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Insulation Saves Money Did you know that about 44% of your total utility bill pays for heating and cooling your home? In fact, the Department of Energy (DOE) recommends that by insulating your home adequately, an investment of just a few hundred dollars can reduce heating and cooling needs by about 30%. Said another way, you can put your utility dollars back in your pocket month after month by ensuring that your home's insulating system is as good as it can be. The home’s exterior building envelope is the first and best defense in this equation.

So, when you dream of these insulation-related savings, dream in color. Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) insulation is easily identified because it always comes in color. When you dream in color – whether it is blue, pink or green – you can be assured that you are getting the best insulating protection that your hard-earned dollars can buy. And those colors can be used in your foundation, basement, walls, ceilings and roof.

XPS insulation products will get the job done – adding comfort to your home’s occupants, reducing your monthly utility bills and helping to control moisture intrusion, all while protecting it against air infiltration. In addition, saving energy also helps the environment by reducing the amount of harmful air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere.

Why is insulation important?

The proper type and level of XPS insulation in your home will provide a continuous thermal barrier, minimizing the heat-flow through the walls, ceilings, and floors. The result is a more comfortable home with reduced heating and cooling costs. Installing insulation properly is as important as the type and level of insulation because gaps, voids, compressions, and moisture reduce the effectiveness of insulation and allow unconditioned air to enter your home.

Insulation levels are specified by R-value (thermal resistance). Inch for inch, the long-term R-value of XPS products are among the best. R Value is a measure of the insulation's ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating value.

To see where and how your home may be losing your energy … and utility bill dollars … just click this link to go to the Department of Energy's website.

What are the benefits of an energy-efficient residence?

• Savings on heating and cooling bills
• Moisture control in your home, leading to the longer life of your home's building materials and reduced incidence of mold and mildew
• Enhanced occupant comfort

There are several types of XPS insulation board, insulating sheathing and fanfold siding underlayments that can be installed directly over the existing siding. These products offer the following features and benefits: