Energy-efficient homes are more than just a fad, and cities and towns across the country continue encouraging inhabitants to make their houses more environmentally-friendly. Brookline, Massachusetts, is the latest city to publicly promote its support for energy-efficient homes, announcing a town-sponsored effort incentivizing residents to go green.

According to The Boston Globe, Green Homes Brookline and Brookline Local First have teamed up for a contest they're calling "Weatherize Brookline," which urges residents to sign up for and complete free energy assessments by April 2013. Participants will have a chance to win up to $500 in gift cards to Brookline stores, in an attempt to ramp up support for local businesses.

Green Homes Brookline, a partnership between NSTAR and National Grid, aims to provide free home energy assessments and incentives to local residents. In a recent press release, it explained that people can save up to $600 each year by insulating and sealing their homes.

Chobee Hoy, chair of Brookline Local First, further explained the goal of Weatherize Brookline in the press release. "The Weatherize Brookline contest will extend the benefits of the holiday shopping season for local businesses, help residents stay warm by insulating their homes and give several lucky winners the chance to invest in Brookline."

This is just one example of the many rebates and incentives available throughout the country for people interested in converting to energy-efficient homes. For Maryland residents, Pepco and Potomac Edison both offer rebates, including up to 50 percent back on services such as air sealing and air insulation. To get started, contact Alban Inspections for an energy audit. We're a home inspection contractor that services Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia.