How's Your Head For Savings?

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(NAPSA)—An Ipsos Reid survey recently found that more than 90 percent of U.S. homeowners agree thatit’s important to reduce their impact on the environment and to reduce energy use in their hometo save money. As a homeowner you might care about the environment and saving money, but do you have the right stuff to make it happen? Taking this little quiz from InsulationSmart.com can help you tell: 1. Trueor false: Increasing insu- lation R-value from R-13 to R-21 delivers significant energy savings? 2. The largest source of energy waste in a homeis: a) inefficient electrical appliances; b) windows; c) air leakage; d) an inefficient water heater. 3. What percent of moisture entering a building through the walls is typically carried through the air: a) 5 percent; b) 25 percent; c) 75 percent; d) up to 99 percent? 4. Which of the following is most likely to make your indoor air healthier: a) minimizing air leaks and using mechanical ventilation; b) airing out your homefrequently; c) cleaning your ducts regularly; d) using air fresheners? 5. True or false: Products labeled as green must meet tough standards? Answers 1. False: R-13 insulation already stops 93 percent of conductive heat flow (what R-value measures), so significant in- creases in R-value won’t necessarily deliver significant savings; 2. c) Air leakage. By controlling random air leakage with an insulation/air-barrier system like Icynene, you can help stop up to 40 percent of a home’s energy loss (according to the U.S. Department of Energy) and save up to 50 percent in energy costs; 3. d) Up to 99 percent of moisture entering a building through the walls is carried by air, so controlling air leaks can help address a major cause of moisture and mold problems; 4. a) Minimizing air leakage along with mechanical ventilation will pro- vide fresh/filtered air, reduce al- lergens and pollutants and minimize airborne moisture; 5. False: A green or eco label doesn’t necessarily mean the product meets any particular standards. An Ipsos Reid poll found that more than 90 percent of homeowners want more universal standards for products making environmental claims. Fortunately, homeowners can get on track to a more energy-efficient and greener homebyvisiting www.InsulationSmart.com. Save by addressing commonsourcesof air leakage Ceiling light fixtures a =] Joints between wall andceiling Joints at windows a Joint at attic hatches / _ Plumbing _stack _ penetratior | Chimney; ——_ Vents from penetration of ceiling bathroom and kitchen Electrical outlets a Joint betweensill and floor we — Electrical service | == entrance andcable ~~ TV and telephone Joints between —— joists and basement Leaks in ductwork entry points