Energy Auditor Blog

This blog is intended to provide information to readers on how they can save energy, lower utility bills and increase the comfort of their home.

Friday

Inusaltion qualifies for Federal Tax Credit.

Adding adequate insulation is one of the most cost-effective home improvements that you can do. Requirements-Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-place.

Products that air seal (reduce ai...r leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement, including: Weather stripping, Spray foam in a can, designed to air seal Caulk designed to air seal House wrap

Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.

For more information visit:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

See More

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency : ENERGY STAR

www.energystar.gov

If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Check out the Energy Star website for more products that qualify.

President Obama Says Insulation is Sexy

Did you see President Obama's speech when he said "insulation is sexy..."?

At a Virginia Home Depot, President Obama said that home insulation is "sexy" in his newest effort to push energy efficiency and urge Congress to provide tax breaks for homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient. 

He talks about how adding insulation is the single best thing a homeowner can do to make their home more energy efficient and keep more of their hard earned dollars in their pocket rather than flying out the window.

Click here to watch this short 2 minute video clip.


This video clip was provided by CBS

Thursday

Are your insulation contractors flying blind?

Many homeowners request contractors to bid on an insulation job because they believe adding insulation will improve their comfort issues and help them reduce their utility bills. While the contractor is happy to oblige the client and bid on the job, the homeowner may not always get the desired results. Why? Because most insulation contractors are not educated in building sciences. They do not ask the homeowner questions about their comfort issues and they do not provide diagnostic testing to determine if just adding insulation will solve the customer's issues. Perhaps they are using the wrong product. If the customer asks for insulation, will the contractor provide fiberglass, loose cellulose, dense pack cellulose, foam, rock wool, or something else? Who decides? How is that decision made? Is it strictly a price decision? What R-value should be used? When they install it, are they thinking about air sealing? Did you know that a gap, even as small as 5%, will render the R-value in that area to be HALF as effective? How well insulation is installed is critical to its performance.
My advice to you - hire an insulation contractor that is educated in building sciences.

Friday

Energy360 Solutions Joins National SAVE Energy Coalition


Energy360 Solutions is doing their part to make sustainable energy a top legislative priority.

We recently joined the National SAVE Energy Coalition, a diverse group of organizations committed to federal public policy that promotes clean, sustainable, efficient energy. Strong public policy will help lower consumers’ energy costs and create new, varied green jobs in every county in the U.S. We know the potential of the clean energy economy – we work in it every day!