Many homes either don’t have any insulation or not enough. Nationally, 80 percent of homes built before 1980 are under-insulated.* A free home energy review from Energy Trust can tell you if your home needs more insulation.

Insulation tips
Your attic is the best and easiest place to add insulation.
It will have the biggest impact on energy savings. But don’t stop there — walls and under floors are important areas, too.

Insulation is rated by its R-value.
The higher the number, the better it will keep heat from entering or escaping. Determining how much insulation to install depends on how much is in place, your home’s structure and accessibility to building cavities. General recommendations for our area are:

• Ceiling: R-38
• Floor: R-30
• Walls: R-11

Consider your options.
There are many different insulation products and materials on the market. The U.S. Department of Energy offers a guide to types of insulation.

Know what you’re doing if you do it yourself.
ENERGY STAR® offers a Do-It-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating. If installing insulation yourself, always follow manufacturers’ safety precautions. Wear a particle-filter dusk mask, long sleeves, long pants, gloves and protective goggles.

Get cash back
Certain insulation projects can qualify for Energy Trust incentives and tax credits.

*Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy