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Upgrading your home's attic insulation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to take advantage of the extended tax credit and lower your energy bills for years to come.

Check your attic for savings

(NAPS)—Things may be looking up for many homeowners who look in their attic.
That's because what you find there may lead to big savings on your energy bills and possibly even a bigger tax refund.

What To Look For
If you can see the tops of the ceiling joists (or you have roughly 6 to 7" or less of any type of insulation), you'll need to add insulation for optimal performance and comfort in your home.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average homeowner can save as much as 30 percent on energy bills simply by having the right amount of insulation throughout the home. Plus, a newly extended tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements may help you save even more.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act extends tax credits on energy-efficient home upgrades for projects completed in 2012 and 2013, allowing homeowners to claim 10 percent of the cost of qualified energy-efficient building materials up to $500. So adding a few inches of insulation to your attic could mean a lower tax bill this year and lower heating and cooling bills for years to come.

What To Do
An easy way to add maintenance-free thermal performance to your attic is with InsulSafe SP, a premium fiberglass blowing insulation from CertainTeed. Made from recycled glass, it's noncombustible, noncorrosive, odor free, and won't settle or cause mildew and fungus growth. Also, it will last the lifetime of your home, contains no formaldehyde, and is certified for indoor air quality performance by the GREENGUARD® Environmental Institute.

If you think your home could use more insulation, you can check out www.certainteed.com/iTools. You simply enter your zip code to learn about recommended insulation levels for different areas of your home, get an estimate of potential energy savings, and identify government programs that can help you save on your project. The site can also help you find a qualified contractor who will help you get the job done right.

For more information on en­ergy efficiency tax credits or to find a contractor nearby, go to www.certainteed.com/EnergyTax Credit. For facts on R-values and insulating power, visit the site www.energystar.gov.

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