Energy Equity:  The Solution to Healthier Communities

A 2013 study by the National Institutes of Health found that Americans earning below their Area Median Income are more likely to face health issues tied to poor air and water quality. Research shows that the home where you spend most of your time deeply impacts your well-being based on factors like comfortability due to temperature, air and water quality. So how can energy efficiency improvements play a key role in the health of low-income communities and help to address energy equity?

In older homes, outdated HVAC systems drive higher energy costs and can bring on problems like mold, pollutant buildup, and higher operating noise levels. Each of these factors is known to contribute to health issues over time. For someone with asthma or a similar condition, an inefficient home can cause more frequent flare-ups, leading to respiratory issues that impact daily life. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people exposed to extreme indoor temperatures also face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Living in a drafty or overheated home isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s also dangerous.

The very communities that stand to benefit most from energy-efficient upgrades often face the largest barriers. High upfront costs, difficulties in obtaining upgrades, unreliable low-cost contractors, and general lack of awareness can all present significant hurdles to making critical improvements. These communities have often been overlooked for infrastructure improvements, food equity, and housing affordability and energy efficiency is no exception. Without assistance, replacing an inefficient HVAC system or insulating an attic is simply out of reach financially for many low-income families.

Fortunately, there are resources available to help break down these barriers. Programs like the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in 2022, offer substantial rebates to help homeowners and businesses make energy-efficient upgrades by offering generous rebates. Many utilities also offer things like incentives on high efficiency HVAC equipment purchases, free efficiency upgrades, and on-bill financing to help make the path to improvement feasible.

A way to support awareness is to partner with organizations that promote education and a path to improvement. For example, the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is an organization focused on seeking an achievable pathway for all people and communities in the Midwest to receive the economic, environmental, and societal benefits of energy efficiency and the larger clean energy economy. Another regional organization helping to achieve energy equity is The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW). Their goal is help create a Michigan in which every family has access to affordable utilities, energy efficient homes and viable job opportunities. By educating yourself about the work these and other organizations like them are doing, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about them, you can help these organizations reach more people who would benefit from efficiency upgrades.

Creating a healthier world means recognizing that energy efficiency is more than just numbers on a utility bill—it’s about giving families the chance to live in homes that support their health and well-being. As more people advocate, support, and educate, the closer we come to a future where everyone can live in a healthy, efficient home.