Back in April we offered up ‘The Ultimate Guide to Insulation: Fibreglass, Mineral Wool, Cellulose, Spray Foam, and Acoustic Insulation’, and while there are still many warm days to enjoy before the cooler weather arrives, (and we honestly don’t want to be the bearers of bad news), fall will be here sooner than we think!
Before winter sets in, fall is the perfect time to consider adding insulation and tackling energy-efficient upgrades that will help to lower heating bills keep your home cozy in the cold. Beyond cost, energy-efficient renovations reduce your environmental footprint and may add value to your home when it’s time to sell.
With more than 100 years of combined renovation experience, our team at All Canadian Renovations will help you to understand the choices you have, and select quality materials that will increase your home’s energy efficiency.
1. Insulation: The Foundation of Energy Efficiency
Insulation is one of the most effective building upgrades for reducing thermal energy loss. Inadequate insulation in attics, walls, and basements allows heat transfer through conduction and air leakage, which forces heating systems to operate at higher loads. Improving insulation increases the building envelope’s R-value, stabilizes indoor temperatures, minimizes drafts, and lowers overall energy demand.
- Attic insulation: Because heat rises, the attic is typically the largest point of heat loss in a home. Upgrading with blown-in cellulose, fiberglass batts, or closed-cell spray foam can substantially raise R-values and reduce thermal bridging.
- Thermal bridging happens when heat flows through conductive materials:
- Materials like wood, steel, and concrete conduct heat much more easily than insulation materials like fiberglass or foam.
- When these conductive materials penetrate or are part of a building’s insulation, they create a ‘bridge’ for heat to flow through, essentially negating some of the insulation’s effectiveness.
In cold climates like ours, achieving R-50 to R-60 is recommended for maximum insulation efficiency in our attics.
- Wall insulation: Older homes often lack cavity insulation or have degraded materials with insufficient R-values. Old-style insulation also has a tendency to slump and get compacted, creating voids in the upper parts of your home’s exterior walls. Dense-pack cellulose or spray foam retrofits can fill gaps, reduce air infiltration, and significantly improve overall thermal performance.
- Basement and crawl space insulation: Insulating rim joists, foundation walls, and crawl space floors prevents downward heat loss, reduces moisture intrusion, and helps maintain warmer floor surfaces during winter months. Rigid foam boards or spray foam are commonly used for below-grade applications due to their resistance to moisture.
The return on investment is clear: insulation upgrades not only enhance comfort but also provide long-term energy savings. Depending your home’s condition and retrofit strategy, you should see a positive return on your investment with lower energy bills while extending the service life of your heating & cooling systems.
2. Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are often among the weakest points of your home’s exterior envelope, contributing significantly to conductive heat transfer and air leakage. Older single-pane windows or poorly sealed doors allow cold air infiltration and warm air loss, forcing heating systems to work harder.
- High-performance windows: Upgrading to ENERGY STAR® certified triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings and argon or krypton gas fills can dramatically reduce U-values and improve insulation. In Canada, ENERGY STAR ratings are climate-zone specific, ensuring windows are tested to perform effectively in colder regions. All Canadian Renovations ensures your new windows are installed properly – including sealed frames, insulated spacers, and air-tight flashing.
- U-values are the inverse of R-values
- Whereas R-values measures how well a material resists heat flow and conductivity, U-values measure how well a material allows heat to pass through. Thermal resistance vs. thermal transmittance.
- This means the numbers used to rate the materials are also inverse. A high R-value for insulation is good – it means that there is strong thermal resistance. But a low U-value is what you’re looking for in windows, because it means less heat is being transmitted through the glass.
- Insulated exterior doors: ENERGY STAR–rated steel or fiberglass doors with thermal breaks provide higher R-values and better airtightness compared to traditional wood doors, reducing heat loss through conduction.
All Canadian Renovations will help you find the best products for your home, on budget, and incorporating design elements and colours that will also enhance your home’s visual appeal.
3. Energy-Efficient Siding
Energy-efficient siding helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling, thus saving energy and lowering utility bills. Insulated vinyl siding is a popular choice due to its excellent thermal resistance, while steel siding offers reflectivity and low air permeability, making it effective in both hot and cold climates. Fiber cement siding is another option, known for its durability and ability to improve energy efficiency when paired with proper insulation.
When combined with upgraded insulation in your home’s exterior walls, these products can provide significant insulative benefits!
Key Considerations for Energy-Efficient Siding
- Insulation: Siding with integrated foam insulation (like insulated vinyl) can substantially improve thermal performance.
- Material Properties: Consider the material’s ability to reflect heat (e.g., steel) or block air flow (e.g., insulated steel or fiber cement).
- Maintenance: Low-maintenance siding options like vinyl or steel can also contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Types of Energy-Efficient Siding
- Insulated Vinyl Siding: This option combines the benefits of vinyl with a layer of foam insulation, offering good thermal resistance and affordability.
- Steel Siding: Steel siding, especially when insulated or seamless, provides excellent protection against air and heat transfer. It’s also durable and fire-resistant.
- Fiber Cement Siding: Known for its durability and ability to improve energy efficiency when paired with proper insulation, fiber cement siding is a versatile choice.
- Engineered Wood Siding: Offers a natural wood look with enhanced pest resistance and can be a cost-effective option for energy efficiency.
The Long-Term Payoff
Energy-efficient upgrades go beyond lowering utility bills—they enhance comfort, improve sustainability, and increase a home’s market value. Modern buyers are increasingly attracted to properties with reduced operating costs and environmentally responsible features.
Key Benefits of Energy-Efficient Upgrades:
- Cost Savings: Lower heating, cooling, and electricity expenses year-round.
- Comfort: Fewer drafts, more consistent indoor temperatures, and improved air quality.
- Environmental Impact: Reduced carbon emissions through lower energy demand.
- Resale Value: Energy-efficient features make homes more attractive in a competitive real estate market.
Getting Started:
Fall is an ideal time to begin energy improvements, ensuring comfort and savings throughout the winter. Projects like upgrading insulation, replacing windows and doors, and considering energy-efficient siding will all provide long-term performance and sustainability benefits.
Every step, whether small or significant, contributes to a greener, more efficient home.