Posts Tagged ‘Gold Star’
So what is the Homestar Retrofit program about?
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
In a nutshell, the Homestar Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program is jobs bill that is designed to encourage the average American family to invest in energy saving home improvements.
The bill is designed to help combat the high unemployment currently found in the construction sector of the economy and help to jumpstart the demand for energy efficiency products and installation services. The bill passed the House of Representatives in May by a wide margin and was introduced to the Senate on May 27th. The bill has broad support on both sides of the aisle and why wouldn’t it? It will create jobs, its benefits are immediate and the money goes right back into consumers pockets. The program is designed to save energy, money, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Penned with the nickname “Cash for Caulkers” the program is divided into two sections: Silver Star and Gold Star. We will outline the benefits of each level below.
Silver Star has rebates up to $1,000 – $1,500. Consumers looking to have simple upgrades performed in their homes would be eligible for 50% rebates up to $1,000 – $1,500 for doing any of a straightforward set of upgrades. These upgrades could include: insulation, duct sealing, water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing and doors.
Gold Star has rebates up to $3,000. Consumers intersted in more comprehensive retrofits would be eligible for a $3,000 rebate for a whole home energy audit and subsequent retrofit tailored to achieve a 20% energy savings in their homes. Additional rebates could be achieved for energy savings in excess of 20%, and the Gold Star program would build on the existing home retrofit programs like the EPA’s ‘Home Performance with Energy Star’.
Consumers would be eligible for direct HOME STAR rebates at the point of sale. As the White House explains, “A broad array of vendors, from small independent building material dealers, large national home improvement chains, energy efficiency installation professionals and utility energy efficiency programs (including rural utilities) would market the rebates, provide them directly to consumers and then be reimbursed by the federal government.” Rebates will apply to materials, labor, and other installation-related costs.
Oversight would include certified installers and field auditors to go back and check after work is completed. Financing will be coming from State and local governments to provide options to those families looking to make energy investments in their homes.
For now, we wait for final passage and next steps…
If you would like to read more, stop by Efficiency First. If you would like some ideas on how to make your home more efficient stop by the About Us page of our site and contact one of our Certified Ecobrokers®.
Tags: energy efficiency, Gold Star, homestar, retrofit, Silver Star
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