Making your house more green could help you put more green in your wallet after Governor Tony Evers announced the country's first home energy rebate program. The Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) program will reward home owners making energy-saving home improvements with rebates thanks to a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and previously approved federal funding. Evers also announced that homeowners can receive discounts on efficient electric appliances and equipment like heat pumps, insulation, and air-sealing through the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program. The concepts of the programs are nothing new for architect Meghan Hawkins. As the founder of Evolve Design Workshop in Madison, she designs homes with sustainability in mind by paying attention to the materials she uses and other factors. She says it is great that consumers will have more options to save money, stay healthy, and be green in their homes.

To qualify for the rebates, your home undergoes an energy assessment to identify where savings can occur. Rebates are then awarded based on income level and the amount of energy you are expected to save. You'll be able to read more about the program here.