This is great news for both homeowners and contractors. 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 cash in on upcoming rebates, homeowners and contractors will need to do their homework. There are 13 types of retrofits eligible for funding and each has unique eligibility requirements and rebate amounts. Some are straight forward and easy to understand. For example, homeowners can receive a $50 rebate for installing 5 or more storm windows or doors. The eligibility details for this retrofit are listed as:

“Must be installed on at least 5 existing doors or existing single-glazed windows. Must comply with any procedures that the Secretary of Energy may set for storm windows or doors and their installation.”

Others are more difficult to understand. For example, to receive a rebate for replacing and sealing ductwork, homeowners must follow these guidelines:

“Sealing must be installed in accordance with BPI standards or other procedures approved by the Secretary of Energy. For duct replacement, you must replace and seal at least 50 percent of a distribution system of the home.”

Or for an even more complex example, check out the requirements for homeowners that want to insulate their attics:

“Must meet the attic portions of the Department of Energy (DOE) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thermal bypass checklist. You must add at least R–19 insulation to existing insulation, and it must result in at least R–38 insulation in DOE climate zones 1 through 4 and at least R–49 insulation in DOE climate zones 5 through 8. Finally, it must cover at least 100 percent of an accessible attic or 75 percent of the total conditioned footprint of the house.”

In this case, homeowners should rely on the expertise of specialists like Building Energy Experts. To learn more about how we can help you qualify for coming rebates, visit our services page.

If you are interested in reading more about the bill, visit Construction Estimating Software Advice. They have created an easy-to-read guide that lists the requirements and rebate details of the 13 types of retrofits. They also bundled similar retrofits into three packages to help those who just need to know how to get started. To read more, visit: http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/construction/cash-for-caulkers-the-definitive-guide-to-the-home-star-bill-1061110/

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The next Program period of the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Weatherization Program is now available!  Now is the time to Weatherize!

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Building Energy Experts has been selected as the subcontractor/consultant for the ComEd Smart Ideas All Electric Home Performance Tune Up Air Sealing Pilot Program in conjunction with Honeywell Building Solutions.  Building Energy Experts was selected for this program due to the companies ability to conduct Energy Audits to RESNET and BPI national home energy auditing standards.  In addition, B.E.E  has the in house capabilities to perform all of the necessary air sealing, insulation, and  other building performance upgrades necessary.   Very few companies offer a combination of these services and experience.  Honeywell Building Solutions will be providing Energy Efficient Lighting, Hot Water Pipe Insulation, Low Flow Shower Heads and Aerators.  Building Energy Experts conducts the Blower Door Test and performs all necessary building performance upgrades to make the house more energy efficient.  To find out if you are eligible for this exciting weatherization pilot program please visit www.ComEd.com

Schedule your Energy Audit to get 12 free Energy Efficient Light bulbs or two 50 ft stands of LED Christmas lights.

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