Reduce drafts and stay warm & cozy with a well-insulated home. Insulation will keep you cooler in the summer too!
The most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating bills in an electrically heated home is by increasing inadequate levels of insulation. PUD 3 may be able to help. Schedule an insulation inspection with one of PUD 3’s energy efficiency advisors to determine if a home qualifies. Pre-inspection by a PUD 3 energy efficiency advisor is required to qualify for insulation incentives at (360) 426-0777.
A pre-insulation inspection and a post-installation inspection by a PUD 3 energy efficiency advisor is required. Insulation measures must be installed according to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Weatherization Specs & Best Practices (PDF).
To get started, schedule a free pre-insulation inspection with a PUD 3 energy efficiency advisor to find out which insulation measures your electrically heated home is eligible for.
Insulation Program Requirements & Incentive Amounts
The Washington State Residential Energy Code has determined the following levels of insulation to be acceptable in Mason County. In an electrically heated home, PUD 3 can help bring insulation levels up to code.
Site-Built Attic
- Existing insulation R-0 to < R-11 can be increased to R-38, or R-49 at $2 per square foot.
- Existing insulation R-11 to < R-19 can be increased to R-38, or R-49 at $0.75 per square foot.
- Existing insulation R-19 can be increased to R-38, or R-49 at $0.30 per square foot.
Site-Built Floor
- Existing insulation ≤ R-11 can be increased to R-19 or R-21 at $0.75 per square foot.
- Existing insulation ≤ R-11 can be increased to R-25 or R-30 at $0.90 per square foot.
Site-Built Wall
- Existing insulation R-0 can be increased to R-11+ at $2 per square foot.
Manufactured Home Floor
- Existing insulation R-0 can be increased to R-22+ at $0.90 per square foot.
- Existing insulation < R-11 can be increased to R-22+ at $0.60 per square foot.
Duct Sealing Program Requirements & Incentive Amounts
Duct sealing is important for both new and currently occupied homes. It ensures that conditioned air can travel through your home’s ductwork with a minimal amount of leakage. When ducts are tight, conditioned air gets to occupied rooms, rather than leaking into the crawlspace or attic. Leaky ducts substantially increase energy bills and decreases the comfort of a home.
Performance Tested Comfort System (PTCS) and prescriptive duct sealing is available for electrically heated site-built and manufactured homes with an electric forced air furnace or ducted air source heat pump where the majority of ductwork is located in unconditioned space. Leaky ducts will greatly reduce a home’s energy efficiency. A certified technician can seal a home’s ducts, and PUD 3 may be able to help with a rebate. A certified technician can be found on BPA’s website. Duct sealing forms can be found in the Residential Energy Efficiency section of the site. See Prescriptive Duct Sealing program requirements (PDF).
- $200 Incentive Check for Existing Manufactured Homes
- $250 Incentive Check for Existing Site-Built Homes
Learn More About Insulation
Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are several common types of insulation:
- Fiberglass batts are commonly used in-between studs or rafters when they are exposed in new construction or during a major remodel. They are also often found under the floor in a crawl space.
- Blown-in cellulose insulation is commonly used when adding insulation to an existing home’s attic or walls. Or, under a manufactured home, in the “belly”.
- Rigid foam board is used when insulating concrete slabs, cathedral ceilings, basement walls, and flat roofs.
- Spray foam is sprayed into small tight areas. It then expands to form an air-tight seal.
When correctly installed with air sealing, each type of insulation can deliver comfort and lower energy bills during the hottest and coldest times of the year.
Insulation performance is measured by R-value — its ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values mean more insulating power. Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it. It is very important to seal air leaks before installing insulation to ensure the best performance from the insulation.
Start in the Attic
To get the biggest savings, the easiest place to add insulation is usually in the attic. 25% to 35% of a home’s heat escapes through the roof. A quick way to see if a home needs more insulation is to look across the uncovered attic floor. If the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, more insulation is probably needed.