Home Energy Notes

Guide

Air sealing and insulation before home energy upgrades

Use ENERGY STAR-style air sealing and insulation checks before solar, cooling, rebate or heat pump quotes lock in.

Rebates and quotes · June 30, 2026

What “federal green rebate” means on a contractor quote

When a quote says federal green rebate, separate tax credits, state rebates, utility incentives and paperwork before trusting the net price.

Home checklists · June 25, 2026

Find the cause of high cooling bills before requesting quotes

Use this summer home energy checklist to spot air leaks, attic insulation gaps and duct issues before cooling bills or quotes get rushed.

Home envelope · June 23, 2026

What a home energy audit should change in an insulation quote

Use an energy audit before insulation, air sealing, solar or heat-pump quotes turn guesses into project costs.

Rebates and quotes · June 19, 2026

Save this proof before insulation or air-sealing work begins

Before a 2026 insulation or air sealing quote counts credits or rebates, save the proof and separate expired claims.

Heat pumps · June 16, 2026

Size the heat pump for the house after air sealing

Before choosing heat pump size, ask how air sealing, insulation, ducts and future load changes affect the quote.

Solar planning · June 10, 2026

Before sizing solar, check what the attic is wasting

Use ENERGY STAR air sealing and attic insulation checks before solar panel quotes lock in system size.

Rebates and quotes · June 8, 2026

Verify a 2026 home energy rebate before trusting the net price

Before a contractor counts a 2026 home energy rebate or federal green rebate in a quote, verify program status, scope and paperwork.

Cooling · June 3, 2026

Cooling quote checklist: inspect ducts before upsizing equipment

Check duct sealing, return air and hidden exclusions before comparing central AC or ducted heat pump quotes.

Home checklists · May 27, 2026

A 20-minute monthly home energy check

Use this monthly home energy checklist to catch bill, comfort, air leak and schedule clues before they turn into rushed quotes.

Home envelope · May 26, 2026

Should you air-seal before solar panels or a heat pump?

Use ENERGY STAR air sealing and insulation checks before solar panels or heat pump quotes lock in system size.