According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling costs comprise more than 44% of the energy consumed in a single family home. As many design professionals are well aware, choosing energy-efficient insulation can be one of the most effective ways to save energy and money.

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Typically, polyiso insulation is used to insulate the entire wall (including the framing, which accounts for at least 20% of the total wall area and often is uninsulated), thereby significantly reducing heat loss through both convection and conduction. Additionally, properly insulating a structure with polyiso can decrease condensation in the walls, potentially lowering moisture-related problems.
 
When properly specified and installed, polyiso sheathing insulation can be one of the best values available for residential construction. Its benefits can include:

• A residential  wall system with a high R-value-increasing the energy efficiency of the home and significantly  reducing heat loss.
• A reduction in air infiltration and exfiltration-increasing the overall performance of the wall and reducing heat loss.
• A reduction in the risk of water condensation/intrusion-increasing thermal and structural performance and reducing builder call backs.
• Insulation over the entire framing members reduces the loss of energy from the home.
• Increased home builder confidence with an assurance that the builder is providing a quality product.
• Increased home buyer/owner confidence-assurance of a quality home with state-of-the-art energy efficient construction techniques. 

Third-party studies, conducted since the 1970s on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star^® Homes Program have consistently concluded that energy-efficient homes earn a higher resale price than average homes. These dwellings are also less expensive to heat and cool.
 
Increasing levels of insulation
By adding or exceeding the recommended levels of insulation, homeowners can lower energy consumption and reduce utility costs, while enjoying the strong possibility of a payback upon project completion.
 
An independent study, measuring the cost effectiveness of increasing insulation in the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), shows that in every climate zone there is a cost-effective, energy-saving insulation wall scenario that meets the 2004 IECC. (Press Release on IECC Study)