In checking out a home donʼt overlook the insulation

“When looking to buy a new home, itʼs important to look beyond the surface appearance” advise the experts at a leading insulation manufacturer. “Appearance and layout are important, but buyers should also seriously investigate the fundamentals such as insulation.”

Whether the home is brand new or just new to you, itʼs important to know the state of insulation. The state of a homeʼs insulation will not only affect how comfortable it is to live in, but can greatly influence heating and cooling costs. For example, energy bills can be reduced by up to 28 per cent simply by properly insulating the basement and attic.

New Homes

Buyers interested in the most energy efficient and environmentally responsible homes should look for R-2000 certified builders. R-2000 homes are certified by Natural Resources Canada and have higher levels of insulation and guard against air leaks better than conventional houses. When a home is certified R-2000, it has met exacting standards that exceed current Canadian building codes.

Older Homes

Insulation levels are likely to vary more in older homes, making it even more important to look beyond ʻskin deepʼ. To avoid any surprises and to get an idea of how energy efficient the home is, ask how much the current owners spend monthly on their energy bills.

Insulation Inspection

These tips can help assess the state of insulation:

• Feel for drafts – The transfer of air (and heat) make it more difficult to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, resulting in increased heating and cooling bills.

• Inspect the attic – Attics are often a major source of energy loss from the home. To ensure maximum energy efficiency, an attic should be insulated to a value of R-40 (approximately 11”-13” or 28cm-33cm thick).

• Check for moisture – If you notice condensation, the vapour barrier may be damaged and should be taped or replaced. If you notice a leak, it should be repaired before installing insulation.