Many homes still lack attic insulation

Despite today's dismal energy picture, more than 10 million US households are still without attic insulation, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Family Opinion (NFO) research organization. The attic is a home's major source of winter heat loss summer heat gain.

Further, the study indicates, another 22 million households (single-family homes and multifamily dwellings with up to four units) have less than 6 percent of insulation in their attics.

Six inches is considered minimum by virtually all government experts, utilities, and lending institutions nationwide, reports Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, which commissioned the survey, and is a major manufacturer of home insulation.