Save Energy with the ‘Cash for Caulkers’ Program

The Cash for Caulkers Program Saves Energy - photo by Ryan Harvey

You could get rebates on energy-saving investments in your home under HOMESTAR, a program outlined by President Obama on Tuesday.

It’s already being dubbed the “Cash for Caulkers” program because it resembles the auto rebates in the “Cash for Clunkers” program. The rebate would be delivered directly to the consumer from the company, such as SmarterHomeEnergy.com, that provides the service, and the company would then be reimbursed by the federal government.

The proposed program would have to be approved by Congress before it could be enacted.

According to a fact sheet from the White House, the program would offer two levels of rebates:

$3,000 Gold Star Rebates: Consumers interested in comprehensive energy retrofits would be eligible for a $3,000 rebate for a whole home energy audit and subsequent retrofit tailored to achieve a 20 percent energy savings in their homes. Consumers could receive additional rebate amounts for energy savings in excess of 20 percent. Gold Star would build on existing whole home retrofit programs, like EPA’s successful Home Performance with Energy Star program.

$1,000 – $1,500 Silver Star Rebates: Consumers looking to have simple upgrades performed in their homes would be eligible for 50 percent rebates up to $1,500 for doing straightforward upgrades, including insulation, duct sealing, water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing, and doors. Under Silver Star, consumers can chose a combination of upgrades for rebates up to a maximum of $3,000 per home. Rebates would be limited to the most energy efficient categories of upgrades, focusing on products made primarily in the United States and installed by certified contractors.

The program would also include support to state and local governments to provide financing options for consumers to help ensure that consumers can afford to make these investments.

SmarterHomeEnergy.com plans to participate in “Cash for Caulkers” when it is enacted. We’ll keep you posted on details of the proposal as it moves through Congress.

You can get a head start today by filling out the form on the right to sign up for a free energy analysis from SmarterHomeEnergy.com or calling us at 866-284-8604.

The personalized analysis will point out which home improvements are suggested to save you energy and money. The actual work can be scheduled after the details of the proposal are known.