Home Insulation Provides Economic, Comfort Benefits, Lowers GHG Emissions
ALEXANDRIA, VA — APRIL 22, 2016 — To mark the 46th year of Earth Day observance, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) reminds consumers that properly insulating their homes is one of the simplest things they can do to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Ninety percent of homes are under insulated – which costs consumers money and comfort,” said NAIMA President and CEO Curt Rich. “Increasing attic insulation in your home can reduce energy usage by as much as 30 percent[1], increase home comfort and boost the value of your home at re-sale.” A report this year found that adding fiber glass attic insulation to an existing home would return 117 percent on the investment – increasing a home’s value by $1,482 if the home is sold 12 months after the upgrade.
Additionally, a new study from Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) finds that increasing insulation levels in existing U.S. ssingle-family homes to the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) level would, in total across the United States, cut electricity consumption by 37 billion kilowatt hours. This reduction is equivalent to the annual electricity usage of 3.4 million U.S. homes. In addition, increased insulation would slash residential natural gas consumption (9 percent), reduce propane use (10 percent) and fuel oil consumption (12 percent).
Some homeowners may also take advantage of financial incentives and tax credits offered by a number of jurisdictions and entities throughout the United States to make homes more energy-efficient by doing such things as adding insulation.
“Earth Day is a great opportunity to remind consumers and building owners as well that a well-insulated building provides environmental and economic benefits,” said Scott Miller, Director, Sustainability for Knauf Insulation. “Insulation is a simple solution to a weighty global challenge — reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions — but it clearly offers a myriad of benefits.”
[1] Savings may vary. Find out why in the seller’s fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.
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About NAIMA
NAIMA is the association for North American manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products. Its role is to promote energy efficiency and environmental preservation through the use of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation, and to encourage the safe production and use of these materials. Our website is insulationinstitute.org.
