Insulation Institute Blog

Report: 89% of Homes Are Under Insulated

New research sponsored by NAIMA and conducted by ICF Consulting shows that 89 percent of U.S. single-family homes are under-insulated, decreasing comfort while increasing energy costs for homeowners.

Using the 2012 IECC as the baseline for home energy efficiency level, ICF used the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 2024 ResStock database to extrapolate a sample of 1 million U.S. homes for this study. All homes that met energy efficiency targets less stringent than the 2012 IECC were deemed under-insulated.

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Infographic Shows ROI for Modern Energy Codes

A new infographic published this week highlights the surprisingly robust return on investment homeowners achieve when buying an energy-efficient home. The graphic includes a detailed estimate of the cost of complying with the 2021 IECC, estimated at $7,200 nationally for a single-family home. The graphic also details that every dollar invested in energy efficiency saves the homeowner $3 in monthly energy costs.

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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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