Attic/Ceiling Insulation

Brownsville Public Utilities Board > GoGreen > Rebate Programs > Attic/Ceiling Insulation

Properly Installed Insulation Improves
Comfort While Saving Energy

Insulation is one of the keys to a comfortable, energy-efficient home. But simply having the right amount of insulation is not enough. If insulation is not installed correctly, a home can have excessive heat gain during the summer and heat loss in the winter — forcing the heating and cooling systems to work overtime.

Properly installed insulation will completely blanket the home — exterior walls, ceiling and floors — without gaps, voids or compressions. It will fully contact the interior air barrier (for example, drywall). Continuous sealing of the air barrier along the insulation is critical to protecting against the moisture damage caused by warm air flow through the insulation to colder surfaces where it can condense. Expect ENERGY STAR-qualified homes to have insulation that meets or exceeds the latest national code requirements, providing year-round comfort while reducing utility bills.

Benefits of Properly Installed Insulation

Enhanced Comfort. Properly installed insulation minimizes temperature variability indoors and helps keep rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Lower Utility Bills. As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. A properly installed insulation barrier reduces utility bills year-round by preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Improved Durability. When insulation is installed correctly, the potential for condensation that can lead to the decay of building materials is reduced, helping to improve the durability of your home.

Better Resale Position. The improved comfort, lower utility bills and improved durability of a properly installed insulation barrier can translate into higher resale value than less efficient homes.

Types of Insulation

Builders have many choices for the types of insulation they use. All insulation can be effective if properly installed and coupled with a continuous air barrier. Insulation materials are rated according to their ability to resist heat flow. This thermal resistance rating is commonly known as an “R-value.” The higher the R-value, the better the material is resisting heat flow. ENERGY STAR-qualified homes can include one or more of the following types of insulation:

Bat Insulation

Bat insulation is typically made from mineral fiber (fiberglass or rock wool) and manufactured in blankets of various sizes and thicknesses. Batt insulation is typically fitted between studs, joists, and beams and should fill the wall, floor or ceiling cavity without gaps, voids or compression.

Blown-in Insulation

Blown-in Insulation is typically made from fiberglass or cellulose and is blown into the walls and attic through a large hose. Blown-in insulation should fill the wall cavities and even thickness throughout the attic.

Sprayed or Injected Foam

Sprayed or Injected Foam Products are typically made from polyurethane or similar products and are injected or sprayed into cavities where they expand to the desired thickness.

Rigid insulation

Rigid insulation is typically made from polystyrene, polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam, which is expanded or formed into large sheets. Rigid insulation can provide a continuous thermal barrier in basements, crawlspaces and exterior walls.

Residential Program Guidelines
Residential Program Guidelines
  • This rebate is available for new construction and home improvement or retrofit projects.
  • Rebate Amount = ($0.01) x (square foot of insulated space) x (R-Value added); up to $500.
  • To qualify, attic insulation must be installed between conditioned (air-conditioned living area below the ceiling) and unconditioned areas (attic).
  • Garages and other non-living areas do not qualify.
  • Final insulation must have an R-value of at least R-38.
  • Polyurethane spray foam (closed-cell) shall be a minimum of 5 inches thick when applied to the interior roof deck.
  • Polyisocyanurate spray foam (open-cell) shall be a minimum of 5.5 inches thick when applied to the interior roof deck.
  • The insulation installer will determine and document each home's current insulation level; degradation due to age and density of the existing insulation should be considered.
  • BPUB will verify square footage measurements against Cameron County property tax records showing the home's floor plan.
  • An itemized and dated invoice from the contractor or retailer is required, including manufacturer, type, R-Value, number of bags installed, square footage, and application.
  • Applications are subject to verification. The rebate will not be paid if the application can't be verified.
  • The address of the account must match the address of the installation.
  • Applications must be completed and submitted within 30 days of installation. Please allow 3-6 weeks after receipt of all documentation for the rebate to be issued.
  • The rebate recipient must be a customer of BPUB electric services.
  • Attic Insulation Application
  • Call (956) 983-6282 or email to verify your application was received.
  • Terms & Conditions