Icynene in my opinion is probably worth it if you plan to stay in the house a while and personally recoup the energy savings. You can probably estimate some type of model that would show you the payback depending on how long you plan to stay in the house. It also might depend on what you predrict for energy prices. I think that energy will continue to increase. The reflective foil in the attic is a fairly new product. I haven't seen any studies on that yet. I've seen them put it on some spec homes, so I think that is probably a negotiable item we can get them to include in the price when I negotiate for my buyers. Energy Star in my opinion is a sales tool more than anything else. There are some standards and probably some savings, but more of a marketing name perhaps more than anything so don't fall for that pitch.

I would definitely upgrade to use the Icynene spray. The energy costs in Dallas are exhorbitant. Another item you want to upgrade is the seer of your HVAC to 16. Builders only put 13.

Here's a video that shows the application process.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o6M4a-Fhqg&feature=related

Naima
214-289-8555
naima@sumner-realty.com

Here is a good link for you to use.
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/radiant/index.html
Let me know what you think?
Jeff.
jkagent@gmail.com