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

BPUB Rebate Eligibility:

  1. Applications are subject to verification. The rebate will not be paid if the verification cannot be completed
  2. The installation address must match the address on the active BPUB electric services account
  3. The application and supporting documents must be completed and submitted within 45 days of installation.
  4. The rebate recipient (tenant/property owner) must be a BPUB customer. Property ownership will be verified using county tax records
  5. Only one application is accepted per address per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30).
  6. BPUB may discontinue the program at any time. Rebates are contingent upon fund availability

Insulation Rebate Program Terms and Conditions:

  1. Rebate Amount = ($0.01) x (square foot of insulated space) x (R-value added); up to $500.
  2. To qualify, attic insulation must be installed between a home’s main area in conditioned (air-conditioned living area below the ceiling) and unconditioned areas (attic); garages and other non-conditioned rooms do not qualify.
  3. Final insulation must have an R-value of:
    • R-38 for Batt, Blown-in, or Rigid
    • R-23 for Spray Foam
      • Polyurethane spray foam (closed-cell) applications shall be a minimum of 5 inches thick when applied to the interior roof deck.
      • Polyisocyanurate spray foam (open-cell) applications shall be a minimum of 5.5 inches thick when applied to the interior roof deck.
    • The insulation installer will determine and be required to document each home's current insulation level on the invoice. The degradation due to the age and density of the existing insulation should be considered.
    • Rebate only applies to the newly installed insulation.
    • Provide the Property number from Cameron Appraisal District. Square footage measurements will be verified against Cameron County Appraisal District https://www.cameroncad.org/property-search
    • An itemized and dated invoice from the contractor or retailer must include the manufacturer, the type of insulation, the existing R-value (if applicable), the R-value installed, the square footage installed, and the installation address and date

Insulation Rebate Program Instructions:

  1. Ensure you meet both Eligibility and Program Terms and Conditions.
  2. Complete the entire Insulation Rebate application.
    • Option 1: Complete the Application Online (preferred method to get automatic updates).
    • Option 2: Deliver the application and supporting documents to 1425 Robinhood Drive. (No automatic updates available) Please keep a copy for your records. Attic Insulation Application
  1. Provide an itemized and dated invoice from the contractor or retailer. It MUST include the manufacturer, the type of insulation, the existing R-value (if applicable), the R-value installed, the square footage installed, and the installation address and date.

Credit to the account is typically applied 3-6 weeks after receipt of all documentation. Please direct all questions to 956-983-6282 or E-mail [email protected].