“Cash for Caulkers” is nearly here. Last month the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5019 – also known as the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 or “Cash for Caulkers” – to kick-start construction, create jobs and cut back carbon emissions. While the bill still needs to clear the Senate, supporters predict it will pass this summer.

This is great news for homeowners and contractors alike. The bill provisions $6 billion for energy-efficient or “green” retrofits. It is expected to fund renovations for 3 million families, create 168,000 new jobs and save consumers $9.2 billion on energy bills over the next 10 years.

But in order to cash in on upcoming rebates, homeowners and contractors will need to do their homework. There are 13 types of retrofits eligible for funding. Each retrofit has unique eligibility requirements and set rebate amounts. You can read the full text here.

We made it really easy to wade through the legalese. Below is a table that breaks down the 13 retrofits of the bill, along with the requirements and rebate amount for each. In addition to the requirements we listed, each retrofit must comply with Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards or other procedures to be approved by the Secretary of Energy.

We also decided to combine these retrofits into three packages that will help homeowners get the best bang for their buck. But first, let’s review the program details.

Who is Eligible and How to Qualify?
The Home Star bill offers two rebate programs, the “Silver Star” program and “Gold Star” program. Here are details for each:

• Silver Star – Unless another amount is specified in the “Rebate Amount” column above, homeowners will receive a $1,000 rebate for each retrofit listed in our table. The maximum amount of rebates paid out will be $3,000 or 50% of the total cost, whichever is lower. For example, if a homeowner spends a total of $4,000 on eligible retrofits, they will get $2,000 or 50% back as a rebate. If they spend $8,000 on eligible retrofits, they would only receive $3,000 in rebates instead of $4,000 (which would be 50% of the cost).
• Gold Star – To qualify for the Gold Star program, homeowners must reduce their total home energy consumption by 20%. A $3,000 rebate will be rewarded for this reduction. Homeowners can receive an additional $1,000 for each additional 5% reduction, up to a total rebate of $8,000 or 50% of the total retrofit cost. Rebates may be provided for any of the retrofits listed under the Silver Star program, or for any other energy-saving measure, including: home energy management systems, high-efficiency appliances, highly reflective roofing, awnings, canopies, and similar external fenestration (window) attachments, automatic boiler water temperature controllers, energy-efficient wood products, insulated vinyl siding, and mechanical air circulation and heat exchangers in a passive-solar home.

The Home Star bill also includes rebates for do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners that are confident in taking on the renovations themselves. DIY’ers can get up to $250 in rebates for products purchased without installation service. This rebate is limited to attic insulation, crawl space insulation and/or air-sealing retrofits.

Seal Your House Envelope and Improve Insulation
Before carrying out any serious retrofit, homeowners need to weatherize and seal their house “envelope.” The envelope includes outer walls, windows, doors, floors and the ceiling. If the house is not properly sealed and insulated, then subsequent HVAC retrofits won’t be as effective.

Common Air Leaks

In some cases, savvy do-it-yourselfers may be able to handle these projects themselves. There are plenty of books and great online resources (e.g. ACEEE.org) that provide instructions. However, you should seriously consider hiring an auditor beforehand. Special diagnostics equipment will show where air is escaping and to what extent. For example, thermal imaging devices detect areas in walls that are poorly insulated and dispersing heat. This information would be unavailable without such devices.

So how much does it cost to seal all the air leaks in a home? Prices will obviously vary based on where you live, how big your property is and the scope of the retrofit. But it will likely cost a few thousand dollars to hire a contractor for this type of renovation. In this example from the New York Times, the author spent $3,760 for insulating and sealing the envelope of his 1,200 square foot home.

How much can homeowners expect to save? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can save 20% on heating and cooling costs by sealing leaks and adding insulation. In New York – one of the most expensive places to heat a home with an average annual cost of $1,513 – this would be a yearly savings of $300 just for heating.

Continuing with the example from the New York Times, the Silver Star program would provide $1,880 (50%) in rebates for their retrofit. At an annual savings rate of $300, the renovation would pay for itself in six years (or less if you include cost savings from reduced air conditioning bills).

Repair and Replace Leaky Ducts
Ducts are notoriously leaky and inefficient. They are one of the usual suspects in a crime of high utility bills, or when rooms are difficult to heat and cool. The EPA calculates that 20% of air moving through ductwork is lost due to leaks, holes and poor connections. Other sources put estimates closer to 40%. So while suffering from “leaky ducts” may sound innocuous, it can have a big impact on the efficiency and costs of heating and cooling your home.

Fortunately, duct replacement and sealing is eligible for funding under the Home Star bill. Many homeowners will want to outsource this project to a qualified HVAC contractor. Contractors have equipment to detect leaks that otherwise may not be immediately visible. They also have methods to seal ducts that are inaccessible. For example, by spraying an adhesive or sealant through the duct work.

Replacing and sealing ducts can also be a DIY project, especially when ducts can be easily accessed in an attic or basement. Leaks should be sealed with mastic sealant or metal tape (not duct tape), then insulated to reduce heat loss and to further improve efficiency. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has an excellent guide on how to seal and insulate ducts.

Upgrade Your Furnace and Water Heater
Heating is the largest energy expense in homes, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). In colder parts of the country, it makes up 30 to 50% of annual energy bills. So improving the heating efficiency of your home will have the biggest impact on lowering your energy costs. Sealing air leaks is a good start, but replacing your heating system could provide real leverage towards cost savings.

If your furnace or boiler was purchased before 1990, then it is time to consider an upgrade. Modern furnaces are much more efficient than those that are older than 20 years. You can use rebates from the Home Star bill to replace your furnace, but you will need to meet their guidelines:

Water heaters are typically the second largest energy users after home heating and cooling systems. Replacing convention oil-fired water heaters with high-efficiency gas or electric heaters can save homeowners thousands of dollars over a 10 to 15 year period. The Home Star bill includes a variety of replacement options eligible for rebates.

Ground Source Heat Pump

An alternative to furnaces and boilers are ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). Also known as geothermal heat pumps, GSHPs are one of the most efficient systems for heating and cooling buildings. According to the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, GSHPs are 50 to 70% more efficient than other heating systems, and 20 to 40% more efficient than traditional air conditioners. They can also be used as an alternative water-heating system and save up to 50% on water-heating bills.

Ground source heat pumps are more economical than using oil or air-source heat pumps, but there is still a lot of debate over GSHPs versus natural gas. Homeowners will need carry out their own due diligence beforehand.

Year over year, a ground source heat pump is more cost effective than natural gas. It’s the initial cost that really drives down the return on investment (ROI) and makes natural gas a more attractive option. However, there are several rebates and tax credits available that help subsidize the upfront cost.

Additional Financing Resources
With other legislation in the queue, it might take weeks or months to hear the Senate’s final decision on the Home Star bill. In the meantime, homeowners can receive funding from other sources to pay for green renovations. The federal government, state governments, local municipalities and even utility companies offer several options.

For example, homeowners can still receive a federal tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient products (up to a total credit of $1,500). This includes the purchase of central air conditioning systems (both the product and installation), electric heat pumps, furnaces and boilers, and whole-house ventilation fans. Visit the US Department of Energy Energy Savers website for more information.

Another great resource is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency or “DSIRE” website. This allows you to view rebates, loan and grant programs, financing options and tax credits offered in your region.

Finally, new home buyers should consider an energy-efficient mortgage or energy improvement mortgage. These mortgages allow consumers to count savings from energy bills as additional income, ultimately giving them more buying power. Home Energy Magazine has a helpful article here.

HT: Houston Neal

A severe storm ripped through the western metro area of Minneapolis – St. Paul, Minnesota today. Hail up to the size of a grapefruit (4-1/4″ hail), driven by winds in excess of 60 miles per hour, produced extensive hail damage in Watkins and Cold Spring Minnesota. Golf ball sized hail was reported in Delano, Minnetrista, St. Bonifacious, Watertown, Staples, Chaska and Eden Prairie Minnesota. A tornado was spotted in Kingston, Minnesota at 4:07 pm and in Watertown, Minnesota at 5:03 pm as the storm traveled southeast through west central Minnesota.

This storm provided Minnesota property owners with another round of heavy rain, high winds and large hail. A severe weather watch was in effect for Becker, Carver, Crow Wingm Hennepinm Houstonm Hubbardm Meeker, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Wilkin, Winona and Wright counties as the storm progressed through the entire state. Hail damaged cars, homes, businesses and crops as a result of this powerful Minnesota summer storm.

The elements – rain, snow, heat, cold – are enemies to the exterior of your home. But your siding and roof aren’t things you use every day. Your windows and doors, however, are subject to the same weather and constant use. Eventually, in the case of an accident or wear, they’ll need replacement. You’ve probably lived in a home with a window that won’t shut or open, or a door that doesn’t seal or latch. The process of replacing windows and doors doesn’t have to be complicated or overly expensive.

Exterior storm doors are an important barrier for many reasons – they provide security for your home, as well as keep weather where it belongs. An energy-inefficient door can add hundreds to your heating and cooling costs every year! If you live in an older home with uninsulated or bedraggled doors, replacement might pay for itself within just a few seasons. A contractor can help you select a door that matches your decor, and should provide you with fast, same-day installation. No contractor should be leaving holes in your home!  Be sure to discuss acceptable parts of your home for workers to be in. Prepare your door(s) ahead of time by removing all coverings and treatments. Keep the area workers will be in free of kids, pets, and, well, you. This will speed up work and keep everyone happy and healthy. Be sure to shop around for doors before you decide – you could save a lot of money by comparing prices at different stores and suppliers.

Like doors, windows are a vital portal to the outdoors. There are more windows in your home than doors, and they’re just as important for keeping the outside out and your temperature where you want it. Shop for energy-efficient windows whenever possible. Spending a little extra money will save you big in the long run. There are many reasons to replace or repair windows, from mold and condensation to drafting and cracks. Older windows are usually made of wood, which inevitably degrades over time. Many older homes in Minneapolis are in desperate need of window replacement or retrofitting.

Windows are one of the most important methods of adjusting the atmosphere and grandeur of your home. A large, dramatic window becomes a conversation piece; a small window in an existing bathroom adds natural light and improves mood. Even lightbulbs now try to emulate sunlight – having as much as possible in your home is a wise decision.

Window replacement and install need not be intimidating. While there are far more choices than doors, your budget and stylistic choices will quickly narrow the field. You’ll likely replace many windows at once, to ensure consistent style. Vinyl windows can be retrofitted easily into existing portals in your home. For a more custom look and feel, wooden windows are also available. Most new homes have vinyl windows.

Both windows and doors are now subject to tax credits! Visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index to find out more.

Remember, your windows and doors are vital parts of your home for security, aesthetic, and energy-efficiency reasons. If you’ve had the same windows or doors for 15-20 years, it’s time to evaluate replacement.

Golden Valley Minnesota was located in the heart of the most recent MN hail storm. Golf ball sized hail (1-3/4″) was spotted in the Minneapolis, St. Paul metro area on June 25th, 2010. Hail of this size can cause extensive damage to cars, crops and many components of a properties exterior including roofing, siding, gutters and windows.

The storm passed through the Twin Cities metro area at 7 p.m. reports of power outages and downed trees ranged from as far East as Cottage Grove, Minnesota to Orono, MN on the west edge of the metro area.

Hail damage repairs are likely necessary for Golden Valley MN, Orono MN, Elk River MN and St.Paul MN property owners as a result of this storm. Please follow our Minnesota Hail Damage Repair Guide below to ensure that your storm damage insurance claim is handled professionally and to safeguard your assets.

Hail Damage Repair Guide For Minnesota Property Owners.

• Beware of Door Knocking Companies
  Soon your evenings will be interrupted by “Storm Chasers”. These are often inexperienced fly-by-night contractors looking to make some quick cash. Many of these companies chase storms from every corner of United States. Trust your instincts, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

• Ask the hail damage repair salesman how long they have been in the industry.
  Just because a company has been around for five years that does not mean that their sales force is composed of professional hail damage repair experts. Ask them how many roofs they have installed, how many siding and gutter projects they have completed, how many insurance claims they have successfully settled for property owners.

• Check on the companies Better Business Bureau rating and online reviews.
  The BBB is a great place to check on a companies track record. Stinson Services has an A rating. In addition look at a companies online customer reviews. See what our customers have to say!!

• What does the company specialize in?
  Does the company say the can do everything, but in reality they only specialize in roofing? Many companies will tell you they can help you with your hail damage insurance claim, make sure to review their track record to ensure they can assist you with repairing not only your roof, but the other damaged areas of your property including siding, gutters, windows, fences and decks. If the salesman informs you that they only do roofing, BEWARE THIS IS A TELL TALE SIGN THAT THEY ARE STORM CHASERS.

• Ask if the company is willing to wait for you to obtain additional bids.
  Stinson Services will provide you with an additional bid for all your storm damage repair needs. If the salesman is reluctant to submit a bid and wait for you to review additional bids kindly ask them to leave. Honest, ethical companies will bid your project competitively and accurately, we enjoy the satisfaction that comes from providing some of the best estimates in the industry contact us today for a FREE HAIL DAMAGE REPAIR ESTIMATE.

• Check on the hail damage repair companies reference list.
  Call previous customers and ask them how their experience was working with the company that you are considering working with. Make sure that the hail damage contractor has actually completed jobs and that their customers approve of their work.

• Never sign a contract or agreement.
  Many storm chasers will ask you to sign a contract or agreement of some sort. Many times a salesman will advertise a “Special Offer” or even tell you that they will pay your deductible. If the offer sounds too good to be true it probably is. Do your homework and research the company prior to signing anything.

A powerful storm ripped through Minnesota today encompassing the entire state from North to South. Several tornadoes touched down throughout the state including one in Wadena, Minnesota that has caused extensive damage. Hail damage reports were recorded as far North as East Grand Forks, MN and as far South as Albert Lea, MN. There have been two reported deaths as a result of this powerful storm, in addition there have been several reported injuries.

Throughout Minnesota there have been over 30 hail reports filed with the NOAA’s National Weather Service. The storm produced enormous hailstones of at least 1 inch in diameter. The largest hail stone reported measured in at 4 1/2″ inches. There were 10 reported tornado touchdown reports filed with the NOAA within Minnesota. For a detailed listing of the July 17th, 2010 Minnesota hail storm view our interactive MN storm damage maps.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this powerful storm make sure that they understand the insurance restoration process that will follow. It is crucial that you find an credible contractor that is trained in storm damage insurance negotiation. As Certified HAAG Engineering Hail Damage Inspectors we are trained to identify and repair damage to hail damaged roofs, siding, gutters windows and other exterior home components. We have successfully represented hundreds of satisfied clients through the insurance restoration process. Contact us today for a FREE HAAG Engineering Certified Property Damage Inspection.

Your roof isn’t your only protection from the elements – your windows, doors, gutters, and siding also play a critical role. Siding isn’t all vinyl, and it isn’t all one color; there are countless options, and your choice could be affected by weather patterns, cost – even neighborhood rules. Be sure you know as much as possible before you make a decision about siding your home. Just like roofing, select a reputable, knowledgeable
siding contractor whose credentials you can review, and perhaps who your neighbors have recommended you. He or she can help you choose the proper installation for your home, and your choices begin at the type of siding you select.

Vinyl Siding
Probably the most common type of siding on the average home. Vinyl siding is made from PVC, and is sold in a wide variety of colors for nearly any application. Vinyl isn’t as environmentally friendly as other types, but it tends to be less expensive.

Steel Siding
Steel siding is highly durable, and can be recycled if removed. While color choices aren’t as varied as other types of siding, a 50 year warranty comes with steel.

Fiber Cement Board Siding
Also known as James Hardi siding, this is a very durable and customizable type of siding. It can be painted any color, and comes with a 50-year warranty.

Wood Clapboard Siding
As beautiful as brick or old stucco, clapboard siding is just as historical. It’s the oldest type of siding on this list, and when properly maintained, can last a lifetime. It can be painted, is available in a variety of sizes, and can be completely customized for your home. Different types of wood – cedar, pine, douglas fir, and others – are used in different applications. This is usually the most expensive type of siding.

For more information about the types siding available, their warranties, lifetimes, and advantages, visit Stinson Services’ info page.

Once you’ve selected a contractor – sure sure to select one who is VSI certified – and been in contact with him or her, he or she will provide you with an estimate to move the process forward. You may want to seek competing estimates if there are many siding company options in your area. You’ll schedule a date to begin work, and a crew will arrive to remove your old siding. Once that’s complete, a new moisture barrier is installed on home as well as your new fascia. The length of your project depends on the size of your home, weather conditions, and the type of siding you’ve selected. When the job is complete, your contractor should always be prudent about fulling cleaning your site. Now you’re ready to enjoy years of new, beautiful siding.

“Roofing” is a scary word, even if you’re building new: it’s expensive, it’s complicated, it’s problematic. If it’s done wrong, you’ll be putting buckets in your kitchen and hiding the TV. Right?

Anything having to do with home repair or home construction can seem intimidating, but roofing doesn’t have to be the things above. You, the homeowner, have the power to choose the right contractor and demand your job is done as it should be. You deserve to know what to expect from your roofing contractor.

Your roof protects everything in your home, and is key in regulating temperature. The right roof means lower heating and cooling costs and a feeling of security about your investment. So how do you find the right one? How do you know who to hire?

You’ve got a lot of choices. There are four major types of roofing available: heavy dimensional roofing, stone-coated steel shingles, painted steel shingles, and cedar shake shingles. Each has benefits and detriments, ranging from cost to durability to warranty period. All types should be covered for at least 15 years, and some for up to 50. Steel shingles provide protection from hail in high-risk areas, as well as superior wind resistance. Do research on the most common roofing types in your area, and ask your neighbors how their experiences have been. Your choice is practical as well as stylistic.

When you’ve made your choice – or even if you haven’t – you have to choose a general contractor. Look for a company whose estimator will take measurements of your roof and provide you a bid on his first visit. Don’t let yourself get the run-around! Be sure to check on their license and company reputation. Make sure you get detailed specifications and materials costs.

A good roofer will then work out a schedule based on weather patterns and worker availability, to ensure your roof is finished as soon as possible, and for the least cost to you. Most jobs start in 3 to 6 weeks. When it’s time to begin, your materials will arrive as well as the site foreman and supervisor to do a site inspection; a sign will be posted on your property.

Your roofer should be sure to protect your bushes and plants from debris with tarps and cloths. After all the preparations are complete, the removal of your existing roofing (in the case of repair or remodeling) begins. The dangers of this process make the outside contracting of roofing highly beneficial. After your old roof is gone, the shingling process begins, which should be rapid and efficient. Don’t let your contractor dawdle.

After your roof is complete (and, hopefully, you are satisfied,) final paperwork and warranty signage comes your way. If you notice any problems, tell your roofer! He should be happy to fix them. Your roofer will likely ask for referrals – it’s kind to oblige if you’re happy with the work he’s done.

Now you can enjoy the security and efficiency of your new roof. Remember, you have the right to demand good, cost-effective work. Be sure your needs are being met throughout the process, and don’t be intimidated. Being knowledgeable is important.