Cash for caulkers

In a recent press conference, President Obama was discussing energy efficiency, and proclaimed, "Insulation is sexy!"

Now that line may not resonate throughout history quite like Truman's, "This day will live in infamy," but its got substance just the same.

The president was trying to emphasize the importance replacing outdated heating and cooling systems, insulating walls, and sealing up drafty homes in an effort to save money and energy.

And Congress is crafting legislation for a new program called, Cash for Caulkers, that will allow homeowners to receive a 50% rebate on energy-saving products and installations up to $12,000. That means you could spend as much as $24,000 on upgrades, and get half back.

That's a sweet deal, especially if you need to replace a furnace or other piece of expensive equipment. But the very best, most cost-effective way to save energy is still the simplest: seal up drafts.

In fact, tests have shown that you can cut heating and cooling bills by 20% just by sealing and insulating. The problem is that many homeowners don't know where to look for costly leaks, or which products to use where. Well now expert help is just a mouse click away.

At the website, SealYourHome.Info, you'll find tons of information on conserving energy, including practical advice on where to look for leaks, how to properly apply caulk, and detailed descriptions of the various types of caulks and sealants--and suggestions on where to use what product.

You can also take a "Seal It" house tour, and a "Test Your House" exam to see how energy efficient your home is compared to the average American home.

The site also does a good job of displaying--and archiving--all the latest energy-efficiency news out of Washington.