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Copyright © 2009 All rights reserved. Website design by Mac Enterprises. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
What energy efficient home improvement products are eligible for a tax credit in 2009?
Are insulation installation costs covered by the tax credits?
What are some of the common insulation materials?
What is the typical R-value of each insulation type?
Which type insulation is best for a home?
What is the cost for each type insulation?
Can insulation add structural strength?
What energy efficient home improvement products are eligible for a tax credit in 2009?
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits.
Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500 total, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for:
Windows and Doors
Insulation
Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
HVAC
Water Heaters (non-solar)
Biomass Stoves
Visit energystar.gov/taxcredits for complete details.
Are insulation installation costs covered by the tax credits?
Installation costs are NOT covered by the tax credit for:
Windows
Doors
Insulation
Roofs
Visit energystar.gov/taxcredits for complete details.
R-value insulation ratings are used to measure insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the material insulates. House insulation should be purchased based on its R-value, not thickness or weight.
What are some of the common insulation materials?
Insulation commonly comes in the following forms:
Blown-in fiberglass and batt (sheet) or roll of fiberglass.
Blown-in cellulose (shredded newspaper).
Spray polyurethane (mixed chemical) foam.
What is the typical R-value of each insulation type?
The typical R-value of fiberglass insulation is 3.14 per inch.
The typical R-value of blown-in cellulose insulation is 3.7 per inch.
The typical R-value of open-cell polyurethane spray foam insulation is 3.6 per inch.
The typical R-value of closed-cell polyurethane spray foam insulation is over 6.0 per inch.
Which type insulation is best for a home?
Fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam each have their advantages. Fiberglas insulation has been the insulation of choice for years, and has done an “adequate” job of slowing down the flow of heat into and out of buildings. It is also one of the least expensive methods of insulating a home. However, fiberglass has limitations. Insulating with fiberglass does not eliminate air infiltration into a home. Blown-in cellulose insulation is becoming increasingly popular. On average, blown in cellulose insulation is two to three inches thinner than fiberglass insulation to equal the same R-value. In addition, cellulose can insulate an entire wall cavity and flow around wall studs while fiberglass does not. Spray foam insulation is a two-part chemical mixture designed to provide a high R-value and virtually eliminates any air and moisture infiltration in treated areas. It also keeps out dust and pollen and provides rigidity to a building structure.
What is the cost for each type insulation?
The cost for fiberglass and cellulose is approximately the same, whereas the spray foam products cost considerably more. See the more detailed answer in the Spray Foam FAQ section.
Can insulation add structural strength?
Spray-applied closed-cell polyurethane foam is the only insulation that adds structural integrity throughout the roof or wall system of a structure. For a roof, the foam seals the soffit openings where wind can sometimes enter and lift a roof off the building. When foam is inserted into the walls, the walls become thicker and stronger.