Consumer Articles

Owens Corning Tells Home Owners How to Save Energy

Owens Corning, makers of PINK insulation, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have been spreading the word this summer about simple, energy-efficient home improvements that can help home owners save money and oil.

According to a 2003 study by the Harvard School of Public Health, “approximately 60 million homes in the U.S. are estimated to be under-insulated," said Gale Tedhams, director of sustainability for Owens Corning. "By heading straight to the attic and adding insulation, those home owners can make their homes greener, save money and conserve the energy equivalent of 103 million barrels of oil annually — enough to fill 51 supertankers."

Owens Corning recommends that an attic have between 16 and 22 inches of insulation with a minimum total R-value of 49.

To learn more about R-values, reducing home energy consumption and Owens Corning’s suite of fiberglass insulation products — which contain the highest level of certified recycled content in North America and are GREENGUARD-certified to meet the strictest standards for indoor air quality — click here.

“Energy efficiency is truly the 'first fuel,'” said Tedhams. "A barrel saved is two barrels earned, which means that efficient energy is the cheapest energy anyone can buy.”

Homeowners who want to reduce their home’s energy footprint should consider other energy-efficient upgrades such as:

• Installing a programmable thermostat that can automatically lower or raise a home’s air temperature during the day. By regulating the temperature, homeowners can save up to 10% on annual heating and cooling costs.
• Closing the shades and blinds during the day can prevent the sun's rays from heating the interior of the home, particularly on windows facing the south and west where the sun shines with the greatest intensity.
• Sealing the envelope of the home is the first line of defense against drafts, so it's important to caulk and weather-strip around all seams, cracks and openings, paying special attention to windows and near electrical boxes. Unwanted air leakage alone can raise energy bills by up to 10%.
• Simply turning on the fan can make the air feel several degrees cooler as it is circulated, essentially creating a "wind chill" effect. Also, fans use less energy than air conditioning units and HVAC systems.
• Taking a home energy audit helps home owners understand how much energy their home uses and determine what changes will save them the most energy and money.
• The Home Report Card® quiz provides an easy home energy audit and tailored recommendations on improving home energy efficiency.

 

Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Supplier 100 of NAHB.