What is the best way to improve the R value of my old home?

3/3/2024 at 11:27:04 PM

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling

Save energy by changing or upgrating your windos ,doors ,furnance , water tank .....etc

3/3/2024 at 11:28:35 PM

Upgrading exterior and interior of your place

3/4/2024 at 1:51:59 AM

Improving the R-value of your home is not just about enhancing its insulation; it's about investing in your comfort, energy efficiency, and even the future value of your property. Here's how you can significantly boost the R-value and why it's generally a smart move:

1. Attic Insulation Upgrade: Heat loves to escape through the top of your home, making the attic a prime candidate for insulation upgrades. It's like putting a warm hat on your house during those chilly Ontario winters!

2. Wall Insulation: Adding insulation to the walls can be a bit like giving your home a cozy sweater. Techniques such as blown-in cellulose can add warmth without too much disruption, even if your walls have already been closed up.

3. Windows and Doors Makeover: Think of old, leaky windows and doors as the holes in the fabric of your home. Sealing them with energy-efficient replacements can keep the warmth in and the cold out, just like a good pair of gloves.

4. Seal the Leaks: Drafts sneaking through cracks and openings can be tackled with caulking and weatherstripping. It's an affordable fix that can make a big difference, akin to sealing a drafty door with a towel but far more effective and lasting.

5. Insulate Floors and Basements: Cold feet? Insulating your floors and particularly the basement can block the cold ground chill from seeping into your living spaces, ensuring your feet stay toasty.

6. External Insulation: If you're planning some exterior work, adding insulation outside your walls can wrap your home in a protective layer, boosting its R-value significantly without encroaching on your interior space.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Not only will you see savings on your energy bills by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, but you'll also enjoy a more comfortable living environment. Plus, you're doing your part for the planet by reducing energy consumption, and when the time comes, you might find that your energy-efficient home is more attractive to buyers.

However, every home is unique, and the best solutions for improving your R-value depend on various factors such as your current insulation, home design, and budget. We'd love to learn more about your home to provide tailored advice. Let's chat about your specific needs and how we can make your home more energy-efficient together. It's not just about saving money; it's about creating a comfortable, sustainable living space for you and your family.

3/4/2024 at 11:22:14 PM

Depends on your budget? A old home can be retrofitted for efficiency but depending on age can be quite expensive. New homes are a little easier. Check for any current federal and provincial grants.

As far as cost and efficiency the list would be as follows:

-increase attic insulation

-if basement is uninsulated or poor insulation - insulate it

-better furnace & seal all draft access into house (doors, vents, existing windows, chimneys etc.) If you live in a climate (west coast full-time) where heat pumps are a consideration the savings can be substantial, even if used part of the year.

-replace all windows with newer sealed units

-if 2x4 exterior wall construction you can consider a extra layer of exterior insulation and new siding

-About all that is left is to install energy saving infrastructure but this comes at higher costs initially such as (solar-wind-geothermal heating etc.)

3/5/2024 at 3:52:58 PM

The most efficient method would be to increase the r-value in your attic space. This is also the most

Cost effective.

Depending on the age of the house, insulation in the exterior walls can be replaced. But this is very costly. If your basement has not been finished you can improve the r-factor on the exterior walls. Builders just insulate to meet code at the time the house was constructed.