Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Cash for Caulkers

President Obama proposed a new program Tuesday that would reimburse home-owners for energy-efficient appliances and insulation. The legislation that is currently being crafted by the help of Steve Nadal, director of the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy, said the bill could contain up to $12,000 in rebates. The proposal is part of the President’s larger spending plan, which also includes money for small businesses, renewable energy manufacturing, and infrastructure.
Items like air conditioners, heating systems, washing machines, refrigerators, windows, and insulation would likely be covered, Nadal said. Consumers might be eligible for a 50% rebate on both the price of the equipment and the installation. And so far, there is no income restrictions attached to the bill.

It’s not clear as of yet how the home efficiency plan would be administered – the government may issue rebates, or through a tax credit, or through state companies. Currently, PG&E offers rebates for you as a homeowner. And, so far, this is unclear if this will change. The a few rebates offered by PG&E include adding attic and wall insulation, replacing your old furnace with a new energy-efficient furnace and changing your old water heater for a new one. Many more rebates our offered and it’s easy to fill out the application online for your rebate: http://www.pge.com/rebates/