A groundbreaking study sponsored by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) and conducted by ICF Consulting has revealed a startling fact: a staggering 89% of single-family homes in the United States are inadequately insulated. The research, which defines ‘under-insulated’ as failing to meet the energy efficiency standards set by the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), highlights a significant opportunity for improvement in residential energy efficiency.
The study’s findings underscore the widespread issue of inadequate insulation across the country. The 2012 IECC was chosen as a baseline because it has been widely adopted and offers achievable levels of envelope efficiency, making it a practical target for improvement. Currently, 22 out of 50 states have adopted energy codes that meet or exceed the 2012 IECC standards. To ensure the study’s accuracy, ICF used the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) 2024 ResStock database to extrapolate a sample of 1 million US homes, representing a diverse range of construction characteristics across all climate zones and regions.
Curt Rich, president and CEO of NAIMA, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “This research underscores the need to retrofit homes with air sealing and insulation since almost 9 out of 10 homes are under-insulated.” Fortunately, homeowners have a valuable tool at their disposal: the 25C tax credit. This credit offers a significant financial incentive, worth $1,200, for conducting insulation retrofits. The credit is available annually through 2032, making it an opportune time for homeowners to invest in their homes’ energy efficiency.
Beyond the financial incentives, energy efficiency advocates strongly advocate for insulating and air-sealing homes as a critical step towards improving home comfort and reducing energy consumption. Steve Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, states, “Poorly insulated homes cause high energy bills, uncomfortable temperatures, and needless damage to our climate from wasted energy. This report shows that under-insulated homes are unfortunately not a rare occurrence but rather the norm. Our policymakers should redouble efforts to help residents better insulate their homes and ensure brand-new homes are built with proper insulation from the start.”
This study serves as a stark reminder of the vital role that insulation plays in achieving sustainable and comfortable homes. The widespread under-insulation in American homes presents a significant opportunity to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and minimize our collective environmental impact. Policymakers, industry leaders, and homeowners alike should recognize the importance of this issue and take concrete steps towards achieving a future where energy-efficient homes are the norm, not the exception.