When it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, the building envelope is a really important place to start. By upgrading your wall and attic insulation, windows and doors– your “building envelope” – you can create a more comfortable living space and lower your energy needs. If you plan to undertake deep retrofit work, including replacing your heating/cooling system or updating your ventilation, addressing your building envelope should be the first step. Otherwise, your brand new mechanical system may be oversized and could end up costing more to run.
Here’s how to make the most of upgrades to your building envelope.
Sealing air leaks
Air leaks come from holes in your building envelope, letting warm air escape in the winter and cool air out in the summer. Sealing these leaks can significantly improve your home’s comfort and reduce heat loss. Common areas to check include windows, doors, and around pipes, electrical outlets, or wiring that enters your home. More on this in our introduction to air sealing.
Insulation: the key to comfortable Canadian seasons
Good insulation is essential for keeping your home comfortable year round. If your home was built before modern building codes, chances are it could benefit from an insulation upgrade. Consider adding insulation to your attic, walls, and basement to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. There are a many different types of insulation available in BC at different cost points, and your contractor can help you make an informed choice for your home. Read about insulation types on CleanBC’s website.
Upgrading windows and doors
Old, drafty windows and doors can be significant culprits of heat loss too. Upgrading to energy efficient, double or triple-glazed models can make a huge difference. Consider adding weather stripping to doors to reduce drafts.
Roof and attic upgrades
The roof and attic are also important components of your building envelope. Adding insulation to your attic prevents heat loss and improves your home’s overall efficiency! It is important to ensure there is adequate ventilation in the attic space prior to and after adding insulation to prevent moisture and mould issues.
Exterior walls
Upgrading your exterior walls with better insulation, a continuous vapor barrier or a weather-resistant siding can help keep your home comfortable and reduce energy costs.
Ground yourself
Remember, building envelope upgrades don’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the areas that will give you the most bang for your buck and work your way from there. If you live in a Retrofit Assist community, register as a participant and we can walk you through this process and inform your decisions.
Retrofit Assist works with homeowners to provide free expert support on the journey to a more comfortable and energy efficient home. Check if Retrofit Assist is available in your community.
