Keep your home cozy and save energy with insulation

A properly insulated home can be both comfortable and energy efficient. Insulation acts like a cozy coat for your home, keeping it warm in winter. This translates to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.

Here in Nebraska (Climate Zone 5), ensuring your home has the right amount of insulation is important. Here’s a quick guide of recommended R-values for our region, according to the U.S. Department of Energy:

• Uninsulated attic: Aim for R-60 for maximum efficiency.
• Existing attic insulation of 3-4 inches: Top it off to reach R-49. See how we can help with our attic insulation rebate.
• Uninsulated floors: R-30 is ideal for Nebraska winters.
• Uninsulated wood frame walls: Achieve a total R-value of at least R-20. This can be achieved with a combination of cavity wall insulation (R13 or higher) and continuous insulation sheathing (R5 or higher).
• Already insulated wood frame walls: Consider adding R10 of continuous insulation sheathing for extra protection.

Remember, R-value measures insulation effectiveness in resistance to conductive heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

Insulation is offered in a wide range of materials from bulky fiberglass rolls to cellulose materials made from recycled paper products.

Dawson PPD’s Attic Insulation Rebate Program

Dawson PPD offers a rebate to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency through additional attic insulation. If you have six inches or less of insulation in your attic and use a heat pump, electric furnace, or permanently installed electric heat (baseboard, radiant, etc.), you may qualify for a rebate when you add six or more inches of insulation.

EnergyWise℠ Residential Insulation Program details:

• Incentive of $0.30 per square foot of attic space.
• The maximum incentive amount is $600 per existing residential dwelling.
• This program is a great opportunity to improve your home’s insulation and save money on your energy bills. Please note that new construction and/or additions do not qualify.

How to get started

• Visit the Department of Energy’s website to learn more about insulation.
• If you’re considering installing additional insulation, talk to an expert who can offer guidance on the right materials for your budget, climate and comfort needs.
• Contact Dawson PPD to learn more about the EnergyWise℠ Residential Insulation Program and eligibility requirements.
• See if your project qualifies for the insulation tax credit.

Investing in proper insulation is an investment in your comfort and your wallet. By keeping your home energy-efficient, you’ll be saving money on your electric bill while enjoying a more comfortable living space year-round.