Quick And Easy Energy Upgrades For Any Home

February 13, 2017

Regardless of the type of energy upgrade in a home, every piece of work will help. From draft proofing, to air sealing, to insulation, to ventilation, homeowners can benefit from upgrades that improve home comfort and boost energy efficiency. Best of all, with meaningful energy upgrades, energy usage is lessened, and the cost of utilities is reduced season to season, through the year.

Exterior wall insulation

Inside a home, exterior wall insulation can be accomplished with a "drill and fill", where the wall cavity is effectively filled with loose-fill insulation. This is an ideal insulation retrofit, with little damage to the interior of the home, and with measurable enhancement to the home's R-Values.

Insulating the garage

Insulating an attached garage benefits living spaces inside the home that are in close proximity. Cold air is blocked from entering the home, and warm inside air is prevented from escaping. If there is a living space right above the garage, that space will be more comfortable year round.

Sun control window films

Residential window films are designed to block out solar heat and ultra-violet rays. Window films reduce home cooling costs and keep the room temperature consistent. When properly applied, films will reduce "solar heat gain", and the cost of air conditioning can be measurably lessened.

Draft proofing/weatherizing

Draft proofing and weatherizing measures are viable home improvements that will contribute to energy efficiency. The idea is to ensure airtightness throughout the building "envelope", with effective caulking and weather-stripping for windows and doors. It all diminishes air leakage.

Properly insulating the attic

The attic is the main source of heat loss and moisture loss in a typical home. The space must be tightly sealed, even before any insulation material is installed. Spray foam is an ideal application for the attic, providing an air barrier, vapour barrier, and insulation barrier all at one time.

Basement wall insulation

Heat loss in the basement is significant in any size home. Here, it's important to have an effective insulating envelope, air barrier, and vapour barrier. Working together, these will serve to prevent air leakage and moisture accumulation, while providing a high degree of thermal insulation.

Preventing "air infiltration"

A "blower door test" can accurately gauge the extent of "air infiltration" in a home and pinpoint the specific areas that need remedying. After the test, recommendations are made on the specific remedies that would best suit the weaknesses (draft proofing, sealing, weatherizing).

Improving indoor ventilation

Well-balanced indoor ventilation contributes to better energy efficiency and more home comfort. This is where a qualified contractor can assess indoor air circulation, and can suggest upgrades for improved performance. Ventilation can make a valuable contribution to energy efficiency.

Blown wall cavity insulation

In wall cavities, both interior and exterior, blown insulation has advantages over batt insulation. Inside a wall, air pockets are significantly minimized and air leakage is diminished. At the same time, blown insulation enhances R-Value per inch, which serves to limit conductive heat loss.