Having trouble understanding the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 (a.k.a. “Cash for Caulkers” bill) that the House passed in May and the Senate is predicted to pass this summer?   It’s nearly here and it could greatly benefit you whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, so get in the know.  Houston Neal of HVAC Estimating Software Advice wrote a great article that breaks it all down for you: “Cash for Caulkers – The Definitive Guide To The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010”

The highlights:

-The bill will stimulate construction, create jobs, and reduce carbon emissions.
-Home Star is expected to fund home comfort and energy upgrades for 3 million families, create 168,000 new jobs, and save consumers $9.2 billion on energy bills over the next 10 years!
-$6 billion will be provided for energy-efficient or “green” retrofits.
-Houston Neal cut through all the legalese and put all the requirements and rebate amounts for the 13 different kinds of retrofit measures in an easy to understand table.
-Eligible retrofit measures include:

• Air sealing
• Attic insulation
• Duct replacement and sealing
• Wall insulation
• Crawl space or basement insulation
• Window replacement
• Door or skylight replacement
• Heating system replacement
• Air-source air conditioner or heat pump insulation
• Geothermal heath pump installation
• Water heater replacement
• Storm windows or doors installation
• Window film installation
• Home energy management system (Gold Star)
• High-efficiency appliances (Gold Star)
• Highly reflective roofing, awnings, canopies, and similar external fenestration (window) attachments (Gold Star)
• Automatic boiler water temperature controllers (Gold Star)
• Energy-efficient wood products (Gold Star)
• Insulated vinyl siding (Gold Star)
• Mechanical air circulation and heat exchangers in a passive-solar home (Gold Star)

-There will be 2 package rebate programs:

• Silver Star: $3,000 in maximum rebates, or 50% of the total cost–whichever is lower
• Gold Star: To qualify, homeowners must reduce their total home energy consumption by 20%; a $3,000 rebate will be awarded for this reduction.  Additional $1,000 rebate for each additional 5% reduction, up to a total rebate of $8,000 or 50% of the total retrofit cost.

How can Ecofutures help?  We can help you navigate the Home Star option as soon as it’s available in addition to many other financial options that are currently available (including existing state and utility rebates, tax incentives, and the Energy Star Mortgage).  We can also handle all of the upgrade work to your home.  Our new subsidiary, EcoSmart Homes specializes in home comfort & energy upgrades, so give us a call to take the first step–scheduling an energy audit!