(NAPSI)-As homeowners clean up after storms, it's important to remember that the decisions you make today will last the life of your home. Now is the time to make your home as energy-efficient as possible.

While you may not often think about insulation, repairing or rebuilding after storms gives you the chance to increase the energy efficiency of your home dramatically. Even a home built as few as 10 years ago probably has much less insulation than today's minimum code requires. Insulation provides numerous benefits including energy conservation, increased comfort and better sound control.

"When rebuilding after storms, it's wise to think about all the benefits insulation provides. Don't just add the bare minimum required by the local code. Remember, the greater the R-value, the greater the insulating power," says Ken Mentzer, president and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). "Take advantage of the opportunity to make your home more comfortable and more energy efficient."

Wet Insulation
Homeowners in storm-ravaged areas may have wet insulation. All insulation that has been wetted as the result of rising flood waters should be removed and replaced since the water may be contaminated, say experts at the American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Administration.

However, if fiber glass batt insulation is wet from a clean water source, such as a potable water pipe, it can be removed, dried out and reused. All loose-fill insulations that become wet should be removed and replaced, since they can lose their insulating properties or R-value when wet.

Insulation Pays
Your state or local utility may offer tax incentives or rebates for increasing the energy efficiency of your home with thermal insulation. NAIMA's Web site offers links to these programs at www.SimplyInsulate.com.

Insulation is an investment that pays for itself many times over. The initial costs to install insulation are typically recouped in the first 3 to 7 years depending on how much you already have and how much more you add. Fiber-glass insulation continues to save energy and lower bills for the life of your home. Savings may vary. Find out more in the seller's fact sheet.

Adding Insulation
Most homeowners will benefit from adding an R-30 to their existing insulation. For new construction, most homes need an R-38 or R-49. Check out NAIMA's recommendations at www.SimplyInsulate.com. Homeowners will also find numerous free resources to help them make informed insulation choices.

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