With Crude Oil And Natural Gas Prices At Record-Highs, Heating America’s Homes Will Cost Even More This Winter

As Temperatures Drop, NAIMA Reminds Consumers That Insulation Can Help Keep Home Heating Costs Reasonable

Alexandria, VA (January 10, 2005) – As the temperature drops, think before you reach for the thermostat. A colder winter and higher fuel prices are likely to drive up residential heating bills by an average of 15 percent, according to a recent report by the Energy Information Agency. Homeowners, who paid on average $1446 for energy last year, could pay an additional $200 for energy this year. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) reminds home owners that key to controlling costs without sacrificing comfort this winter, is a well-insulated home.

If your home is more than 8-10 years old, it is probably among the 63 percent of American homes that Harvard University termed under-insulated in a 2003 study. The first step homeowners can take is to ensure that their homes are insulated with the amount of insulation (R-value) recommended by The US Department of Energy (DOE). This not only includes insulation in attics and outside walls, but also in basement walls, floors above vented crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings and floors over unheated garages or porches. Some of these areas may be hard to reach, but any additional insulation will help keep your home more comfortable.

“Well-insulated homes by the DOE’s standards will have between R-39 and R-49 blown in or batt insulation in the attic,” said Robin Bectel, director of communications for NAIMA. “Most homes have far less than that.

“Insulation is by far one of the easiest and most cost-effective steps a homeowner can take to improve the efficiency of their home,” said Ken Mentzer, president and CEO of NAIMA. “Insulation pays for itself within a few years and continues to return savings and comfort to the homeowner for as long as they live in the house.”

At NAIMA’s website, www.SimplyInsulate.com, consumers can find helpful tips and free literature on how to add insulation to a home and how to hire an insulation contractor: The site also offers further information on how insulation can save you money, including rebates for installing additional insulation in your home and tax credits available in your area. Consumers can also find great energy-saving tips at The Alliance to Save Energy’s website, www.ase.org/consumers.