Looking to Invest?

This will probably sound self serving and, to be honest, to some degree it is: There is no better time than now to invest in the energy efficiency of your home. Realistically, what else is there you can invest in, Stocks? CD? 401K? mattress? I am very aware of the lack of ready cash these days, we kneel before the alter of frugality and pray for wisdom to further tighten up the budget. Any form of weatherization is going to help you out, as will better appliances, glass, lighting etc. Keep an eye on the tax incentives for home energy improvement. While I have not yet had the opportunity to help a homeowner apply for tax credits or incentive money for home energy improvement, when (NOT IF) fuel costs rise again I expect more and more folks to explore this path to stretching their energy dollars.
There is a new TVA program in the works that will enhance their existing Energy Right Program with more comprehensive audits and some cash incentives. As I understand it there won't be any blower door style performance testing. To bad, in my view, because you can miss a lot without pressure testing.
When folks begin to regain confidence in their job situation and want to borrow for home loans again we will see a demand for efficient homes. It is already happening to some degree as folks want as much high performance from their homes as they do their cars. The idea that we get very little help from our home builders and sellers compared to the information you get when you buy a new car is finally begining to get some attention. I still advocate a HERS rating as part of the home sales cycle though there seems to be some push back on that idea.