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Poll Finds Home Owners Can Do More to Reduce Greenhouse Gas
 In a new poll conducted by Ipsos Reid for Icynene, 64% of U.S. home owners say they have taken “some” or “a lot” of action to reduce greenhouse gases, although only 11% claim they have done “a lot” to reduce emissions in their own homes.
When home owners were asked in April what specific steps they had taken at home in the past two years to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency, the response was:
- 75% turned down the heat during the winter.
- 63% turned down the air conditioning in the summer.
- 52% sealed air leaks.
- 32% added insulation.
- 27% switched to a high-efficiency heating system.
- 24% switched to a high-efficiency cooling system.
Jon Eakes, a home improvement expert on television, said he believes home owners are taking steps in the right direction, but there’s room for them to have a greater impact on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Air sealing, one of the most common steps, is frequently achieved by sealing and caulking piecemeal around windows and doors,” Eakes said, “yet home energy consumption can be reduced by up to 50% alone with an insulation like Icynene that insulates and reduces air leaks in one step throughout the home during renovations or construction.”
When the home owners were asked what plays the most important role in helping to conserve energy in a home:
- Only 6% cited switching over to compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Playing a far more significant role were using an energy efficient heating and cooling system (34%), sealing air leaks through windows and doors (22%) and adding insulation (18%).
“One of the most effective ways Americans can take personal action to reduce greenhouse gases is to examine energy conservation opportunities at home,” said Eakes.
“If more Americans took steps such as ensuring there is absolutely no air leakage when insulating, there could be a widespread benefit in terms of energy savings; healthier, longer-lasting homes; and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
Icynene is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Supplier 100 of NAHB.
This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.
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