New National Partnership Helps Consumers Improve Home Energy Efficiency

Effective Home Energy Solutions Can Reduce Utility Bills by 30 Percent

OCEANSIDE, Calif., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), the leading organization that sets the standards for quality energy audits, and the Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA), the leading association for professional insulation contractors, today announced a partnership that will provide homeowners nationwide with a seamless path to improving the energy performance of their homes.

RESNET and the ICAA have joined forces to deliver added value and results to homeowners seeking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This partnership offers homeowners comprehensive energy audits by RESNET-certified inspectors and solutions by trusted insulation contractors to resolve efficiency issues. It is the first national partnership of its kind.

Implementing effective home-energy solutions can reduce the average home's energy use by 30 percent. Inadequate or improperly installed insulation is the second-leading cause of energy loss in most homes.

"This strategic partnership with ICAA offers homeowners nationwide a one-stop solution," said Steve Baden, executive director, RESNET. "It gives homeowners access to an unbiased audit about what is causing energy loss, then pairs that assessment with a qualified contractor who can act on those recommendations."

"We are pleased to be working with RESNET to improve the energy performance of homes. This is a win-win for consumers and the industry, as homeowners will receive reliable diagnoses with insulation solutions that reduce utility bills and help drive a low-carbon economy," said Michael Kwart, executive director of the Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA).

"The RESNET-ICAA partnership will help reduce our nation's energy use and global warming pollution, and speed America's recovery from the recession by creating new jobs," said David Goldstein, Ph.D., energy director of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "Homes account for more than 20 percent of the global warming pollution in the United States. Responsible energy action, such as better use of insulation and employing other energy-efficiency technologies, can achieve significant pollution reductions and tens of thousands of dollars in cost savings for each home." 

RESNET is expanding its efforts to align with a wide array of highly qualified contractors nationwide. The RESNET-ICAA partnership is another step toward building full-service, consumer-friendly home energy solutions.

About RESNET

RESNET is a national nonprofit organization that sets the standards for the inspection and testing of the energy performance of homes. RESNET saw 119,000 homes rated last year, and has had over 1,000,000 rated since its inception. RESNET is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Energy Star Homes, the U.S. Department of Energy for the National Builder's Challenge, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the federal tax credit for builders building energy-efficient homes. For more information, please visit www.resnet.us.

About ICAA

Established in 1977, ICAA represents professional residential and commercial insulation contractors.  The association provides its members with education opportunities and standards for the quality installation of insulation. For more information, please visit www.insulate.org.

SOURCE RESNET