Nov 21 2005
There are more than 46 million under-insulated homes in America according to Harvard University’s School of Public Health. That is more than 65% of all US households.
Those homes and their occupants could be sharply affected this winter by skyrocketing heating costs. Some will have to make sacrifices to pay their bills.
But, there is an immediate solution - Insulation.
NAIMA, the North America Insulation Manufacturers Association, is offering free resources to those 46 million households and others to help decrease their utility bills by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes through improved insulation.
According to the US Department of Energy, insulation is one of the quickest, easiest ways homeowners can save tremendous energy and money this winter, and it’s something most do-it-yourselfers can do typically in a weekend. In fact, the US Department of Energy and US Environmental Protection Agency say that homeowners can save up to 20% on their energy bills with properly installed insulation and home sealing.
NAIMA’s website, www.SimplyInsulate.com, provides homeowners with free resources to help them assess and take action to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. If a home is as little as 10 years old, it likely needs double the amount of insulation it has today. Homeowners should check their attics, basements and crawlspaces first, since these are the most accessible areas in which to add more insulation.
SimplyInsulate.com helps homeowners with information on how insulation can save money, step by step instructions for adding insulation to a home, recommendations on the desired insulation levels for their area, and how to find and hire an insulation contractor, as well as much more.
Insulation is a great investment for homeowners. It starts paying for itself immediately and continues to put money back in the homeowner’s pocket for as long as they own the house. Federal, state and local governments and many utilities offer tax incentives and rebates for homeowners who increase the amount of insulation in their homes. A listing of these incentives is available on www.SimplyInsulate.com. Savings may vary. Find out why in the seller's fact sheet.
SimplyInsulate.com also gives information on the numerous benefits of insulation including:
- Lower energy bills
- Greater comfort
- Improved acoustics
- Better moisture control, which can reduce floor squeaks, drywall cracks, structure damage and condensation
- Potential for increased resale value
- Installing proper insulation levels can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
- A more environmentally-friendly home
- Local and state tax incentives and rebates for adding insulation to your home