Dun-Rite Insulation: Insulation & Weatherization Contractor Serving Wisconsin Since 1999
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Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) Program
Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) Program – enables Wisconsin residents of all income levels, with an emphasis on lower-income households, to save on energy efficiency improvements and upgrades that reduce whole-home energy waste and consumption save money on utility bills. The HOMES program, administered through Focus on Energy, offers rebates for energy-saving home improvements such as insulation (attic, wall, sill and basement) and air sealing.
See the tabs above for more information, detailed instructions on how to participate in the HOMES program and rebate amounts.
Visit the Focus on Energy website for more information about the program or give us a call at 888.719.5905.
All Wisconsin residents completing qualified energy efficiency upgrades in single-family and multifamily buildings are eligible for HOMES rebates. Households below 80% of the area median income (AMI) and projects with greater than 35% energy savings are eligible for higher rebates.
To get started, residents should visit Focus on Energy’s HOMES Pre-Qualification Site to identify your income-qualification level. Rebate amounts are based on a household’s income level and the predicted energy savings from recommended upgrades identified in the energy assessment.
An energy assessment is required and must be performed, along with the project improvements and upgrades, by an IRA Registered Contractor.
Note: A single household address may not receive a rebate from both the Home Efficiency Rebate and the Home Electrification and Appliance Program for the same upgrade or equipment type. However, projects receiving rebates from either of these programs may also be eligible to receive Focus on Energy rebates.
About Wisconsin's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Program
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 makes the single largest investment in climate and energy in American history. Wisconsin has been provided with nearly $150 million in rebates and is the first state in the nation to launch the Homes Efficiency Rebate Program (HOMES) — one of two programs making up the Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) programs. By leveraging the program infrastructure already in place for the state’s existing energy-efficiency rebate programs, Focus on Energy, the state is ready to pass along these federal rebates to you.
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program (HEAR) will be available later in 2024.
Check out DOE’s Home Energy Rebates website and cleanenergy.gov for more information.
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IRA Guidebook gives information on the legislation passed
For additional inquires, questions, or comments, please email IRAHER@focusonenergy.com.
Consumer Protection
Community Benefits
HOMES Rebate Program Process: Single-Family Homes
Tenants living in single-family homes must first verify their income eligibility. If the tenant is income-qualified, the landlord is responsible for initiating the work with an IRA Registered Contractor and assuming the associated costs. The process for multifamily buildings differ slightly.
For questions, reach out to Focus on Energy at iraher@focusonenergy.com to find an Energy Advisor in your area.
SINGLE-FAMILY REBATES
Insulation & Air Sealing Program
Insulation and air sealing are some of the most important and beneficial improvements you can make to your home. They lower energy costs while keeping the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. These upgrades can also solve common home issues like condensation, ice dams, and poor indoor air quality. That's why Focus on Energy is offering an insulation and air sealing program.
Why Insulation & Air Sealing?
Properly insulating your home is one of the most basic and important steps you can take to achieve year-round comfort and lower your energy costs. Most older homes—and newer homes, too—can benefit from additional insulation in the attic, exterior walls, overhangs, sill boxes, or the foundation. For even greater results, insulate and seal air leaks at the same time. It is a strategy that works to prevent wasted energy and money from slipping through the cracks, and it quickly pays for itself in reduced utility bills. Insulation slows down the movement of heat, keeping it where you want it. That means out in the summertime, and in during the chilly winter months.
Air sealing works to prevent air leakage, a common dilemma that puts an extra burden on your heating and cooling systems and makes it harder and more expensive to maintain comfort. The typical trouble spots include attics, interior walls, electrical outlets, and light fixtures—areas where it is easy for warm air to escape into your home. A smart combination of insulation and air sealing is the ideal prescription to combat the issue, boost comfort, and improve home performance.
Program Eligibility
Homeowner must be a customer of a Focus on Energy participating utility company at the time of the improvement and at least 51% of the home's heating must come from a participating natural gas or electric utility company. Homes heated with wood, oil, LP, etc. are not eligible for a rebate. If the landlord is paying for the improvements, the lessee must be a residential customer of a participating utility in Wisconsin at the time of the improvement. The qualifying energy efficiency improvements must be installed in an existing residential dwelling. New construction dwellings do not qualify.
Installation of air sealing and insulation improvements are only eligible for a rebate if:
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It meets all requirements as outlined in our installation requirements by type.
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The improvement(s) are installed by a Focus on Energy Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Trade Ally or Air Sealing & Insulation Trade Ally.
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It is purchased new. Resale material or material that is leased, rebuilt, rented, received from insurance claims, received from a manufacturer warranty, purchase through Focus on Energy or won as a prize does not qualify.
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Installation is conforming to all applicable building, local, state and federal codes, standards, ordinances and regulations, and manufacturer specifications.
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Rebates are only available for insulation improvements for living spaces of a home. Insulation of garage (attached or detached), outbuilding, mechanical room, etc. are not eligible.
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Installation is completed prior to submittal of this application at the address listed on the application.
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It is installed in a property owned by the applicant, or the applicant has received permission from the property owner to install the equipment. If you do not own the property where this equipment is installed, as a residing tenant you are responsible for obtaining the owner’s permission to install the equipment for which you are applying for a rebate. Submission of this application indicates that you have obtained this permission.
Additional Program Requirements
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Offer is valid for products and equipment installed between the dates posted on the Focus on Energy website.
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Only single-family dwellings and multifamily dwellings with three or fewer units under one roof are eligible for the single-family rebates. Multi-family dwellings (4+ units under one roof) are eligible for the multi-family rebates. Rebates may be available for other customer or property types. Please visit https://focusonenergy.com/business for more information.
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Any project with an expected rebate exceeding $10,000 requires pre-approval BEFORE project initiation or equipment purchase to guarantee fund availability. Projects not receiving pre-approval will be subject to funding availability.
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Rebates are limited to $400,000 per customer per calendar year for all Focus on Energy rebates.
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Rebates may not exceed the total purchase price of the improvement.
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The building is not eligible for a rebate on an insulation measure (Attic Insulation, Wall/Framed Floor Insulation; Sill Box Insulation; Foundation Wall Insulation; Duct Sealing and Insulation; or Verified Duct Sealing and Insulation) if the building has received that rebate from Focus on Energy in the last 3 years (1095 days). The ENERGY STAR® Certified Air Sealing can be claimed twice in one 3-year period; once with Attic Insulation; once with Wall/Framed Floor Insulation.
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The only costs eligible for rebates are materials and external labor.
Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable resource. This statewide organization provides information, resources, and generous financial incentives to eligible Wisconsin customers of participating utility companies by offering energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that otherwise wouldn’t happen, or in some cases years sooner than scheduled.
Since 2011, Focus on Energy has realized more than $1 billion worth of net economic benefits to Wisconsin. By eliminating energy waste, the need to purchase coal and natural gas from other states is substantially reduced. This keeps dollars and jobs in Wisconsin and lessens the need to build additional power plants.
Program Steps
Below is a step-by-step guide on how the Insulation & Air Sealing Program works.
Step 1: Confirm Utility
Confirm that your utility company participates in Focus on Energy.
Step 2: Qualification
See if you are eligible for higher income-qualified rebates.
Step 3: Contact Dun-Rite Insulation
When you're ready to begin, contact Dun-Rite Insulation to answer your questions and to get an estimate.
Step 4: Complete Energy Audit
A home energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment, can help you understand the whole picture of your home's energy use, comfort, and safety.
Step 5: Decide on Scope and Complete Project
Following your energy audit, Dun-Rite Insulation will provide you a customized report and help you decide what improvements to make based on available rebates and incentives and your family budget. Once we have your approval, we complete the project.
Step 6: Submit Application & Project Data
Dun-Rite Insulation will submit your application and relevant data to Focus on Energy for rebate processing.
Step 7: Project Review and Rebate Payment Made
Dun-Rite Insulation will apply eligible rebates directly to your invoice. No need to wait for Focus on Energy reimbursement.
Rebate Amounts
Single-Family Rebates (1-3 Units)
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1. What services can Dun-Rite provide for weatherization assistance programs?We offer comprehensive services tailored to weatherization program requirements, including home energy audits, blower door testing, air sealing, attic/wall/basement insulation installation, duct sealing, weather stripping, and detailed documentation for program compliance.
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3. How quickly can you scale to meet program demands?Our dedicated weatherization team can handle 100+ program homes per month. For larger programs, we maintain relationships with qualified subcontractors who meet our quality standards and can be brought on board with minimal lead time.
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8. Do you provide follow-up education for program participants?Yes, we offer optional participant education including proper thermostat use, additional energy-saving tips, maintenance of newly installed measures, and information about complementary energy efficiency programs they may qualify for.
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6. Can you prioritize work based on program-determined criteria?We excel at implementing program priorities, whether based on vulnerability factors (elderly, disabled, families with children), specific energy-saving measures with highest ROI, or tiered implementation approaches. Our scheduling system accommodates complex prioritization.
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2. What is your experience working with government-funded weatherization programs?Dun-Rite has over 40 years of experience as an approved contractor for federal, state, and utility weatherization programs. We understand program requirements, income-based qualifications, reporting protocols, and how to maximize energy savings within program budgets.
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4. Do you provide the required energy assessment documentation for program reporting?Yes, we offer comprehensive documentation including pre- and post-improvement energy audits, blower door test results, infrared imaging reports, installed insulation R-value verification, projected energy savings calculations, and all required program forms.
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10. Can you provide references from other weatherization programs you've worked with?Absolutely. We maintain excellent relationships with numerous weatherization program administrators and can provide contacts from state agencies, community action organizations, utility programs, and housing authorities who can speak to our quality, reliability, and compliance with program requirements.
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5. What quality assurance measures do you have in place for program work?Our weatherization quality control includes trained crew leaders on every job, post-installation blower door testing, photo documentation of completed work, random supervisor inspections, and third-party verification when required by program guidelines.
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9. How do you handle billing and reimbursement for program work?We have established systems for program billing, including detailed line-item invoicing, measure-specific documentation, participant signoffs, and electronic submission of all required paperwork. We understand reimbursement timelines and can accommodate program-specific payment schedules.
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7. What is your process for qualifying and enrolling program participants?While most programs handle initial participant qualification, we can support the process with preliminary audits, home evaluations, scope-of-work development, and clear explanation of benefits to potential participants. We pride ourselves on respectful communication with all program recipients.
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3. Do utility companies offer rebates for rental property insulation upgrades?Many utility providers offer substantial rebates for landlords upgrading rental property insulation. These programs often cover 25-75% of project costs. Our team will identify all available incentives in your area and handle the paperwork for you.
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1. How can insulation upgrades benefit my rental properties?Improved insulation benefits landlords through reduced utility costs (for properties where you pay utilities), fewer tenant comfort complaints, higher property values, better tenant retention, the ability to command higher rents for energy-efficient units, and compliance with increasingly stringent building energy codes.
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4. How can I improve insulation with minimal tenant disruption?We employ several techniques to minimize tenant impact, including exterior wall injection insulation, common area focus (attics/basements), coordinated scheduling during tenant turnover, and clear communication plans. Our crews are trained to work respectfully in occupied buildings.
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2. What insulation solutions work best for multi-family buildings?Multi-family buildings benefit most from comprehensive approaches including wall cavity insulation, air sealing between units for sound and odor control, roof/attic insulation, and basement/crawlspace treatments. We specialize in solutions that minimize disruption to occupied units.
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5. Are there insulation options that can help reduce noise between rental units?Yes. Acoustic insulation solutions can significantly reduce sound transmission between units. Our dense-packed cellulose and specialized acoustic batts can improve your tenants' quality of life while enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.
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3. What's the ROI timeframe for commercial insulation upgrades?Most commercial clients see a return on investment within 2-5 years through energy savings alone. Additional benefits like extended HVAC equipment life and potential tax incentives can accelerate your ROI timeline.
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1. How can improved insulation benefit my commercial building?Proper insulation delivers multiple benefits: reduced energy costs (often 10-20%), improved occupant comfort, decreased equipment wear, potential qualification for energy efficiency tax incentives, improved property value, and enhanced green building credentials.
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5. Can you work with my facility management team on a comprehensive energy plan?Absolutely. We frequently collaborate with facility managers to develop phased implementation plans that match budgetary cycles and minimize operational impacts. Our energy consultants can provide comprehensive building envelope solutions.
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2. Will the insulation installation process disrupt my business operations?We understand business continuity is critical. Our commercial installation teams can work during off-hours or weekends when needed, and we carefully section off work areas to minimize disruption. In most cases, your business can remain operational throughout the process.
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4. Do you provide energy efficiency certifications that can help with regulatory compliance?Yes, our commercial services include documentation for ENERGY STAR certification, LEED points, building code compliance, and other regulatory requirements. We can also help you apply for utility rebates and tax incentives.
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1. What is Focus on Energy?Focus on Energy is Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable resource program. The statewide organization provides information, resources and generous financial incentives that benefit all Wisconsinites by implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that otherwise would not happen, or in some cases years sooner than scheduled.
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3. Are Focus on Energy rebates available through any contractor I hire?Focus on Energy financial incentives are available only to certified trade allies / contractors. To be eligible, a contractor must have the required business and insurance credentials, apply to participate in a particular Focus on Energy program and follow strict program standards and guidelines. Dun-Rite Insulation is a Focus on Energy Trade Ally / Contractor and is eligible to provide air sealing and insulation incentives.
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4. How do I know if I'm eligible for Focus on Energy rebates?Focus on Energy programs and incentives are available to single family (1-3 units) and multi-family (4+ units). Homeowners must be a customer of a participating Focus on Energy utility company and at least 51% of the home must be heated through natural gas or electricity. Before making any improvements, Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin will confirm your eligibility and complete the necessary paperwork.
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2. What is a Focus on Energy Trade Ally Contractor?A Focus on Energy Trade Ally / Contractor is trained and qualified to participate in the program and has agreed to abide by Focus on Energy rules and guidelines. It is Focus on Energy’s way of ensuring the work performed on your home and the materials used meet strict standards and guidelines and the customer service provided are of the highest quality.
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5. How do I know if my current insulation needs to be replaced?Signs of insufficient insulation include uneven temperatures between rooms, high energy bills, drafty areas, ice dams on your roof during winter, and HVAC systems that run constantly. If your home was built before 2000 and hasn't been updated, it likely needs improved insulation.
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2. Will replacing my windows fix my home's energy efficiency issues?Replacing windows can seem like the obvious choice to improve your home’s comfort and reduce energy waste. While energy-efficient windows do help to tackle drafts and air leaks, the majority of a home’s energy is lost in other areas. Trouble spots include attics, walls, light fixtures, doors and anywhere warm air can escape or sneak into your home. If you need new windows, we recommend replacing them as a package of upgrades that also includes air sealing and insulation. This will help maximize home comfort and savings.
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3. How much can I save on my energy bills with proper insulation?Most homeowners see a 10-20% reduction in their energy bills after proper insulation installation. The exact savings depend on the size and age of your home, current insulation state, and energy usage patterns.
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1. What are the typical energy efficiency improvements made to homes?Every home is different so it varies depending on its age, size and condition. We find that homes benefit the most from air sealing and adding insulation especially in the attic, basement/crawlspace, uninsulated walls and around windows and doors.
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4. Which areas of my home should I prioritize for insulation?For maximum energy efficiency, prioritize your attic first, as it's responsible for most of your home's heat loss. After that, focus on exterior walls, basements/crawlspaces, and floors. During your Home Energy Audit, we'll identify your home's specific weak points.
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6. What type of insulation is best for my home?The best insulation depends on your specific needs and home construction. We offer spray foam, fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose, rigid foam board, and reflective barriers. During your Home Energy Audit, our experts will recommend the optimal solution for each area of your home.
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6. What is a blower door test?A blower door test or the ‘Big Red Door’ is used to test the airtightness of buildings and helps physically locate air leaks in your home. The blower door consist of a frame and flexible, red panel that fits in a doorway, a variable-speed fan and a pressure gauge to measure the pressure difference inside and outside the home. The blower door test depressurizes the home to simulate a 25 mph wind. Your energy advisor will conduct tests and collect data to enter into software that will help identify issues in your home and how to improve it.
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8. Can I make improvements myself?While some of these improvements could be a DIY project it is usually not for the average homeowner. Knowing where to make improvements to avoid introducing new problems and having the right equipment is key. Air sealing and installing insulation can also be a messy, back breaking and time consuming project. Plus, to receive Focus on Energy’s most generous incentives a qualified Focus on Energy Home Performance Trade Ally Contractor must perform the work.
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9. Should I have a home energy audit before I remodel?Yes, any changes made to your home, whether it is updating a bathroom or doubling your home’s square footage, will affect the way your home performs. The best time to take steps to improve the overall performance of your home is before demolition and construction.
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4. What happens after a home energy audit?Your energy advisor will provide a customized energy report highlighting the improvements and upgrades that are the best investments for your home. They will also go over the incentives available through your utility company and/or our partner, Focus on Energy, to help you prioritize efficiency improvements before pricing out the project costs, presenting a contracting, and completing the improvements.
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7. Is it safe to be at home during a blower door test?Yes, it is safe to be in the building while the test is being conducted. Your energy advisor will make sure atmospheric boilers, furnaces and woodstoves are shut off before the testing begins and that the home is properly ventilating.
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3. How long does a home energy audit take?The home energy audit takes 2-4 hours depending on the size, age and condition of your home. We recommend at least one homeowner to be available during the audit to answer questions. We encourage you to ask questions about your home and to take notes for future reference.
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1. What is a home energy audit?An energy audit, also known as an energy assessment, is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency and consumption. It’s similar to a medical check-up for your house. During the assessment: An energy auditor inspects your home for energy-related issues. They ask questions about your energy usage and comfort levels. Various diagnostic tests are performed. At the conclusion, the auditor provides: A diagnosis of your home’s overall energy health A tailored plan with recommended improvements A roadmap to enhance your home’s energy efficiency
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5. What tests are performed during a home energy audit?During your audit, your Dun-Rite Insulation energy auditor will perform the following services: Visual inspection of your living space, attic, basement or crawlspace. Blower door test to measure air tightness. Combustion safety test and ventilation test to ensure mechanicals, such as your furnace and water heater are operating correctly and there is sufficient air circulation. Infrared camera scan (optional) to identify air leaks and lack of insulation in walls and around doors and windows.
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2. What should I expect during a home energy audit?Planning for your audit will make sure your home is ready and you get the most out of the experience. Here are a few : Expect the audit to take 2 – 4 hours depending on the size, age and condition of your home. Have at least one homeowner available to accompany the energy advisor throughout your home. We encourage you to ask questions and take notes. Plan to learn about the current condition of your home and how your home is holistically connected. Your energy advisor will provide tips on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home and how you can save more energy and money. Allow access to all rooms. Make sure there is clear access to heating and cooling equipment, appliances and other mechanical systems. Remove ashes from fireplaces and/or wood-burning stoves prior to the appointment. For the safety and well-being of your pets, temporarily relocate or restrain them. The diagnostic tests are harmless but can be scary and stressful for your pets. Plan to provide access to one or more years worth of utility bills or energy usage.
Insulation
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Insulation (pdf)
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Insulation (video)
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Types of Insulation (pdf)
Home Energy Assessment
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Home Energy Assessment (pdf)
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Home Energy Assessment (video)
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Preparing for a Home Energy Assessment (video)
Moisture
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Moisture Issues (pdf)
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Moisture Control (video)
Ventilation
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Ventilation (pdf)
Windows & Doors
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Windows: Replace or Keep Them (pdf)
Ice Dams
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What Causes Ice Dams? (pdf)
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Ice Dams (video)
Vermiculite
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What is Vermiculite? (pdf)
Dun-Rite Insulation
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Dun-Rite Insulation Has The Team, Passion,
and Scale for Any Size Home or Project
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We exclusively select premium-grade materials and continually invest in cutting-edge technology. This commitment ensures lasting performance from our insulation solutions while enabling our teams to work efficiently with minimal disruption to your home and daily life. Our advanced methods not only deliver superior results but also help us maintain competitive pricing—creating meaningful savings for both you and our business in terms of time and money.