All Caulked Up

All Caulked Up: Seal your home and save your cash

Do you want to save on your energy costs?  This is the year to do so!  And trust us, you don’t even need to go to the extreme of installing solar panels, or a home wind turbine.

There are some simple steps you can take to save green – both your money and the planet.  It doesn’t hurt a bit.

Did you know that weatherizing your home will probably be the next big thing?  That’s right… the Obama Adminstration has been very excited about the success of its automotive “Cash for Clunkers” program.  Now, it wants to provide federal funds to encourage home weatherization.

Proponents are calling the potential new program, “Cash for Caulkers.”  And Rahm Emanuel states that his boss is taking the suggestions seriously.

Stimulus money could be provided to create green jobs and help many Americans save on energy costs by taking inexpensive steps like caulking around windows and doors, to stop leakage.

Lest you think that this is merely throwing away taxpayer money without much forethought, consider this:

• Many contractors and construction workers have been idle for the past 12-24 months during the housing bust.  They could use some effective, well-paying and meaningful jobs.
• Homeowners can save significant money on their monthly utility bills by sealing leaks and installing additional insulation
• The environment benefits as well – we don’t have to burn as much fossil fuels for electricity when everyone reduces usage.

Insulation to protect you from high utility bills

Could we see “Cash for Caulkers” next year?  President Obama indicates that he is seriously considering such a program.

How will that affect you?  It depends in part on an energy audit, which will vary from home to home, and location to location.

If you have never had an energy audit, it can be an eye-opening experience.  For less than $500, you’ll get direction as to wear your heating and cooling is leaking out of your home.   Once you get recommendations, you will need to decide whether they make sense for you, your lifestyle, and your longevity in your home.

For example, you could find that you’ll save $400 a year if you install new windows at a cost of $4000.  Many would see this as a sound investment, but if you are going to sell in a few years, it may not be worth the investment.  Of course, some of the energy subsidies offered by state and federal government could defray your costs – definitely check with your hardware store!

If there is indeed a “Cash for Caulkers” program, it will likely be simple and inexpensive.  Property owners should still expect to pay 50% of the cost of home weatherization.  Retailers and contractors may be rewarded for promoting the program, much like the Cash for Clunkers program.

And, for those homeowners who worry about recouping investment before they sell, the program could include adding the cost of installations on to property tax bills, which can ease the financing.

The bottom line is that the federal government hopes to encourage more people to weatherize their homes.  Many more could do so, which would save money and energy!  By easing the process, and lowering the upfront cost, the hope is that we can all soon get “All Caulked Up!”