5 Ways to Reduce Heat Loss & Optimize Energy Efficiency in Your Home

Name: Great Northern Insulation
Telephone: 1-800-265-1914

January 17, 2018

Properly insulating a home goes beyond just installing insulation. The idea throughout the home is to reduce heat loss – and that’s what leads to better energy efficiency. Every effort to reduce heat loss makes a difference. That includes blocking air leakage and providing high performance insulation. The result: a noticeable reduction in energy consumption and lower energy bills.

Attic insulation

In the average home, probably the most important place to reduce heat loss is the attic and roof. Here, proper air sealing and quality insulation will prevent air movement, block heat loss, and stop moisture from collecting. This will ensure energy efficiency in both summer and winter. A well-sealed attic will not allow heat to escape in the winter and will not allow warm outdoor air to intrude during the summer. Best of all, seasonal comfort is ensured throughout the year.

Basement insulation

Another part of the home where it’s important to reduce heat loss is the basement. When the basement is well insulated, the HVAC system (winter heating and summer cooling) will operate in better balance and with greater efficiency. This makes for lower utility bills. A well-insulated basement has better R-Values, reduced air leakage, and controlled air moisture. Beyond the improved energy efficiency, the basement becomes a more comfortable space season to season.

Air ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential to the performance of the attic space. In situations where air leakage is present (and moist/humid air is allowed to leak into the attic space), air circulation and ventilation prevents moisture from accumulating – it therefore prevents condensation buildup in the winter months and reduces heat transfer during the summer months. For proper performance, insulation and ventilation must work together. For optimal performance, don’t forget to address air sealing!

Draft Proofing

Windows and doors that are not properly sealed contribute to heat loss. Consequently, complete weatherization of the “building envelope” will effectively reduce heat loss. This is accomplished by sealing window-frames, doorframes, and even recessed ceiling lighting fixtures. In short, sealing a home tightly is the key to preventing air leakage. This in turn will reduce heating needs in winter and cooling needs in summer. The result: improved home comfort and utility savings.

Air leakage

In every home, regardless of size, air leakage is very impactful on energy efficiency. In fact, most professionals insist on addressing air leakage at the same time as considering upgrades to home insulation. Air leakage is simply a recipe for wasting heating and air conditioning. While many homeowners focus on insulation as a remedy, resolving air leakage issues has proven to be critical in improving energy efficiency. Every effort to reduce heat loss must include air sealing. Ask GNI how you can measure your home’s air leakage through a Blower Door test.

Upgrades & Retrofits

At Great Northern Insulation, residential homeowners are assured of a professional approach to insulation upgrades and retrofits. From weatherization, to air sealing, to insulation retrofitting, the team at GNI will ensure measurable improvement to overall energy efficiency. And that, of course, means lower utility bills both summer and winter. Find out more by visiting the company website at www.gni.ca or call 1-800-265-1914 to arrange for an in-depth home inspection.