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Today, President Obama announced the details of the HOMESTAR program, otherwise known as "Cash for Caulkers." The president said the home retrofit program would create construction jobs, reduce the nation's energy use equal to the output of three coal power plants, save participating households $200-$500 per year in energy costs and support energy efficiency innovation.
The program basically includes rebates for energy efficiency improvements that are given at the time of purchase, much like how "Cash for Clunkers" worked. Here are some details of the program.
- Small-scale upgrades like insulation, duct sealing, water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing and doors would be eligible for 50 percent rebates up to $1,500 or combined upgrade rebates of up to $3,000.
- Entire-home retrofits would be eligible for a rebate of $3,000 towards an energy audit and upgrades amounting to 20 percent energy savings. Any savings over that would be eligible for more rebates.
- Safeguards would be put in place to ensure that the upgrades actually improve efficiency: all contractors must be certified in energy efficient installations and independent auditors will perform surveys to make sure upgrades were installed correctly and are saving energy.
- The program would also help state and local governments create financing options for these retrofits so more consumers can participate.
The program will have to get through Congress, but hopefully with the promise of boosting the economy and creating jobs, it will be attractive enough to legislators to pass.
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written by Suzanne, April 25, 2010
With the cash for caulkers made by the President one's idea in choosing materials for a green building is that, it must be an energy efficient product. Green products such as window tints would be a great idea in pursuing green buildings or even green homes and green cars. While most window films are for reducing solar heat gain in the summer, low-e films both block summer heat and improve winter heat retention. Green oriented sites such as www.TintBuyer.com discuss how window tints can be labeled as one of the most effective way to conserve energy consumption for less compared to other green related technology. TitntBuyer.com can also help you get LEED points for window film and find a dealer near your area.
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written by Bratz, May 06, 2010
I just saw that (I guess I'm a little late, but since I'm not from the US, it's ok 
)
I must say I'm impressed by Obama's care for the environment. thinking green is a great ability those days.
) I must say I'm impressed by Obama's care for the environment. thinking green is a great ability those days.
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written by Jewel Micek, June 19, 2010
Barack Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope," is known for a catchy title. It has a taste of bravery combined with confidence. Absolutely nothing Pollyanna regarding it. I may not support everything he tells, but he's our president, and for me, he inspires reliance. Which could do more for a country than any number of backroom deals. Hope gives us energy, and energy gets us through trying times.
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written by BPI Certification, June 20, 2010
The best part of this plan is that it will jump start an industry to retrofit inefficient homes. The average home has the opportunity for 30% improvement in the energy efficiency but neither the average homeowner nor contractor can do it.
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written by букмекерские конторы, August 16, 2010
Through the HOMESTAR program, U.S. homeowners will now have more means to make home improvements to conserve energy. One of the best way to save money from your cooling or heating system is with the use of window tints. For example, solar control windows tints moderates the sunlight entering your home while balancing the room temperature and capable of blocking up to 99% of UV rays. For each degree you raise or lower your thermostat, you can save anywhere from 1 to 5 percent on your cooling or heating bills depending on where you live. You can find our more about window tints at www.TintBuyer.com. They give our relevant information about window tints such as its types, prices in the market, and help locate the best professional tinter near you.
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written by download divx movies, September 07, 2010
I agree with Jewel Micek: "Barack Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope," is known for a catchy title. It has a taste of bravery combined with confidence. Absolutely nothing Pollyanna regarding it. I may not support everything he tells, but he's our president, and for me, he inspires reliance. Which could do more for a country than any number of backroom deals. Hope gives us energy, and energy gets us through trying times."
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written by the writers' board, September 30, 2010
The best part of this plan is that it will jump start an industry to retrofit inefficient homes. The average home has the opportunity for 30% improvement in the energy efficiency but neither the average homeowner nor contractor can do it
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written by sam, October 16, 2010
When you do a online search you will find that out of the last run of this cost the government about 50K dollars a house.
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written by Scalar Energy, October 18, 2010
This is an excellent plan. I think if the government continues with plans geared towards both creating jobs that also assist in helping the environment or at least eco-conscious jobs it will go a long way. In fact that should be the only thing they should be doing as this point.
If every job program they create is focused on Eco-conscious advancement in some area it will be a huge improvement in the entire job infrastructure. The markets have crashed already they may as well take a new approach that builds up from a deeper level that's more full-filling for not just peoples pockets but for creating a future on this planet. We don't have the luxury of waiting anymore.
If every job program they create is focused on Eco-conscious advancement in some area it will be a huge improvement in the entire job infrastructure. The markets have crashed already they may as well take a new approach that builds up from a deeper level that's more full-filling for not just peoples pockets but for creating a future on this planet. We don't have the luxury of waiting anymore.
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written by brett & jeannie, October 21, 2010
Let us hope that the program will get through Congress. Great idea to boost the economy and create jobs.
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written by sandara's world, December 04, 2010
I really hope so too brett & jeannie. This idea is one of the best from our president. this will surely improve our economy
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written by hemo rr, December 07, 2010
This guy is the best salesman ever. Horrible president but great salesman. I bet he doesnt even believe what "they" are telling him to say.
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written by Terry, December 17, 2010
We have had schemes like this in Australia with subsidies for insulation and solar power panels. Only wish they'd make it more inclusive like this scheme
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written by DORA, December 18, 2010
This is a great plan that can boost the economy and creat jobs.All people will benefit from it.
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written by myriad weblog, January 12, 2011
The best part of this plan is that it will jump start an industry to retrofit inefficient homes. The average home has the opportunity for 30% improvement in the energy efficiency but neither the average homeowner nor contractor can do it
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written by ranch presents, February 06, 2011
Wish we had this for where I live. Things fall apart a lot often, and electricity doesn't come cheap too. This will certainly lighten up the load for consumer spending.
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written by Scalar, May 08, 2011
It's nice to see that the government wants to create more jobs for construction workers and reduce the burden of home owner expenses, but only if they could do it in a non-toxic way. I used to caulk windows and doors a long time ago but found that the materials were very toxic, both for the worker and the home owner.
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written by juicers, May 17, 2011
I would like to think this would be helpful and it will save money in the long run...but I agree with the comment above as caulking is very toxic. Until they come out with a better compound to insulate I think its still a double edged sword.
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written by Ms Pacman, June 19, 2011
This guy is the best salesman ever. Horrible president but great salesman. I bet he doesnt even believe what "they" are telling him to say.
I have to agree.
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Total political beat up that could have been prepared for.
Reality is that less fires were caused per insulation than in the past, they instituted regulations where there previously were none, etcetc...