, run by local community action agencies.
Federal 25C and 25D tax credits
The federal home energy credits ended for work finished after December 31, 2025. A quote that counts on them is out of date.
Why insulation first in Detroit
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2020 to 2024) shows 90.3% of Detroit homes were built before 1980, and 36.3% before 1940. Only 4.5% were built since 2000. Utility gas heats 80.5% of homes. Better insulation and air sealing cut the gas you burn, and that works with the furnace you already own. You do not need to swap equipment to see a smaller bill.
The rules to check before you sign
DTE's page says the home must be single-family with no more than two connected units, individually metered, and built more than 24 months before the purchase. You apply within six months of buying and no later than December 31, 2026. For the insulation rebate, DTE must be your main heat provider. If you heat with electricity, look at the energy assessment offer instead. DTE says electric customers who heat with an air source heat pump or electric baseboards can get half the cost of an audit, air sealing and insulation, up to $5,000, if air sealing cuts leakage at least 10%.
Do the bonus math
The $250 bonus is a good reason to bundle. If a contractor is already in your attic, ask for a quote on the rim joist or basement wall at the same visit. Those two usually cost less than a standalone call, and they count as the second measure. Just keep the work inside the September 15 to December 15 window.
If your income is low
Check the free programs before you pay for anything. DTE's assistance program covers 250% of the federal poverty level, and Michigan's weatherization program covers 200%. The state program usually adds wall and foundation insulation and air leak sealing, and it is paid for you. The state's MiHER rebates are on pause for new income-qualified applications in the Detroit district right now.
How to claim DTE insulation rebates in Detroit
- Check whether you qualify for free help first, using DTE's assistance number (833) 627-2300.
- Book a home energy assessment, or get at least two insulation quotes that list the area and the R-value.
- Ask your contractor to plan the attic job plus one more measure, so the $250 bonus applies.
- Finish the work between September 15 and December 15, 2026 if you want the bonus.
- Apply on DTE's rebate site with the invoice, and no later than December 18, 2026 for the bonus.
Common questions
How much does DTE pay for attic insulation in Detroit?
$600 for at least 500 square feet, plus a $250 bonus when you add one more qualifying measure during the bonus window.
Do I need to be a gas customer?
DTE's insulation rebate is for DTE gas or gas and electric customers whose main heat comes from DTE. Electric heat homes should look at the assessment offer for up to $5,000.
Can renters use these rebates?
The rebates are for single-family homes and the person paying the bill. Renters can ask a landlord, or use the free assistance programs if their income qualifies.
What is the deadline?
Apply within six months of buying and no later than December 31, 2026. The $250 bonus needs work done by December 15 and an application by December 18, 2026.
Are federal tax credits available for insulation?
No. The federal credit for insulation ended for work finished after December 31, 2025.
What to do next
Back to the Detroit rebate guide. If you heat with electricity, read the Detroit heat pump guide. For help at no cost, see free weatherization in Michigan. Gas homes in Grand Rapids can compare Consumers Energy's insulation rebates.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 6, 2026: DTE Energy: insulation and windows, DTE Energy: home energy assessment, DTE Energy: limited income assistance, Michigan weatherization assistance, US Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates 2020-2024 (heating fuel). All Detroit rebates → Every DTE Energy rebate →