Need more evidence that a home energy audit and other energy conserving plans are rapidly gaining popularity around the world? One of the most famous styles of homes from one of the most popular television shows in the United Kingdom is going to get a home energy audit as well, according to The Guardian.

Some energy-efficiency scientists are set to play with homes exactly the same type as the ones showed on the set of Coronation Street, which is the longest running soap opera around. As a matter of fact, these specific ones are in the opening credits of the show.

The good news is that this set of homes, built prior to World War I, was actually set to be demolished before the scientists stepped in. Instead, it will be transplanted to a lab, disassembled and then will be rebuilt under specific conditions in the lab.

All sorts of tests will be run on the house as the scientists make changes to the gas, water and electricity piping. Even some psychologists will be present to test whether certain designs, carpets or furniture make people feel warm – or perceive to be warmer – in comparison to styles.

The modern-day fad is energy-efficient homes but this project is taking an old home and gauging where it can be improved to conserve on energy. While some buyers do prefer building their own new homes, a lot of people simply can’t afford it and others prefer the quaint architecture and style of the past, which simply can’t be duplicated.

Either way, it gives a good idea of just how valuable a home energy audit can be. There are many benefits and it really shows that you don’t need to build a brand new home from scratch to start saving money on energy consumption.

The Home Energy Team Institute keeps you abreast on all energy-efficiency and home energy auditing learning topics but one thing that home energy gurus need to be conscious of are the government tax credits and rebates.

While the idea of energy saving means cost savings, sometimes the cost of the home upgrades can deter homeowners from making the changes. Is it worth it to spend the money now in order to money save in the long run? What is the break even point?

Government tax credits can help meet that break even point sooner and encourage the changes sooner rather than later. But there aren’t just one or two credits or rebates; there’s nearly thousands from the federal level to the state-by-state level.

Keeping that in mind, though, when homeowners are looking at what potential tax credits they are eligible for, they should examine the state-by-state differences to determine what is available. We’re well aware that there are many federal tax credits that are sweeping across the board,  but there are even more that are determined state-by-state, which means you have to take a look at your state’s details to see whether or not the changes qualify.

For example: Colorado has 40 different utility rebate programs whereas California has 98.

The good news for you is that there is one clean, simple site that organizes all of these energy rebates for you and allows you to just search and find exactly what you’re looking for.

Check out DSIREUSA.org, which is the Database of State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency. There you will find all the answers to the state-by-state tax credit differences.

Taking energy auditor courses are essential to be RESNET certified as a home energy auditor. We are entering the golden age of home energy audits, so now is the time to get your energy audit training. 

Think about it. President Obama and both political parties have two goals with the Home Star program: to create jobs and reduce home energy consumption. Both of these goals play right into the hands of those seeking to undergo home energy audit training. It’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to start over in a new career. 

The great thing about the whole Cash for Calkers program is that it comes on the heels of the immensely successful Cash for Clunkers program of last summer. The track record doesn’t exactly translate over, but the excitement and enthusiasm on the part of both homeowners and the government is just as high.    

In terms of the actual energy audit courses, the Home Energy Team Institute offers convenient 16-hour online courses to effectively prepare you for the HESP RESNET Certification Exam. You can take up to 30 days to complete the courses, giving you plenty of time to make this a stress-free first step in a new career.

Home energy audit training is ideal for home inspectors or construction contractors who are seeking to cash in on all of these government spurred-on energy initiatives. But again, anyone can do become a home energy auditor if they receive the proper certification and training.

More to come on the Home Star Program progress and its expected inception.