Cash for Caulking is one step closer to reality, with the US House of Representatives passing the bill on May 6th by a vote of 246-161. The bill now moves to the Senate where it is expected to pass as well.

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act (better known by its more exciting code “Cash for Caulkers”) is the latest stimulus attempt by the US government to get the economy growing again, much like the Cash for Clunkers and Cash for Appliances programs that have already been passed and rolled out. Under this new Cash for Caulking plan homeowners can be eligible to receive an incentive of between $1000 to $1500 back in exchange for doing work such as adding insulation, sealing up duct work, and replacing windows.

There is also a higher-end Gold Star Program where homeowners may eligible for up to a $3000 rebate if certain conditions were met for larger-scale home energy efficiency projects that improve energy efficiency by at least 20%. The work must be carried out by licensed contractors and may be audited to ensure that no fraud is taking place.