Insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss and heat gain, particularly in roofs, attics, walls, and floors working to keep the elements out in Southwestern Ontario. In many homes insulation is the most practical and cost-effective way to make a house more energy efficient. There are several ways to reduce energy consumption and heat loss. These include:
- Improving the insulation of the property
- Reducing air leakage in walls, attics, windows and doors.
- Reducing energy consumption by using efficient heating methods
If the heat loss is higher than heat output, your heating bills will literally go through the roof as you’re paying more to create more heat in a room.
Here are some of the signs that indicate your house has insulation problems and when its time to call in the professionals at Chase Insulation.
During Summer Months:
- Mold growing in the basement
- High cooling costs
- Uncomfortably hot inside air
- Ineffectiveness of air conditioning system
During Winter Months:
- Mold growing on walls
- Uneven heating levels within the house
- Higher than normal heating costs
- Cold floors
- Walls cold to touch
Insulating your home has cost benefits to you as a homeowner. When insulation is added your home will become more energy efficient and reduce the amount of energy used to keep your home comfortable putting money back in your pocket.
The best time to install insulation is when you are building or renovating. Insulation should be combined with good design—including passive heating and cooling so it can do its job correctly keeping you comfortable all year round.
Cavity wall insulation reduces air circulation and minimizes heat loss through walls. To minimize heat loss from walls, cavity wall insulation can be installed. This involves blowing insulating material into the gap between the brick and the inside wall. Retrofitting insulation is possible. If you’re going to insulate your home at a later stage, the effectiveness and cost will depend on how easy it is to install. For example, it may be more challenging to install insulation in less accessible areas such as existing walls.
Unfinished attics and basements are the two main areas that any homeowner should primarily focus on when adding new insulation. The best part is that no demolition is needed.
Homes with crawl spaces will most likely have air ducts and plumbing pipes running between the joists; as the ducts are connected to the air system in the house above, it’s crucial they don’t have any holes or leaks. When your crawl space is insulated, the entire area can now better regulate and maintain an ideal air temperature, preventing the crawl space from getting either too hot or too cold.
Ontario homeowners can now take advantage of GreenON Rebates when making improvements to home energy efficiency. GreenON Rebates are available for insulation upgrades throughout the home – up to $7,200 when you upgrade your insulation. To qualify for the GreenON Rebate, homeowners must work with a participating contractor like Chase Insulation. The team at Chase will take care of the entire process for you.
Insulation is the best investment you can make in a long-term residence. Whether you’re planning small fixes or major renovations, consider making energy efficiency upgrades. It will help lower your consumption and energy bills and add value to your home. Contact the team at Chase Insulation today for an energy audit on how to improve your homes energy efficiency.
