Department of Energy. . . Secretary of Energy
Secretary of Energy knows energy policy. He
understands the many challenges and opportunities before us. Today,
we are seeing the consequences of going too long without an energy
policy. Many Americans are struggling with the high
cost of energy. People who live in the West face a
major energy shortage, which has caused rising prices and growing
uncertainty. I have asked federal agencies to work
with California officials to bring more energy to the people of
that state, as quickly as possible. Also I've asked Secretary
Abraham to work with Vice President Cheney and Secretary of Commerce
Evans, and other senior officials to develop a comprehensive energy
policy for the United States.
Our objective should not only be to manage the current situation,
but to avoid any crisis in the first instance. This
requires a four-part strategy; first to make energy security a
priority of our foreign policy, by restoring American credibility
with overseas suppliers and building strong relationships with
energy-producing nations in our hemisphere. Second, to encourage
environmentally-friendly exploration and production of domestic
energy sources, like oil, natural gas and coal. Third,
to promote the production of electricity, to keep pace with America's
growing demands. Fourth, to support the development of cost-effective
alternative energy sources.
The goals of this strategy are clear, to ensure a steady supply
of affordable energy for America's homes and businesses and industries,
and to work toward the day when America achieves energy independence.
Electricity bills, oil bills, gas bills--all homeowners pay for
one or more of these utilities, and wish they paid less. Often
many of us do not really know how to control or reduce our utility
bills. We resign ourselves to high bills because we think that
is the price we have to pay for a comfortable home. We encourage
our children to turn off the lights and appliances, but may not
recognize the benefits of insulating the attic.
Why Should You Insulate?
Heating and cooling ("space conditioning") account for 50 to
70% of the energy used in the average American home. About 20%
goes for heating water. On the other hand, lighting and appliances
and everything else account for only 10 to 30% of the energy used
in most residences. It makes good sense to turn lights and appliances
off when they are not needed, and you'll save even more on your
energy costs if your reduce the amount of energy needed for heating
and cooling.
Unless your home was constructed with special attention to energy
efficiency, adding insulation will probably reduce your utility
bills. Much of the existing housing stock in the United States
is not insulated to the best level. Older homes are likely to
use more energy than newer homes, leading to very high heating
and air-conditioning bills. Even if you own a new home, adding
insulation may save enough money in reduced utility bills to pay
for itself within a few years, continue to save you money for
as long as you own the home, and increase the resale value of
your house.
The Crucial Role of Thermal Insulation
Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy
waste in most homes. Insulation saves money and our nation's limited
energy resources. It can also make your house more comfortable
by helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house.
Walls, ceilings, and floors will be warmer in the winter and cooler
in the summer. Insulation can also act as a sound absorber or
barrier, keeping noise levels down.
It is possible to add insulation to almost any house. You may
be able to do the job yourself if the structural framing is accessible--for
instance, in unfinished attics or under the floor over an unheated
space. Or, you may prefer to hire an insulation contractor. In
either case, it is important to choose and install the insulation
correctly.
The amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors:
your local climate; the size, shape, and construction of your
house; the living habits of your family; the type and efficiency
of the heating and cooling systems; and the fuel you use. Once
the energy savings have paid for the installation cost, energy
conserved is money saved--and the annual savings will increase
if utility rates go up.
Insulation Priorities
It is most important to:
- Insulate your attic to the recommended level, including
the attic door, or hatch cover.
- Provide the recommended level of insulation under floors
above unheated spaces, around walls in a heated basement or
unventilated crawl space, and on the edges of slabs-on-grade.
- Use the recommended levels of insulation for exterior
walls for new house construction. When remodeling or re-siding
your house, consider using the levels recommended for new construction
in your existing walls.
