VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) dedicates October as Energy Awareness Month. The mission of the DOE is an important one -- to educate consumers on the critical impact energy use has on our lives, our community and our country. With more than a century of experience in the building products industry, CertainTeed Corporation recognizes the continued challenges homeowners face in tackling escalating home heating costs. According to a study conducted by Harvard University, more than 45 million U.S. homes are under-insulated. Coupled with an anticipated 17 percent increase in the costs of natural gas -- the primary heating source used in 58 percent of U.S. homes -- there is no better time for homeowners to evaluate the energy efficiency of their homes. Here are a few tips to get started: -- Conduct a home energy audit. With a simple but careful walk-through, many problems can be spotted in any type of house. Locate obvious air leaks by examining gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring, at junctures of the walls and ceilings, and at electrical box openings and plumbing penetrations. If cracks are present, caulk and weatherstrip. -- Attic insulation is key when evaluating the energy efficiency of a home. If the attic has 6 inches or less of insulation, it should be upgraded to the recommended level of insulation for that geographic area. Visit certainteed.com or talk with a local insulation contractor to learn the appropriate level. -- Some insulating systems can provide the added benefit of moisture management in addition to traditional insulation performance. For example, CertainTeed Corporation's DryRight(TM) Fiberglass Insulation offers excellent thermal protection while reducing in-the-wall moisture to help prevent the growth of damaging mold and mildew. -- Air enters the living space from unheated parts of the house, such as attics, basements or crawl spaces. Any ducts that pass through an unheated space should be sealed and insulated, to prevent air and heat loss. -- Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it. Seal air leaks to ensure that insulation is providing its full performance. -- Check the R-value of fiber glass insulation before buying it. Plainly, R-value means resistance to heat flow. The greater the R-value, the greater the insulation power. CertainTeed offers a full line of quality insulation products for both new and existing homes that meet the requirements of the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute and the Green Building Guidelines established through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). CertainTeed insulation products can also help building professionals qualify toward credits for The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
