The Hidden Crisis: Minnesota Homes Suffer from Inadequate Insulation

Many homeowners in Minneapolis are facing an invisible crisis that affects their energy efficiency, comfort, monthly bills, and the region’s carbon emissions: inadequate insulation. According to a recent study by CenterPoint and MNCEE (highlighted in this article), ensuring homes are well-insulated in a city known for its cold winters and hot summers is of utmost importance.

A recent review of energy disclosure reports in Minneapolis has revealed that approximately two-thirds of homes listed for sale have inadequate insulation. Since January 2020, the city has required homeowners to conduct energy audits before selling a property, resulting in publicly accessible data on over 16,000 residential properties. Gas utility CenterPoint Energy and the Center for Energy and Environment analyzed this data, identifying a lack of insulation as an issue in 65% of the reports and inefficient heating appliances in 40%.

The researchers were not surprised by these results, but they highlight a hidden barrier to the city's climate goals and the financial burden on residents who are paying for heat that's leaking through walls or attics. Arbor Otalora-Fadner, program coordinator with the Center for Energy and Environment, said that insulation is "invisible" and, therefore, difficult to get people's attention for improvement.

Homes from the early 1900s often have no insulation or outdated insulation materials, and even newer homes built from the 1970s to 1990s may have poor attic air sealing. Despite CenterPoint Energy offering rebates for insulation and the center's staff promoting it heavily, insulation remains a hard sell due to its invisibility and the costs associated with retrofitting homes.

Retrofitting smaller one-and-a-half-story homes from the early 1900s can cost between $4,000 and $7,000. Good insulation is not only a standalone strategy for reducing the city's carbon emissions, but also an important prerequisite for electrification. Heat pumps have improved significantly in recent years, but can still struggle in subzero temperatures. The Center for Energy and Environment recommends weatherization first before switching to electric heating.

The Inflation Reduction Act aims to boost incentives for insulation this year, including tax credits for eligible expenses up to $1,200 per year. Business for insulation contractors has been good, with rising energy costs motivating many people to invest in insulation upgrades.

And if you’re ready to upgrade, why not upgrade to natural insulation materials, such as wood-fiber insulation and hemp insulation? They provide numerous environmental benefits while still maintaining high performance. Wood-fiber insulation is made from wood waste, primarily sourced from sustainably managed forests. This type of insulation is renewable and biodegradable, reducing its impact on the environment. Hemp insulation, on the other hand, is made from the fibrous core of the hemp plant. It is a rapidly renewable resource, as hemp plants grow quickly and require minimal water and pesticides, further contributing to its eco-friendliness.

Both wood-fiber and hemp insulation offer excellent thermal performance, comparable to traditional insulation materials. They provide natural moisture regulation, helping to prevent the growth of mold and mildew in walls and attics. Additionally, these natural insulation materials have lower embodied energy, meaning they require less energy for their production, transport, and disposal compared to conventional insulation materials. This results in a smaller carbon footprint and contributes positively to the global effort to combat climate change. By choosing natural insulation materials like wood-fiber and hemp insulation, homeowners can not only improve the energy efficiency of their homes but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

About Cloud9 Insulation

Cloud9 Insulation is a forward-thinking company committed to providing sustainable, cost-effective, and healthy insulation solutions for homeowners. We specialize in carbon-sequestering bio-based insulation materials, which not only improve your home's energy efficiency but also have a significant negative carbon impact on the environment.