What are the benefits of fiber glass insulation?  

Fiber glass insulation is a cost-effective, energy-saving product that saves money for individuals and businesses through lower utility bills while increasing the comfort levels for all building occupants.* In addition, adequate levels of fiber glass pipe insulation for industrial processes have helped make industry more efficient and more profitable by cutting energy losses and decreasing production costs. By avoiding the added energy generation necessary to heat and cool buildings, fiber glass insulation continues to be a benefit to the environment by helping to reduce pollution emissions.

Fiber glass insulation products play a significant energy-savings role by reducing energy use in homes, office buildings, businesses and manufacturing plants. In 1996, a study was conducted jointly by the Alliance to Save Energy and Energy Conservation Management, Inc. regarding the energy and environmental benefits of insulation. The report, entitled "Green and Competitive," found that insulation currently in place in residential buildings throughout the United States saves 10.41 quadrillion Btu's each year. That is enough energy to generate 36% of America's annual electric consumption or the equivalent of a 255-day supply of gasoline for the entire United States.

While the energy savings from fiber glass insulation are significant, so are the environmental benefits. By making buildings more energy efficient, fiber glass insulation helps reduce the amount of fossil fuel combustion needed to heat and cool homes, businesses, and factories. That, in turn, decreases the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.

Because carbon dioxide is one of the principal "greenhouse gases" contributing to global warming, insulation plays a significant role in protecting the environment. For example, according to the "Green and Competitive" report, insulation currently in place in residential buildings reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by 1.35 trillion pounds each year. Almost 300 million acres of trees would have to be planted to remove this much carbon dioxide naturally from the atmosphere.

* Savings vary. Find out why in the seller's fact sheet on R-value. Higher R-value means greater insulating value.