Going green doesn’t only mean that we cut down on the use of unsustainable materials, but it also includes making efficient use of the various components that go into our homes. Spending a little more up front on a home's insulation is a great way to cut down on energy usage over the life of the home. Plus there are also some great financial incentives for going green in home efficiency.

My parents are currently looking to add some insulation in the attic; during my many trips up there to retrieve old toys and also to stash away unwanted junk, it was obvious that the 2-3 inch blanket was not meeting the code for an R value of 30. They also noticed that during the winter, our house shed the snow fairly quickly, while the neighbors had snow on their houses for several weeks longer; a sure sign of heat loss through the roof. Luckily they are cashing in on a rebate offered by Rocky Mountain Power.

The bid they received to add insulation was right around $900, however, thanks to the rebate, they are looking at only paying $200. (Be sure to visit the ENERGY STAR ® website for a list of government tax credits available to help you make improvements in your home.) I think that’s enough incentive to look into it.

Years back we also had a “small” roof leak that resulted in a nice bulge in the ceiling of our kitchen. Not only does that bulge represent water damage to the drywall, it also means that the insulation received a nice washing. Imagine a winter fishing trip: fairly cold. Now imagine that you fell through the ice and got soaked: extremely cold. The same principle applies to your insulation. The water destroys the R value, possibly permanently if your insulation is an absorbent material that will compress when wet. In those cases of permanent damage, replacing your old insulation is your only option.

If the situation does arise that you can cash in on a rebate or if you had the pleasure of dealing with broken pipes, be sure that your new insulation meets the required R value for your home and climate (See International Residential Code book Chapter 11). Also know that taking steps to reduce air movement, especially within walls, will also help to provide a more secure thermal envelope.

This can be done by sealing off any break in the drywall, e.g. outlet covers and light switches, with caulk, gaskets, weather-stripping, or another sealing material. During a cold day, you can run your hand in front of an outlet and in some cases feel a cold breeze or a decent sized gust for those living in college housing.