The government is expected to unveil a new program in the next
couple of months that, if approved, may reimburse homeowners for
up to half the cost of making their homes more efficient. Through the
program, homeowners will receive the largest return from simple
upgrades like caulking windows, adding insulation, and changing
incandescent light bulbs to those that are more energy-efficient.
To determine which energy-efficiency upgrades are best for their
house, homeowners should obtain a energy audit. Homeowners are
advised to hire a contractor licensed by the Building Performance
Institute or the Residential Industry Services Network. These
contractors have been trained to first test a home to determine the
amount of energy it is losing, and then make suggestions or
renovations.