Insulation Institute Blog

Posts By: Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd

Fiberglass and Mineral Wool Facts for DIYers

NAIMA has released a new consumer guide, Fiberglass and Mineral Wool Facts for DIYers, that addresses key concerns about the health and safety of fiberglass or mineral wool insulation as a do-it-yourselfer (DIYer).

The guide details the 75-year history of scientific research conducted by national and international authorities, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and the National Academies of Sciences. The research concludes that fiberglass and mineral wool insulation products are safe to manufacture, fabricate, install, and use when recommended work practices are followed.

Fiberglass and Mineral Wool Facts for DIYers also highlights the rigorous chemical standards that fiberglass and mineral wool insulation products meet, including GREENGUARD certification, verifying the products are low in chemical emissions that contribute to healthy indoor air quality. The publication also details the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) required to avoid skin irritation that can result when working with fiberglass and mineral wool insulation products.

Download the guide here.

As Use of 25C Lags, Contractor Campaign Underway

According to new data released by the U.S. Treasury Department, for the 2023 tax year,  more than 3.34 million U.S. taxpayers claimed at least one of the home energy efficiency tax credits made available in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In all, more than $8 billion in residential clean energy and home energy efficiency credits were claimed against 2023 federal income taxes.

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As Use of 25C Lags, Contractor Campaign Underway

Recycled Content Use Tops 3 Billion Pounds

NAIMA recently announced the result of its annual recycled content survey, which reports its members’ use of recycled materials. In 2023, NAIMA members in the United States and Canada used more than 3 billion pounds of recycled glass and slag in the production of residential, commercial, industrial, and air-handling thermal and acoustical insulation.  

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Recycled Content Use Tops 3 Billion Pounds

The Urgent Need to Cut Energy Burden for Families

Insulation is one of the best ways to reduce home energy costs, with a national opportunity to save 15 to 45 percent on costs, according to ICF’s Insulation Opportunity Study. With the unprecedented heat making energy costs increasingly unaffordable for all Americans but particularly low-income Americans, this cannot be overstated. A new report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate (CEPC) underscores the need to rapidly expand energy assistance programs and weatherization activities to reduce the cost burden to these communities.

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State of the Nation’s Housing Report 2024

The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University recently released The State of the Nation’s Housing 2024 report. This year’s report details some significant challenges confronting the U.S. residential housing market. These include increasing housing costs, record cost burdens for homeowners and low for-sale inventory, which has prompted buyers to seek new construction homes, however unaffordable.

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State of the Nation’s Housing Report 2024

Government-Backed Mortgages to Get Efficiency Boost

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a final rule updating the energy code requirements for HUD and USDA new home mortgages. All new construction homes purchased with these federal mortgages must now comply with the 2021 or the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). While the final rule was announced today, enforcement of the rule will not come for 18 months. Currently, the rules require compliance with the 2009 IECC. This new requirement will increase the energy efficiency of new homes by more than 30 percent.

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Government-Backed Mortgages to Get Efficiency Boost