Fall Into Energy Savings
10-12-2022
For many Americans, fall is a favorite time of year. Football season, the changing leaves, pumpkin-spiced everything, and turning off the AC in favor of mild days and cooler nights. What you may not know is that fall is the ideal time to get your home ready to save on energy during the colder months ahead.
One of the fastest and most effective ways to save money on heating costs during cooler temperatures is proper air sealing and insulation.
Heating bills could send chills up your spine
Homeowners can expect higher energy bills this winter. The average cost of home heating is expected to rise another 17.2 percent from last winter to $1,202. This marks the highest cost in more than a decade and the second consecutive year of major price increases, said the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). This is especially troublesome for the more than 20 million American families – that's about one in six families – who are already behind on their utility bills.
Is your home under insulated?
According to EnergyStar.gov, nine out of 10 homes across America are under insulated, leading to wasted money on heating and cooling bills and decreased home comfort.
Adequate insulation levels can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent, and air sealing saves energy and improves indoor air quality by keeping potentially harmful pollutants, insects, rodents and moisture out.
A newly-released study by an Insulation Industries Trade Associations Coalition shows energy savings ranging from 10 to 45 percent can be achieved in existing homes that are air sealed and have insulation added in the ceiling/attic and floors (and walls in very limited circumstances) to levels prescribed by the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code.
How much insulation do I need in my attic?
Use a tape measure to see how deep the current insulation is on your attic floor. Where your home is located in the country and how comfortable or uncomfortable you are in your home will help guide how much insulation you should have.. But if you can see your attic floor joists, you probably don’t have enough insulation. Taking the necessary steps to bring your attic up to code is easy. If you are still unsure or unable to check and want a professional opinion, then have a BPI Certified Building Analyst assist you.
Take advantage of Energy Tax Credits & Rebates on insulation materials
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, provides tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient upgrades including upgraded windows, doors, insulation, and other home weatherization services. All totaled, the law invests $50 billion into clean energy technologies and improvements that can lower home energy bills and make homes healthier and safer while significantly reducing climate pollution.
The act immediately revived Section 25C Tax Credit for Qualified Energy Efficiency Improvements which provides up to 10% tax credit on the cost of insulation materials, up to $500, for the 2022 tax year.
More comprehensive tax credits and rebates are coming in 2023 as detailed below.
Get a home energy audit
Every house is different, so homeowners should seek a BPI Certified Building Analyst to find exactly where your house is wasting energy. An energy auditor uses tools such as infrared camera and blower door to provide a picture of where the heated (or cooled) air is escaping your home and how large the leak is. They prioritize repairs in order, from must-do to nice-to-do, that fit your budget. They can also help homeowners gain access to federal, state, local, and utility programs that may be applicable.
It only takes a weekend to experience lifelong savings
Installing Knauf EcoFill Blown-in Insulation in your attic is a weekend DIY project that can help save on energy bills and improve comfort for the lifetime of the home.
Watch a step-by-step how-to video.
Sources
https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/