Home Energy Navigators
Helping You Improve Your Home Energy Performance, Save Money and Cut Greenhouse Gases
Third Act Illinois Home Energy Navigators Program
We are volunteers who want to help you make informed decisions about boosting your home performance and energy efficiency. Whether you're considering small improvements or a complete home electrification project, our trained coaches provide personalized guidance based on real-world experience.
Our team is here to support your journey toward a more sustainable home and a healthier planet.
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Scan the QR code or click "Let's Start" for the short questionnaire that will help our navigators understand your situation.
Save Money and Make Your Living Space More Comfortable
Energy Audits, Efficiency & Retrofitting, Electrical Upgrades, Induction Cooking, Heat Pumps, Solar Installation ... more
Share Your Electrification Story
See What I Did 👇
Meet Mardi K. ~In Evanston, Illinois, Mardi K took a thoughtful and phased approach to electrifying her home, driven by a combination of environmental concern, cost savings, and the availability of incentives. Her journey began during the summer of 2020 when a severe hailstorm led to widespread roof replacements in her neighborhood.
Read more
Meet Rich ~Richard R. has undertaken an ambitious electrification journey in his 107-year-old brick apartment building in Chicago, with a deep commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving the health and comfort of the living environment. His primary motivation has been environmental impact.Read more
Meet Chris C. ~Chris C., from Mundelein, Illinois, began his electrification journey with a clear motivation: reducing his environmental impact and moving away from a gas-powered vehicle that was becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. When faced with a $3,300 estimate for a new catalytic converter, he decided it was time to act.Read more
Meet Sue C. ~Sue C’s electrification journey is a thoughtful, evolving transition rooted in her deep concern for environmental sustainability. Living in a single-family home in Chicago, Sue approached her move from fossil fuels to electricity not with a grand plan, but through intentional, practical steps guided by long-term goals.Read more
See What You Can Do!
Existing Housing and Retrofits
Meet Lydia ~Lydia had her 2 unit apartment building completely retrofitted using IRA funds. She thinks most homeowners and apartment owners can do the same.See what you can do!
More Information From the Experts
Energy Audits and Assessment
ComEd customers have opportunities to reduce energy usage with a FREE energy assessment that includes free and discounted products for your home. Assessments can be in-home or virtual, so you can select the option most convenient to you.Get more energy assessment information
More Home Energy Opportunities
Third Act is leading a nationwide campaign to maximize solar panels installations and is working with Energy Sage to help you find reputable installers: https://www.energysage.com/landing/home-solar/p/thirdact/ You need to make sure the vendors they refer are approved vendor with Illinois Shines (see below).
For Solar even if you are a renter, condo owner or your roof is not suitable: https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/solar-in-the-community/
Illinois Shines after 10+ months of panel production will advance you for 15 years of renewable energy credits (RECs) based on electricity produced by your solar panels: https://illinoisshines.com/
Also, building owners can also get a 30% of installation cost tax credit (you must pay income tax, can be spread over 5 years): https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-credit
Depending on your income, Solar for All is a state-run program for income-eligible residents. Consumers can take advantage of the benefits of solar at little or no cost for either residential rooftop solar or community solar. Click to find out if you qualify: https://www.illinoissfa.com/
In September 2025 Third Act will be shining a light on what WE are all doing with an event called SUN DAY, an initiative for a major mobilization for renewable energy this fall. By adding solar to our own homes, we show the world that clean energy is accessible and urgently needed for all, even when resources are tight.
Check out these links:Third Act is leading a nationwide campaign to maximize solar panels installations and is working with Energy Sage to help you find reputable installers: You need to make sure the vendors they refer are approved vendor with Illinois Shines (see below).
https://www.energysage.com/landing/home-solar/p/thirdact/For Solar even if you are a renter, condo owner or your roof is not suitable check out CUB:
https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/solar-in-the-community/Illinois Shines after 10+ months of panel production will advance you for 15 years of renewable energy credits (RECs) based on electricity produced by your solar panels.
https://illinoisshines.com/Also, building owners can also get a 30% of installation cost tax credit via the IRS (you must pay income tax, can be spread over 5 years).
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-creditDepending on your income, Solar for All is a state-run program for income-eligible residents. Consumers can take advantage of the benefits of solar at little or no cost for either residential rooftop solar or community solar. Click to find out if you qualify.
https://www.illinoissfa.comIn September Third Act will be shining a light on what WE are all doing with an event called SUN DAY, an initiative for a major mobilization for renewable energy this fall. By adding solar to our own homes, we show the world that clean energy is accessible and urgently needed for all, even when resources are tight.
We have Home Energy Navigators excited to talk with you. We are regular people who have gone through the process and want to help you too.
The Third Act IL Navigation Team are volunteers that help interested individuals make informed decisions to lower their dwelling’s carbon emissions. Volunteers are not necessarily professionals in building science or the trades, but have likely been trained in coaching electrification, and have had personal experiences decarbonizing buildings. We are pleased you are considering incremental or major changes to help mitigate the effects of climate change!
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