National Property Inspections of Rochester, NY Blog

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Inadequate insulation means that 10 to 50 percent of energy is lost through walls, ceilings and floors. Proper insulation helps lower energy bills by resisting heat movement through the barrier. Where the interior of walls and ceilings is easily accessible, adding insulation can be a relatively inexpensive way to get a big return on energy savings.

The first place to look for missing insulation is in the attic. Attics, in general, are fairly accessible, but in many homes, even newer homes, insulation is inadequate. As part of a general home inspection, a National Property Inspections professional will examine the type of insulation present and its approximate thickness or “R-value.”

The inspector will also examine (if the attic is accessible) the attic interior, including: roofing, framing, sheathing, insulation, ventilation and chimneys. Any visible signs of moisture intrusion will be noted. The attic is a key element in the home’s ventilation system.

The NPI inspector will also look for areas of safety concerns to ensure proper rating and installation of canned or recessed lighting in order to prevent overheating and possible fires.

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When the price of heating fuel or electricity goes up, it means higher bills at home to keep temperatures comfortable. If heating costs are a concern, look at more than just the setting on the thermostat. Heat produced in the home can be lost if the home isn’t sealed or insulated properly.

All openings in the walls, including windows and doors, can bring cold air into the home and pull warm air out. Sealing these areas with caulk or weather stripping can help prevent this problem. To test for weak areas, visually inspect the exterior of windows and doors. Focus on the area between the window trim and the exterior cladding of the home. Any cracked or missing sealant should be repaired.

Inside, use a candle or a smoke (incense) stick to check for drafty windows and doors. Hold a lit candle close to the window and door seams. A flame that bends, flickers or goes out could be a sign of a draft. When caulking either the exterior or the interior of the windows, remember to move slow enough with the tube or caulking gun to fill in all the gaps completely. Always clean out the old caulking before adding new.

Home improvement projects that included adding insulation or replacing windows, water heaters or certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment, completed in 2007, could be eligible for the Home Improvements Federal Tax Credit. The tax credit, a max of $500, was offered for both 2006 and 2007. To be eligible in 2007, projects had to be completed by December 31, 2007. Homeowners have until April 15, 2008 to claim the credit for 2007. Improvements are restricted to a primary residence. For more information, go to http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154657,00.html or request IRS Notice 2006-26.

A $2,000 tax credit for building a new energy efficient home exists through December 31, 2008, but it is restricted to “eligible contractors.” According to EnergyStar.gov, home builders who qualify as eligible contractors can receive the $2,000 tax credit for a new energy efficient home that achieves certain energy savings over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and supplements. The energy savings must be certified by an energy rater. Manufactured home builders are eligible for a $1,000 tax credit for similar efforts.

Contact your state energy office or local utilities for more information.