10 Tips from Insulation Contractors in Barrie to Stay Warm

November 05, 2018

If you’re a typical homeowner in Ontario, fall and winter are the fire under your feet to find ways to warm up your feet at home. What may be less apparent are the ways to increase your comfort and keep your energy bills low. This is especially true in Barrie, where the weather can get a bit chillier than elsewhere in Ontario. The secret: home energy efficiency upgrades.

It’s also a good time to take advantage of home energy rebates that will make your upgrades more affordable. The only way you can take advantage of rebates is by using a professional contractor in Barrie – such as Great Northern Insulation – and a Registered Energy Advisor.

Tips from Our Insulation Contractors in Barrie to Reduce Your Energy Bills this Fall:

1. Understanding energy rebates and which will benefit you the most

Home energy rebates are designed to offset the cost of upgrades, retrofits, and improvements. Along with expert advice and professional installation, these "energy smart” upgrades will qualify you for substantial rebates, while lowering heating bills immediately. When considering Great Northern Insulation as your insulation contractor in Barrie, make sure to ask which home energy rebate is best suited to your needs:

2. Identifying air leakage will address excess moisture and cold drafts

Step one with home energy efficiency is the EnerGuide Home Evaluation, an assessment that’s performed by a professional Energy Advisor (registered with Natural Resources Canada). Once you’ve booked an evaluation, the Advisor will go into detail about the “blower door test” that is used to identify and pinpoint the airtightness of your home. Once the exterior and interior of the home is assessed, energy simulation software is used to recommend the most essential upgrades.

3. Weatherization (windows/doors) markedly minimizes air leakage

When it’s done right, weatherization will keep your home warm by minimizing air leakage and reducing drafts. With air leakage effectively minimized, weatherizing your windows and doors will dramatically reduce energy waste and lessen energy consumption. The idea is to properly air seal the “building envelope” so that heat stays inside during winter and outside during summer. As an experienced insulation contractor in Barrie, we understand the certain needs of a home in your particular climate, and suggest upgrades accordingly.

4. Making sure your heating system is working at optimum efficiency

Whatever the age of your heating system, it’s vital to ensure peak performance and maximize energy efficiency. Today, a new heating system can achieve over 95% efficiency, meaning that fuel efficiency is optimized and seasonal heating bills are markedly reduced. In Canada, ENERGY STAR certification makes it possible for you to purchase heating systems (and appliances) with leading edge technology that promises high performance and energy efficiency at the same time. Some of the costs for heating systems are covered by the Enbridge rebate program.

5. Upgrade your thermostat to balance temperature for lower bills

Based on national statistics, you could be spending over $1000 to keep warm this fall and winter. On the bright side, you could lower heating costs by up to 5% for every degree that you lower the thermostat. With a good programmable thermostat, you can easily set the indoor temperature according to need – different for the bulk of the day, different for the evening hours, and different for the overnight hours. And if you shop carefully, there may be rebates on your favourite device.

If you take advantage of the Enbridge Gas Home Energy Conservation Program right now through Great Northern Insulation, you will receive a FREE Ecobee 4. You must have the work completed by November 30, 2018.

6. Upgrading windows – choose from double glazing or window films

Today, there’s a cost-effective way to retrofit existing window systems without full replacement. MAGNETITE storm windows are customized to fit your window system and are snugly locked for maximum energy efficiency. The fitted windows become airtight, insulated, and sound proofed.

Another option for upgrading windows is window film application. Professionally installed, 3M™ Window Films reduce almost 80% of sun heat coming through the windows in summer. In the winter, 3M™ Low-E window film is like upgrading your single-pane windows to double-pane.

7. Basement insulation improves home comfort and energy efficiency

Regardless of the size of your house, the basement area is a major cause of heat loss. With a well-insulated basement, air leakage and heat loss are prevented, and your heating and cooling system will operate more efficiently. Overall, this will contribute to lower utility bills during summer and winter. Beyond improving energy efficiency, the basement also becomes more comfortable. As your experienced insulation contractors in Barrie, we have a deep understanding of air sealing and its importance in your basement.

8. Retrofitting attic insulation improves comfort and reduces costs

High quality attic insulation is key to home energy efficiency - cold drafts are reduced, uneven room temperatures are balanced, and seasonal utility bills are lowered. However, quality insulation isn’t enough. The attic must be equipped with an air barrier (to stop air movement), a vapour barrier (to stop moisture accumulation), and proper ventilation (to ensure optimal air circulation). All of this is heavily reliant on air sealing to make sure your attic acts the way it was intended to.

9. Deciding on replacing or removing underperforming insulation

For some homeowners, insulation replacement or removal may be a necessary option. We provide a professional assessment that accurately reflects the need for replacement and/or removal. Whatever the condition of the attic insulation, we will recommend the product and installation that will best suit it. As experienced insulation contractors in Barrie, you can count on us to check on your insulation levels.

10. MyEnergyXpert provides you customized home energy solutions

With MyEnergyXpert, homeowners can analyze their home energy efficiency and perform an online “energy audit”.

The steps are simple:

You upload data that’s specific to your home.
You receive a personalized energy consumption summary.
You’re provided with recommendations for change.

The idea is to offer you viable energy retrofits to improve energy efficiency. These retrofits are designed to substantially reduce energy consumption, and therefore lower utility bills season to season.

In Barrie, Count on Great Northern Insulation for Quality Results

When searching for insulation contractors in Barrie, you can count on Great Northern Insulation to service your every need – from air sealing, to quality insulation, to window retrofits. Amongst the many insulation contractors in Barrie, you’ll find Great Northern Insulation standing apart when it comes to quality guarantied installations.

For a FREE in-home assessment, call toll free at 1.800-265-1914 or to find out more about our services, you can view them here: https://www.gni.ca/services/residential-retrofit