mall Investment In Energy Efficiency Can Have Big Payoff ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With predictions of a mild winter and falling gasoline prices filling the evening news, Americans might be lulled into believing that there is no need to worry about energy. But, the wild fluctuations in energy and fuel prices in the last several years, demonstrate clearly that Americans can not simply hope for mild temperatures. We must take charge of our energy use and actively look for ways to use less energy in order to avoid outages, weather price surges and aid energy security. With homes and buildings accounting for more than 40 percent of all energy used in this country, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) reminds homeowners that they can minimize their costs and help control the amount of energy they use by taking some simple steps like adding thermal insulation. Adding insulation is a relatively easy step to take and, when coupled with proper air sealing and caulking, can save homeowners up to 20 percent on utility bills according to EPA ENERGY STAR*. The easiest, most cost-effective places to add insulation include attics, basement walls, and floors above unheated spaces like vented crawl spaces and garages. NAIMA advises that most homeowners will need to add between an R-19 and R-30 insulation to their attics to maximize their savings and comfort. This level will also likely help homeowners qualify for a federal tax credit for adding insulation and other energy saving products to existing homes. The tax credit is for 10 percent of the final cost of qualified home improvement products for a maximum of $500 over 2006 and 2007. Homeowners should consult IRS guidelines on the energy tax credits. Incentives are offered by a growing number of utilities as well, because of public commitments the utilities have made under a National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency. More than 65 percent of American homes are under-insulated according to a Harvard University School of Public Health study, and if your home is as little as 10 years old, it is probably among them. With federal tax breaks and the availability of utility incentive programs growing, there is no better time to increase the amount of insulation in a home. Insulation pays for itself quickly and continues to pay for itself as long as the home is standing.
