Print edition: 
TOPEKA — Homeowners who caulk windows or add insulation may be eligible for a $500 rebate from the state between now and next spring.
Efficiency Kansas announced the new rebate program Thursday designed to help homeowners and small businesses save money on energy bills.
The first 1,500 participants will be eligible for a $500 rebate on "envelope" improvements such as caulking around windows and doors or adding insulation to a building.
Improvements must be completed by April 1.
There are restrictions:
* Participants must get an energy audit from a qualified company.
The state is offering a rebate program allowing homeowners to pay $100 for an energy audit. The audits usually cost $300 to $600.
Energy audits identify where a building is leaking air and where improvements can be made.
The $100 audit program also is available to the first 1,500 participants or until April 1.
* The $500 rebate for envelope improvements is available to those who receive low-interest loans from the state to make energy improvements.
"With winter around the corner, many Kansans are looking for ways to reduce their heating costs, and these new programs will help them identify and finance energy-efficiency improvements that help them get the biggest savings for each dollar they spend," said Ryan Freed, who manages Efficiency Kansas, which is run through the Kansas Corporation Commission.
Efficiency Kansas was created using money from the federal stimulus package almost a year ago. It allows homeowners access to 15-year low-interest loans up to $20,000 to make improvements. Small-business owners can borrow up to $30,000 through the program.
So far the program has loaned $349,438 to 51 homeowners and small businesses, the average loan has been $6,800.
More information, including a list of approved auditors, is available at EfficiencyKansas.com or by calling 877-448-3185.c
