INSULATION

Button Up and Save

Insulation is the key to a comfortable and energy-efficient house, holding heat in during winter and out during summer. It is also a good investment. Depending upon how much insulation your house has and where it is located, buttoning up can produce 15 to 40 percent yearly tax-free returns. Adding more insulation to attic floors and basement ceilings will yield the best returns, while wall insulation payoffs are in the 7 to 15 percent range.

Most people assume they have enough insulation because they once noticed some pink stuff in the attic, but most US houses remain under-insulated. In cold regions of the country, few homes have the recommended 2 feet of insulation above the ceiling. Adding even more insulation can do wonders: In frigid parts of Canada and the northern United States, some super insulated homes use only $200 to $300worth of fuel a year. Even in warmer climates, increased insulation can produce big savings by eliminating the need for a furnace.

To calculate insulation improvements and potential savings for your house, check out the ZIP Code Insulation Program at www.ornl.gov.