Cash for Caulkers would give rebates for energy improvements

By GRACE WYLER

gwyler@vindy.com

Consumers looking to save on their monthly energy bill may soon get a boost from the federal government.

Congress is considering legislation to give customers cash rebates in exchange for making energy-efficient home improvements.

The legislation would create a “Cash for Caulkers” program similar to last summer’s “Cash for Clunkers,” which revived lagging car sales by offering consumers cash incentives to trade in old vehicles for more fuel-efficient models.

The $6 billion program, officially known as Home Star, would give cash rebates to consumers who make simple home retrofits — such as insulation, duct sealing and roofing — that improve energy efficiency.

Local demand for energy-efficient home improvement products and services has already increased significantly, according to several home improvement retailers and businesses in the region.

The Green Building Pros, a home performance contracting company in Salem, has seen business grow since they opened in 2007. The firm performs home energy audits and makes energy-efficient improvements.

Hits to the company’s Web site have tripled since last year, said president Michael Hein.

“I think people are starting to catch on that it just makes sense to do these sorts of improvements,” Hein said. “Not only to save energy, but to save money.”

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.