PREPPING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

With the cold weather just weeks away, fall is a great time for homeowners to ensure their property is as energy efficient as possible. Not only is it critical for the longevity of the home, it’s also important for the environment, as well as the homeowners’ bottom line.

So how do you go about solidifying your property ahead of winter? A good way to start is by knowing where to look.

One of the most common reasons a home loses heat and energy during the colder months is due to a lack of insulation in the building’s envelope, including the attic, the exterior walls, and the foundation.

“We commonly encounter homes where the attic insulation levels are below today’s standard or the foundation is not insulated or poorly insulated,” said Gary Bloomfield, a building inspector at QuébecSpec and member of the Order of Engineers of Quebec.

“Homes with older doors and windows have a tendency to be drafty because the weatherstripping has become worn and deteriorated over the years.

“The insulation and sealing around the framing of doors and windows is often subpar too, which allows cold air to enter the home.”

Wood-burning fireplaces, which are being phased out in Montreal, are another source of heat loss because the dampers and glass doors rarely seal tightly.

Another common issue is recessed lighting, which is very popular today.

“They’ve become a great source of air leaks when they penetrate into the attic space because they often don’t have sealed vapour barrier boxes above them,” Bloomfield said. “They’re holes in the building envelope.”

A basic inspection of these home elements can help you identify energy efficiency issues on your own. On the other hand, if you’re concerned you may want an expert opinion to understand how your home is losing energy.

“Some of the most efficient ways to remedy these factors would be to consult an insulation specialist and general contractor who are capable of insulating and air sealing the home,” said Kevin Lantaff, a building inspector at QuébecSpec and member of the Order of Engineers of Quebec.

“Also getting an energy audit, blower door test or thermographic expertise to determine the weak points within a home will truly allow you to see your home in another light.”

While it may sound daunting, enhancing your home’s energy efficiency is often quite easy and inexpensive. That’s because there are many areas in a home that don’t require a substantial investment for improvement. The attic is one such place.

“Most attics are fairly accessible and don’t require major renovations to add more insulation,” Lantaff said. “A well-insulated attic will make the whole house more comfortable in the winter, as well as reduce energy bills in the summer months.”

Whether you’re taking on the project yourself or hiring an expert contractor, Bloomfield recommends a few key improvements.

“You should seal gaps around attic ceiling light fixtures, plumbing stacks, wiring and chimneys, and install vapour barrier boxes over recessed lights,” he said. “Air sealing is another cost-effective way to improve efficiency.”

In addition to traditional construction solutions, emerging technologies and new products are becoming popular ways of improving a home’s energy efficiency.

Smart thermostats, which can be programmed and controlled remotely to regulate a home’s heating and cooling system, are one such product.

“Space heating and cooling generally represents two-thirds of a home’s energy consumption and using an Energy Star certified smart thermostat can save eight per cent of that energy use while maintaining the home’s comfort,” Lantaff said.

“These thermostats learn your habits and automatically adjust to your schedule when you’re asleep or away.”

Tankless water heaters are another emerging product to improve a home’s energy efficiency.

“Tankless water heaters heat the quantity of water required in real time,” Lantaff said.

“That means there’s no need to have a hot water tank storing heated water, which is continuously being heated even when it’s not in use.”

If you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient, one important first step is to inquire about any financial incentives, grants or tax credits that may be available for these types of improvements from both the federal or provincial governments.

“These programs generally help to offset the cost of acquiring products which are more energy efficient or increasing the insulation levels within a home,” Bloomfield said.

“Another step people should take is to have an energy audit performed by a certified energy efficiency adviser with the Rénoclimat program. You receive an energy evaluation at a subsidized cost, with personal recommendations on how to improve your home.”

He added that doing so also enables homeowners to be eligible to receive financial assistance under the Rénoclimat program to insulate the home, improve the air tightness of the home, install or replace mechanical systems (including ventilation systems, water heater, heat pumps, and geothermal heating system).

“Consulting with these and other experts can make a big difference in terms of upfront costs and the quality of the improvements,” Bloomfield said. “They look forward to giving you tips on keeping warm this winter and saving you money.”