The greatest barrier to adoption of "green" retrofits is arguably the cost.
Homeowners, landlords and building owners all want proof that their investment will return a high yield in the future.
Cash for caulkers will hopefully be the impetus for change... Formally known as the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, the "cash for caulkers" bill was recently approved by the House of Representatives.
The bill provisions $6 billion for energy-efficient or "green" retrofits. It is expected to fund renovations for 3 million families, create 168,000 new jobs and save consumers $9.2 billion on energy bills over the next 10 years. But in order to take advantage of upcoming funding, homeowners will need to do their homework.
Software Advice, a website that reviews mechanical estimating software, recently compiled a list of retrofits that are eligible under the bill. They researched the entire document, then broke out the requirements and rebate amounts for each retrofit.
They also combined the retrofits into three packages that will help homeowners get the best bang for their buck. For starters, homeowners should seal their house envelope and improve insulation.
A house envelope includes outer walls, windows, doors, floors and the ceiling. Without this first step, subsequent retrofits won’t be as effective. Homeowners can receive up to $3,000 back on any weatherization or insulation improvements.
Under the "Gold Star" program of the Home Star bill, rebate rewards go up to as much as $8,000. To learn more about who is eligible and how to qualify, visit: Cash for Caulkers – The Definitive Guide To The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010.
