Cash For Caulkers

Cash for Caulkers is nearly here. Earlier this summer the House of Representatives passed the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. The bill still needs to be approved by the Senate, but supporters predict it will be approved before the end of the summer.

In the meantime, homeowners need to "do their homework." The bill outlines 13 different types of energy efficient retrofits, and each has unique requirements and rebate amounts. Take for example, duct replacement and sealing. Homeowners can receive up to a $1,000 rebate for replacing and sealing 50 percent of the ductwork in their home. But in order to qualify, the sealing must be installed in accordance with BPI standard or other procedures approved by the Secretary of Energy.

Fortunately there are many online resources that homeowners can use to learn about the bill's eligibility requirements. Software Advice, an online technology resource for HVAC contractors, has put together a starter's guide on "cash for caulkers." In addition to covering the specific details of the bill, they provide a good overview of how homeowners can qualify for rebates. Here's an excerpt from their post:

The Home Star bill offers two rebate programs, the “Silver Star” program and “Gold Star” program. Here are details for each:

Silver Star – Homeowners will receive a $1,000 rebate for each retrofit described in the bill. The maximum amount of rebates paid out will be $3,000 or 50% of the total cost, whichever is lower. For example, if a homeowner spends a total of $4,000 on eligible retrofits, they will get $2,000 or 50% back as a rebate. If they spend $8,000 on eligible retrofits, they would only receive $3,000 in rebates instead of $4,000 (which would be 50% of the cost).

Gold Star – To qualify for the Gold Star program, homeowners must reduce their total home energy consumption by 20%. A $3,000 rebate will be rewarded for this reduction. Homeowners can receive an additional $1,000 for each additional 5% reduction, up to a total rebate of $8,000 or 50% of the total retrofit cost. Rebates may be provided for any of the retrofits listed under the Silver Star program, or for any other energy-saving measure, including: home energy management systems, high-efficiency appliances, highly reflective roofing, awnings, canopies, and similar external fenestration (window) attachments, automatic boiler water temperature controllers, energy-efficient wood products, insulated vinyl siding, and mechanical air circulation and heat exchangers in a passive-solar home.

To continue reading, visit: http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/construction/cash-for-caulkers-the-definitive-guide-to-the-home-star-bill-1061110/