The U.S. now consumes 76 quadrillion Btu of energy per year. Over half of the energy used in the average American home is for heating and cooling. Another 20 percent goes for heating water.
Sufficient insulation can help limit the total household energy use.
Insulation is usually measured in inches of thickness. R value, however, is a better indicator of effectiveness. R stand for resistance and indicates the capacity of insulation to resist heat flow. The higher the R value, the better insulation. The Nebraska State Department of Energy recommends that for homes with electric heat the attic insulation should be an R-49.