Cash For Caulkers Is Great News For Energy Auditors

During the current economic recession in the U.S. one sector has been steadily growing. That is the energy audit industry. With the newly added federal tax incentive of $1,500 per home and even more rebates available from local gas and electric companies, homeowners and business owners are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs and cash in on the rebates.

With so many people wanting to take advantage while these incentives are still being offered, the number of energy audits performed is growing rapidly. That's because having an energy audit from a certified energy auditor is the easiest way for homeowners and business owners to find out where they are wasting energy. In addition, energy auditors leave detailed reports that document what upgrades need to be made, but also where to get the upgrades and how to get the incentives and rebates.

As if the new tax incentives, energy saving loans, and public utility rebates wasn't enough for people, President Obama just held a new conference (March 2010) to layout an even bigger incentive plan for energy efficiency.

The HOMESTAR energy efficiency retrofit program, which has been nicknamed the "Cash for Caulkers" program is the latest stimulus plan offered by the Obama administration and the U.S. government. The program is expected to cost taxpayers about $6 billion, but will provide economic incentives, in the form of instant cash rebates, for as many as 3 million homeowners to do energy-saving renovations.

This new energy saving program resembles last year's "Cash for Clunkers" program, which was designed to boost auto sales and increase the average fuel efficiency of cars on U.S. roads by providing an economic incentive for consumers to replace old, low-mileage vehicles with new, fuel-efficient models.

The program will result in the creation of tens of thousands of jobs while achieving substantial reductions in energy use – the equivalent of the entire output of three coal-fired power plants each year. Consumers in the program are anticipated to save between $200 - $500 per year in energy costs, while improving the comfort and value of their homes.

If a homeowner decides to do work on his or her house -- to put in new windows, to replace a heating unit, to insulate an attic, or to redo a roof -- the homeowner would be eligible for a rebate from the store or the contractor for 50 percent of the cost of each upgrade up to $1,500. And if the homeowner decided to retrofit the whole house they would be eligible for a rebate of up to $3,000.

A new program from the Energy Audit Institute is now available for those interested in working as an energy auditor. They offer 2 separate energy audit training programs - both home and commercial. Each program will fully train and certify you to conduct energy audits for both homeowners and business owners. Both programs are very competively priced and come with free software and resources. In addition to the training and certification, the Energy Audit Institute also provides additional training on rebates and incentives which is not found in most other training programs.

So if you are looking for a new career in an in-demand field -- your solution may have just arrived. The new Cash for Caulkers program will continue to spark interest from people to upgrade their homes. By becoming and energy auditor, you will be poised to take advantage of the new demand for energy auditing. This will not only provide you with a lucrative career but will give you piece of mind that you are working to reduce wasted energy in your community and taking a step toward reducing global warming.