subject: Make Your Home Energy Efficient [print this page] Along with utility savings, you can get tax credit for windows, sealing, insulation and other efficiency measures that pertain to the home shell, worth 30% of the installed material cost.
Homes use most of the energy for heating and cooling purposes. This would remain ineffective in case the house is improperly insulated or there are gaps or cracks in the building shell which provide passage for heat to escape. However, with proper insulation and air sealing one can restrict the flow of heat. As a result, homes become warmer during winters and cooler during summers. Consequently, you can lower down the thermostat by a few degrees, saving on power bills. Along with heat resistance, insulation also acts as a sound absorber and restricts transmission of sound from one room to another or from outside to inside and vice versa. Hence, it helps reduce the noise in your house and makes the house more comfortable to stay in, especially in today's noise-laden environments.
There are different types of insulation available, such as loose-fill, spray-on, rigid board and concrete block insulation. These use a variety of insulation materials including fiberglass, cellulose, foam and mineral wool. However, before you install insulation, get an insulation audit done to estimate the amount and type of insulation required.
Depending upon the amount of insulation required and the area to be insulated, you may use different insulation products. For new construction or major renovation as well as unfinished and foundation walls you may use Concrete blocks, with cores filled with liquid foam or loose foam beads. In contrast, for attics and areas that are difficult to reach blown in fiberglass can be used and for duct insulation radiant barrier is effective.
Proper insulation can make your home energy efficient and save on power bills. Moreover, the government also offers incentive for improving the energy efficiency of the house, through various programs such as Cash for Caulkers. You can also get Tax Credit Windows replacement, skylights, storm doors, sealing cracks in the building Shell and ducts as well as adding insulation to the ceilings, floors and walls; among other measures taken to enhance home's energy efficiency. This helps offset the overall project costs.
Hence, these measures not only make the house energy efficient and comfortable, but also increase the value of your home, along with providing utility savings.
