Insulation
You’ll pay: Anywhere from a few hundred bucks for enough batting for the attic to several thousand for a whole-house upgrade.
You’ll save: Up to 15 to 25 percent on heating and cooling.
Why do it now? “Virtually every home needs more insulation,” says Geg Friend, with Everlast Home Energy Solutions. If the batting in your attic is less than a foot thick, you’ll benefit by adding more.
What to look for: Qualified products must meet standards established in the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. Healthier home options include formaldehyde-free fiberglass batts and cellulose-based spray foam that fills nooks and crannies.
Bottom line: Insulation, when paired with sealing air leaks, is probably the most-bang-for-the-buck of all efficiency measures. Even without the credit, your payback period may be as little as a year or two. Many state governments and utilities offer incentives, too—in some cases rebates of up to $750.
