Insulation and Envelope Sealing
The purpose of insulation is to reduce the air flow through and around insulation. Hence, adding insulation is perhaps the most efficient and cost effective upgrade one can do to their home. Homeowners often assume that if their attic meets the building code requirements for insulation, typically R-38, that further insulation provides no benefit. Nothing could be further from the truth. That's why the Federal government and Xcel offer lucrative rebates to customers to add further insulation and complete air sealing.
Example from Actual Sustainable Improvements Home:
Existing Insulation (800 sq. foot attic) - R36.
Additional Insulation - +R25
New R-Level Insulation - R-51
Cost of the Upgrade (with air sealing) - $1,250
Xcel Energy Rebate - 20% -$250
Federal Tax Rebate - 10% -$125
Actual Cost to Homwer - $875. (Estimated payback varies but would likely range from 2 - 4 years)
