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Recently Released: The Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor

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HUD's Office of Policy Development & Research (PD&R)
recently launched the Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor, a
Web-based tool designed to help homeowners, contractors,
architects, housing authorities, development agencies,
facility managers, and others to improve energy
efficiency in existing residences during renovation and
remodeling.

In six clicks, the Advisor provides recommendations for
cost-effectively increasing the energy efficiency of a
typical renovation project in single-family or
multifamily housing. These recommendations are based on
the building type, location, and specific project - and
they're free.

This is the simplest tool available for estimating the
costs and savings of incorporating cost-effective energy
efficiency improvements into remodeling projects. The
user need not perform any computer modeling or
calculating, and unlike other user-friendly tools, the
Advisor is also capable of addressing the costs and
savings available for multifamily housing.

The information contained in the Advisor updates the 1996
PD&R publications: "Guidebook for Optimizing Utility
Consumption in Existing One-to-Four Family Dwellings" and
"Guidebook for Optimizing Utility Consumption in Existing
Multifamily Dwellings." HUD developed the Advisor in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The energy
efficiency recommendations are based on ENERGY STAR
specifications, where applicable.

"Improving housing affordability is a key component of
HUD's mission. The Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor
represents one way HUD can help identify energy
efficiency improvements and pinpoint cost savings for any
housing project," said Mike Blanford, a research engineer
with the Office of Policy Development and Research who
managed development of the Advisor.

During a recent 'road test', Bob Paquin, Director of
Boston's Office of Community Planning and Development
noted, "The Advisor sets a new standard for 'user-
friendly.' It offers easy access to a complex subject.
This tool is comprehensive, efficient and informative."

Incorporating energy-efficiency measures during housing
rehab creates numerous benefits for owners and occupants,
including lower energy bills, increased comfort, and a
quieter, healthier indoor environment. HUD recommends
following the Advisor's guidelines when undertaking any
type of renovation project in single- and multifamily
dwellings, whether it's privately-owned or in a public
housing context.

Visit http://www.rehabadvisor.com to learn more.
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