With our rising energy costs and scorching Texas summers, energy efficiency is more critical than ever in Houston. And yet 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under insulated.
But there is good news: upgrading your home’s insulation is one of the best ways to make a dramatic difference in energy efficiency, comfort, and cost savings. But here’s the even better news: the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and local programs are making energy efficient home improvements, such as adding insulation, more accessible and affordable than ever.
Insulation Tax Credits and Incentives: Your Ticket to Savings
Inflation Reduction Act Incentives
The federal government is offering substantial tax credits for homeowners investing in energy conservation with energy efficiency upgrades to their home. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, and its Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, you can claim up to $1,200 annually for energy improvements such as insulation and air sealing materials for your existing home. That’s a 30% credit on your home improvement expenses!
To qualify, you’ll need to:
- Upgrade your existing principal residence with energy efficient upgrades.
- Use Energy Star certified materials.
- Claim the credit on your tax return using IRS Form 5695.
Pro tip: These tax incentives extend beyond just insulation. You can also explore energy credits for such things as heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and biomass stoves and boilers, providing even more opportunities for energy savings.
Local Houston Rebates and Programs
But wait, there’s more! Beyond federal incentives, Houston residents have access to additional local savings. Utility companies, such as CenterPoint Energy, offer rebates for home energy audits and efficiency upgrades. These companies also frequently run programs supporting energy efficient home modifications.
Types of Insulation for Houston Homes and their Benefits
Attic Insulation: Your First Line of Defense
As hot air rises, it goes straight up through your attic and ultimately out of your roof. The best way to prevent this energy loss is by upgrading your attic insulation. In fact, this should be one of the first places you insulate in your home.
There are a variety of quality insulation options to choose from that will reduce your home’s energy loss and improve comfort, including:
- Blown-in cellulose insulation
- Fiberglass in either batts or blown-in (loose-fill)
- Spray foam insulation
It’s good to know that a well-insulated attic will reduce your home’s energy loss, improve comfort and lower your energy bills, especially during our brutal summer months, providing immediate and long-term energy savings.
Wall Insulation
Small gaps in your walls, especially around windows and doors, allow lots of valuable air to leak out of your home. Installing wall insulation can dramatically improve your home’s energy performance, reduce your energy bills, and even decrease the sounds between rooms and from the outside. Fiberglass is one of the most effective ways to insulate your walls, using either batts or loose fill using the BIBS method.
Spray Foam Insulation
Another popular choice for home insulation is spray foam insulation. This expanding foam differs from other insulation choices thanks to its insulating and air sealing properties. Many homeowners choose this insulation for their attics, walls, and crawl spaces because of its many benefits, such as:
- Superior R-value ratings- higher than other insulations
- Comprehensive air sealing
- Reduces dust and allergen infiltration
- Enhances structural integrity for a stronger home during storms
Benefits of Proper Insulation: Beyond Financial Savings
Proper insulation can save you an average of 15% on your heating and cooling costs, but it isn’t just about money—it’s about creating a comfortable, clean living environment.
With a well-insulated home, you and your family will enjoy:
- Consistent indoor temperatures thanks to insulation’s thermal barrier.
- Reduced noise transmission thanks to insulation’s ability to absorb sound waves from outside and between rooms.
- Improved indoor air quality thanks to reduced dust and allergens
- A smaller carbon footprint thanks to a more efficient HVAC system that reduces your energy consumption.
- Increased home value thanks to energy upgrades.
Your Partner in Energy Efficiency Savings
Do you have questions about which insulation tax credits, incentives or credit amounts you may qualify for? Our expert team at Perfection Supply has answers! We are here to help you unlock all the potential savings you can through insulation upgrades and other energy efficiency incentives. Contact us today for a free insulation estimate for your Houston area home. Don’t let another season pass with high energy bills. Take control of your home’s comfort and efficiency today!
Resources and Further Information
To dig deeper, check out these valuable resources:
Perfection Supply Insulation Tax Credits Page
A breakdown of available incentives you may qualify for.
See all the energy-saving products Energy Star offers.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
Check out energy policies and incentives for Texas and every state in the U.S.
State Energy Conservation Office (SECO)
An in-depth look at the IRA from the Texas Comptroller
Further details and resources about energy credits.
