Experts Say an Investment in Home Insulation Saves Energy and Money

Washington, D.C. – April 2, 2001 - With energy prices at an all-time high and consumption slated to rise this summer, homeowners are looking for ways to save money on their utility bills. The current climate of market instability also has consumers seeking sound ways to invest their money. A wide range of experts are now saying that home insulation is not only the number-one way to cut energy costs, but is also a shrewd investment strategy.

As tax time and Earth Day 2001 (April 22) dawn, The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental and consumer leaders, named home insulation as a smart way to lower utility bills and reduce energy consumption. In its list of consumer investment tips (see ASE release), the ASE directed consumers to www.simplyinsulate.com for information on increasing home insulation to save money on energy bills. This interactive web site, launched by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), features state-by-state insulation-level recommendations, frequently-asked questions about insulation and energy-saving tips from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the DOE, insulation is the number-one recommendation for energy efficiency savings you can bank on. The DOE says that upgrading insulation in attics, basements, walls, and floors is a fast and easy way to save homeowners up to 30% on energy costs.

A leading financial expert has also named home insulation as a sound way for consumers to invest their money in an otherwise unpredictable market. Andrew Tobias, Personal Finance Editor of PARADE magazine and author of "The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need," says homeowners can earn a 50% return on investment by installing insulation to cut heating and cooling costs. In his article "How to Invest in Uncertain Times" (PARADE, 2/18/01) Tobias refers to an investment in home insulation as a "high-return sure thing." The ASE release also cites the Tobias article.

"We are gratified that industry leaders are directing the public toward www.simplyinsulate.com and that home insulation is being recognized as the most effective and economical way to cut energy usage and costs," said Ken Mentzer, President and CEO of NAIMA. "These uncertain economic times have consumers looking to experts for real solutions to their financial problems. Those experts are saying that home insulation is the answer."