Department of Energy studies have shown that upgraded attic insulation will typically pay for itself within 2 to 3 years thru increased energy savings. In fact, you can save up to 30% per year on your energy bills!

A great time to upgrade attic insulation is when Raynproof Roofing of Seattle is installing your new roof! Over the course of a few years, the cost of your roofing and insulation project will be offset by your increased energy savings. In addition, your roof will essentially be "paid for" through the energy savings you will experience over the life of the roof. So in essence, you will be receiving a free roof from Raynproof Roofing, as well as increased comfort during the winter and summer months!!

If your Seattle or King County home currently has an insulation value of R-11 (equivalent to 4&rdquo, and this amount is increased to an to R-38 value (the current building code) during your Raynproof Roofing job, it will typically take about 18 to 36 months for you to “break even” on the insulation portion of your investment.

PUGET SOUND ENERGY CASH REBATE

If you are a Puget Sound Energy natural gas customer, you may qualify for a cash rebate if you perform an insulation upgrade. The rebate gives you back 50% of the insulation costs thru the Raynproof Roofing contractor, up to a maximum rebate of $400. To qualify, you must currently have an attic insulation R-value of R-11 or less, and you must upgrade your insulation to R-38 or more.

You would also qualify for the PSE rebate if your Raynproof Roofing inspector finds Silva-wool insulation in your attic (which is a fire hazard) or Vermiculite insulation (which contains asbestos). With these two products, we would vacuum out the old insulation before installing new fiberglass insulation in your attic.

FEDERAL TAX DEDUCTION for 2009

Did you know the federal government will allow a tax deduction for insulation upgrades installed in 2009? The tax deduction will apply to the insulation portion of your estimate. This Energy Star program allows you to deduct 10% of your insulation costs, up to a maximum deduction of $500. Your tax advisor should use IRS Form 5695.

Raynproof Roofing only uses Owens Corning fiberglass insulation products throughout Seattle and King County. We believe this is a great choice for consumers that are environmentally conscious. Owens Corning fiberglass is made from 35% post-consumer content. Gale Tedhams of Owens Corning explains:

"[Owens Corning] seized the opportunity to further raise the bar with a move to 35 percent to demonstrate our commitment to green building and sustainability in our own manufacturing processes. It's that commitment and our expertise that brings our leadership together with groups such as the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments, the Department of Energy, Built Green Colorado, National Association of Home Builders and U.S. Green Building Council to achieve sustainable practices in the building industry."

Moreover, Owen Corning’s commitment to using post-consumer content has resulted in certification of their fiberglass insulation products by the LEED system (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The LEED system is a way to rate a product’s sustainability, and demonstrates Owen Corning’s commitment to Green building practices.

Tags: insulation| energy savings| taxes