Insulation Saves Money and Protects the Environment
ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- As natural gas supplies continue to decline, prices continue to rise but demand is not decreasing. Smart consumers understand that to avoid paying high energy bills, they must reduce consumption by making their homes more efficient. According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), the number-one way to save up to 30% on energy costs is increased home insulation.
(Photo: newscom.com )
In an effort to help educate homeowners about the benefits of home insulation and energy efficiency, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has launched an informational website, simplyinsulate.com . The site features state-by-state insulation- level recommendations, frequently-asked questions about insulation and energy- saving tips from the DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
``Insulation forms the shell of a home and is the key to true energy efficiency savings,'' said Dave Waltermire, marketing and customer service representative for Midwest Electric, Inc. ``You can have the most efficient, properly-sized heating (and cooling) system, but without proper insulation, you're throwing your money away.''
Home insulation not only saves homeowners' hard-earned dollars on energy bills -- it is also a friend to the environment. A thermally-efficient home conserves nonrenewable fuel supplies by reducing the amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable living environment.
Reduced energy consumption also cuts greenhouse gas emissions that are linked to the problem of global warming. Insulation currently in place prevents 1.56 trillion pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere each year.
Insulation manufacturers are also doing their part to prevent the depletion of natural resources by using recycled materials in the fabrication of their products. Fiber glass insulation is the largest secondary market for recycled glass containers. Using material derived from secondary sources reduces the demand on natural resources and saves landfill space.
Data show that fiber glass and slag wool manufacturers have diverted approximately 14 billion pounds of materials from the solid waste stream since an aggressive recycling program was introduced several years ago.
``Home insulation is an often-overlooked tool for cutting energy costs,'' said Ken Mentzer, President and CEO of NAIMA. ``High costs are projected for the long-term, and consumers are looking for ways to save money and protect the environment.''
NAIMA is the association for North American manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products. Its role is to promote energy efficiency and environmental preservation through the use of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation, and to encourage the safe production and use of these materials. For more information, contact NAIMA at 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 310, Alexandria, VA 22314; Phone: 703-684-0084; Fax: 703-684-0427; E-mail: insulation@naima.org; Website: naima.org .
SOURCE: North American Insulation Manufacturers Association |
