Nov. 27--"Cash for clunkers" is history. Now it's all about cash for caulkers.

With the government offering tax credits for spending on a host of energy-efficiency improvements, local homeowners are getting busy.

The federal stimulus bill passed by Congress last spring lets homeowners deduct 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500, of windows, doors, insulation, roofs, heating and cooling equipment, and energy-efficient appliances installed this year and next in existing homes. They can also receive 30 percent tax credits, with no maximum, if they install geothermal heat pumps now through 2016.

Plumbing contractor Frank Gouveia has noticed a 25 percent increase in calls to his Chelmsford business since the tax credits took effect. He said lots of people are taking advantage of the incentives by installing high-efficiency burners and furnaces. Gouveia, who has been in the plumbing and heating business since 1971 and opened his own company in 1983, said homeowners today have more motivation than ever to make their houses energy-efficient.

In Massachusetts, the MassSAVE program offers discounts on installations and mail-in rebates on certain approved home-improvement projects. Residents can request a free home-energy assessment by a specialist who examines the entire living space, including the attic and basement. They also view a year's worth of electric and heating bills. The specialist then recommends cost-effective improvements, for which some residents can

receive a 50 percent rebate, up to $1,500. They also may qualify for certain items for winterizing your home, such as weatherstripping.

It's just a matter of time before the weatherman predicts a Nor'easter and opening your heating bill becomes a terrifying experience.

Corey Dormitzer, manager of Chelmsford Fireplace Center, said people looking to save money on their heating bills by installing a gas or wood stove need to act now. The family-owned company's installations are booked almost into January.

"Last year's ice storm happened in December. People need to come in as soon as possible," he said.

Dormitzer said there is a 30 percent tax credit for people who purchase wood stoves. Both gas and wood stoves will save homeowners money on their monthly heating bills, he says.

"It's hard for some people to realize a gas stove saves them money. They think of their gas bill of being $500 a month," Dormitzer said. "But a stove is about four times cheaper than the gas it takes to heat your entire house."

Before turning up the thermostat, Gouveia recommends that homeowners clean their filters, changing them every three months, have a professional heating company purge the air and make sure the entire system is working properly for both gas and oil.

"Have someone come in and perform a complete clean-out," Gouveia said.

For those who are looking to save even more money or cannot afford expensive upgrades to their home-heating system, basic drapery can keep the cold out and the hot in, said Bob Noel, manager of George's Textiles in Lowell.

"You can basically go soup to nuts," Noel said of the products available to cover windows.

Pleated shades and quilted panels with six layers of insulation, called Warm Window, are very popular with his customers, he said. The drapes are secured to the window by Velcro, keeping the room sealed off and preventing drafts to enter. The business also sells a clear vinyl that can be placed over windows without losing any visibility or sunlight.

"You can save quite a bit on your heating bill," Noel said of using drapery or plastic over windows.

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