Having a New Home Built?

Prior to building a home, it is important to spend some time talking to the builder about the home’s energy efficiency.  And definitely ask about the insulation.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) home insulation rule requires the seller of a new home to provide information on the type, thickness, and R-value of the insulation that will be installed in each part of the house in every sales contract.* To keep initial selling prices competitive, many home builders offer the legal minimum (not optimal) levels of insulation.

* If the buyer signs a sales contract before the seller knows what type of insulation will be installed, or if there is a change of contract, the seller can give the buyer a separate receipt stating the information as soon as the seller finds out.

Meet the Latest Energy Code Requirements

Make sure your home’s insulation package meets the latest energy code requirements in your location.  Select your state below to learn more about your local energy code requirements (not all 50 states are listed at the moment):

Disclaimer: Applicable to All Code Sheets Available through this Link

The information contained in these documents is derived from publicly available material created and published by the United States Department of Energy. NAIMA did not create or assemble this code information. NAIMA makes this information available to assist in evaluating local code compliance. The use of or reliance upon this information does not ensure or guarantee compliance with any energy code. The use of or reliance upon this information does not substitute for code compliance. The use of or reliance upon this information does not ensure or guarantee a specific level of energy savings or specific dollar savings on utility bills. Neither NAIMA nor any of its employees or contractors offer any warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the information in this document. Manufacturers of insulation products have specific recommendations for the installation of their products. Consult with the manufacturer of the insulation product you are using on specific installation instructions.

Qualify for State Tax Credits

Many energy efficient home features, like the insulation package, can increase the comfort and acoustics of your home, save money on your fuel bill and could qualify you for a state tax credit. Select your state to learn more about available tax credits:

 
 

For additional information, read the following NAIMA items:

A Guide To Selecting Fiber Glass Insulation Products For New Home Construction And Remodeling

R-Values for Optimum Home Energy Savings and Comfort

 
 

Click here for the New Homes Tax Credit Form for Builders

Click here for a list of tax credit compliance software programs accredited by RESNET.

Click here for a list of software tools certified for use with tax credit calculations and compliance by the IRS.

Questions to Ask Your Builder

Recommended Levels of Insulation

As a way to help maximize the energy efficiency of both new and existing homes, NAIMA has prepared a map showing thermal recommendations based on both the U.S. Department of Energy’s recommendations and the most recent minimum International Energy Conservation Code levels. Click here for R-value recommendations for optimal energy savings and comfort.

What Kind of Insulation Do Builders Use on Their Own Homes?

Professional Builder Magazine interviewed home builders to find out what products they used when they built their own dream houses. Click here to read the survey results and learn what kind of Iinsulation you should choose"

Tax Credits for New Home Energy Efficiency

Under the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, builders can qualify for a tax credit of $2,000 per home for improving the energy efficiency of new homes. Improving energy efficiency can be done using standard construction methods simply by improving the levels of insulation and other elements of the building envelope and enhancing major systems. Click here for more information.

 


Concerned about Air Infiltration? Click here to learn more.


R-value Recommendations for Optimal Energy Savings and Comfort

Incentives to insulate your home

Did you know there are state, local and utility financial incentives to insulate your home? Select your state to learn more:

 


Want to Know What Kind of Insulation Builders Use on Their Own Homes?
Click here to read a survey from Professional Builder Magazine

NAIMA - www.naima.org
CertainTeed - www.certainteed.com
  Guardian Building Products - www.guardianbp.com
Johns Manville - www.jm.com
Knauf Insulation - www.knaufusa.com
Owens Corning - www.owenscorning.com

Bust Energy Hogs - www.energyhog.org
Fun Science Experiments

NAIMA does not state or imply that each and every insulation installation job will qualify for a tax credit. NAIMA does not warrant or guarantee a tax benefit will be awarded for each and every addition of insulation. Eligibility may vary by jurisdiction. Please carefully consult the Internal Revenue Service (www.IRS.gov) rules and guidelines on how to qualify for the energy efficiency tax credit. NAIMA does not provide or offer professional tax counseling.