The federal government is reviewing a plan that would provide cash incentives to homeowners who complete home weatherization projects. According the initial document, the government is prepared to set aside $23 billion dollars for the program, which would encourage homeowners to undertake such projects as air sealing, insulation, and installing energy-saving appliances.
The proposed name for the program is Home Star, to jive with the established ENERGY STAR program, which promotes energy efficiency. However, the media has humorously dubbed the program “Cash for Caulkers”, which is similar to the government’s now-expired “Cash for Clunkers” program, which incented people to trade in their old cars (i.e. clunkers) in favor of purchasing a new car.
Multiple Benefits
The “Caulkers” program is an extension of the government’s earlier Recovery Through Retrofit report, which laid the groundwork for a self-sustaining home energy retrofit industry. The intention of that report, as well as the “Cash for Caulkers” program, is to stimulate job creation, to decrease our impact on the environment, and to provide monthly savings to homeowners through reduced energy costs.
Good News for Homeowners, Auditors, Contractors and Manufacturers
The program is good news for homeowners, who can earn up to $4000 in rebates while increasing their home’s energy efficiency (which will save them even more money on their energy bills each month). And the $23 billion injection into the weatherization industry is good news for energy efficiency retrofit contractors, manufacturers and home energy auditors.
Create More Than 500,000 Jobs
Efficiency First, a trade organization for the energy efficiency industry estimates that the program would create more than 500,000 new jobs. As it stands now, over half of the $23 billion of the program’s budget would provide rebates for retrofit projects according to the percentage of improvement in the home’s energy efficiency. An additional $2 billion would be spent directly on home energy audits, to ensure the proposed work met the intended results. However, the amount spent on home energy audits may be significantly larger, as some audits may be funded by energy efficient mortgage lenders, and other audits would be funded by homeowners, in order to assess the best areas for improvements.
Prime Employment Opportunity
The financial boost to the energy efficiency industry creates a prime opportunity for people wanting to enter the industry. Home inspectors and remodelers should consider adding home energy audits to their roster of services in order to cash in on this growing industry. Those currently unemployed due to the economic crisis might consider starting a new career as a home energy auditor. With no pre-requisite training or knowledge required, relatively little expense and a short training cycle, you could start a rewarding new career in a growing industry that helps people as well as the environment.
Complete Training and Certification Program
Home Energy Team Institute offers a complete training program for home energy auditors. Browse the website for more information about home energy auditing and the courses offered. You can sign up online, or call 1-800-518-1877 for more information.