You don’t have to live in Florida long to find out that our summers can be brutal on your energy bills. Many local homeowners dread opening their utility statements during peak heat waves, when our air conditioners work overtime to keep our homes livable. That’s why in our hot and humid climate, proper insulation shouldn’t be a luxury, but a necessity.
Many homeowners mistakenly think insulation is for cold weather climates. Quickly erase that myth from your mind. Insulation is ideal for our tropical climate because it reduces heat transfer, which keeps your home cooler, lowers your reliance on air conditioning, and ultimately saves energy and money. Plus, beyond improving your comfort, insulation can help control humidity, protecting your home from moisture damage and mold growth.
Now that you’re in the know, you may be ready to reap the rewards of home insulation. But hold on a minute. Before you jump into upgrading your Florida home, we want to tell you about the Inflation Reduction Act.
This federal program offers a variety of incentives, including its tax credits program, to make insulation upgrades more affordable. Let’s dive into how you and other fellow Florida homeowners can take advantage of these opportunities to improve your home and save money.
Decoding the Inflation Reduction Act: What’s in it for Florida Homeowners?
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes several incentives tailored to homeowners looking to boost energy efficiency.
Residential Retrofit Incentives (25C)
This tax credits program allows homeowners to claim 30% of the cost of insulation and air sealing upgrades, up to $1,200 annually. Best of all, this credit can be claimed every year through 2032, offering ongoing savings. You can take advantage of these savings by filing IRS Form 5695 when preparing your taxes.
Home Energy Audits
The IRA also offers an income tax credit for home energy audits, covering up to $150 of the cost. An audit identifies areas for energy improvements in your home, ensuring you maximize the effectiveness of your insulation upgrades.
These incentives, combined with existing energy-saving programs through organizations like your local electric company, will help you save even more money, making insulation upgrades a smart investment.
Insulation Strategies for Florida Homes: Beyond the Basics
When upgrading your insulation, it’s essential to choose the right materials and areas to insulate for our unique climate.
Types of Insulation
Attic Insulation
The number one place to insulate in your Florida home, spray foam or fiberglass blown-in or batt insulation will help reduce heat transfer from the roof.
Wall Insulation
Spray foam or blown-in insulation improves energy efficiency in exterior walls. For concrete block homes, you might also consider injection foam to fill your empty block walls.
Radiant Barrier Insulation
Ideal for warmer climates, this foil barrier reflects heat away from your attic, keeping your home cooler.
Remember to pair your insulation with proper air sealing to prevent energy-wasting leaks and maximize energy efficiency. Spray foam insulation is one option that insulates and air seals in one easy step. Also, moisture barriers and ventilation systems are crucial to combat our stifling humidity, protecting against moisture damage and mold growth.
Choosing the Right Insulation for Your Florida Home
When deciding on the right insulation, consider:
- R-value: Higher R-values provide better thermal resistance.
- Insulation type: Match materials to specific areas of your home.
- Moisture resistance: Critical in Florida’s humid climate.
- Cost-effectiveness: Balance upfront costs with long-term energy savings.
When it comes to insulation installation, it’s always best to trust the professionals. Expert insulation contractors, like the qualified team at Leed Insulation & Spray Foam will assess your home’s needs and recommend tailored solutions.
At Leed Insulation & Spray Foam, we specialize in helping local Florida homeowners stay cool and save money. With a deep understanding of our Florida climate and our state’s energy-saving building codes, our team provides top-notch services and products, including attic insulation, wall insulation, spray foam, fiberglass, radiant barrier, injection foam, and insulation removal.
Using high-quality materials and adhering to best practices, we prioritize your satisfaction and your home’s energy efficiency. Whether you’re looking to claim an income tax credit, Florida tax incentive, or simply lower your energy bills, we are here to help.
Don’t let high energy bills get the best of you this summer. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your insulation needs, explore available insulation tax credits program benefits, and receive a personalized quote on insulation upgrades for your East Coast Florida home.
Have questions or comments about insulation upgrades and the Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives? Contact Us—we’d love to hear from you!