Cozy up to energy savings with insulation

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With temperatures dropping, odds are your energy bills will be doing just the opposite. In fact,
heating (and cooling) account for approximately 54 percent of the energy use in a typical U.S. home,
according to the Department of Energy, representing the largest energy expense for most homeowners.One of
the most effective ways to manage a home’s climate, comfort and energy costs is by ensuring that it is
properly insulated."Insufficient insulation, particularly in basements and attics, can allow heat to
escape, resulting in higher energy bills and a less comfortable indoor environment," said Don Kosanka,
product program director for Owens Corning."The great thing about insulation is that it is an
investment that returns itself. It’s something that homeowners can install themselves and it provides
year-round benefits. Not only does insulation keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer, it delivers
energy and cost savings all year long."In fact, sealing and insulating can help save up to $200 a year
in heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to cost
savings, the experts at Owens Corning outline three other key benefits of insulating your home:Energy
efficiency – The primary purpose of insulation is to control heat flow in a home to save energy on heating
and cooling. It’s estimated that homeowners can typically save up to 20 percent of heating and cooling costs
by air sealing the home and adding insulation. For optimal energy efficiency, a home should be insulated
from the roof down to its foundation.Information about specific areas to insulate in a home is available at
www.energy.gov and www.owenscorning.com.Environmental impact – The energy saved by insulating a home also
benefits the environment, but it is important to note that not all insulation products have equal
environmental impacts.Enjoyment – Simply put, a well-insulated home is a more comfortable home. Insulation
provides a protective barrier between the conditioned areas of a home and the outside elements helping to
control moisture and temperature.Additionally, fiberglass insulation acts as a sound absorber, reducing the
transmission of sound from one room to another or from the outside.An added incentive for homeowners to
improve their home’s insulation this year is the 2013 Federal Tax Credit for Consumer Energy
Efficiency.Those who install qualifying insulation products before Dec. 31, can receive a tax credit of 10
percent of the cost, up to $500.(Courtesy of Brandpoint.)

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