Help Your Home Weather the Winter

Save Energy by Insulating Your Home

Having a well-insulated house is a bit like dressing appropriately for the weather. A wool sweater will keep you warm if the wind isn't blowing and it's not raining. But on days when the wind is howling and the rain is coming down, you'll need to have a nylon shell over your sweater if you want to stay warm and dry.

A house works in much the same way. On the outside, underneath the brick or siding, a combination of sheathing, sheathing paper, sealants and weatherstripping does the same thing for your house that a nylon jacket does for you - it stops the wind from blowing in. Next, the insulation acts like your sweater, keeping the heat in to keep your house warm on even the coldest winter nights.

If you're not sure whether your home is adequately insulated, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a number of telltale signs you can look for. In the winter, some common signs that you could have an insulation problem include:

Walls or floors that are cold to the touch;
High heating costs;
Uneven temperatures within the house; and
Mold growing on the walls.

Even a relatively well insulated house can have some of the symptoms above because of air leakage. Sealing air leaks will help any insulation work better, and also help to prevent moisture problems caused by condensation in the structure.

All insulation products sold in Canada are labelled with R-values and their metric equivalent, RSI-values; the higher the R- or RSI-value, the more effective the insulation. Provincial building codes specify minimum R (or RSI) values for new construction, with different values for different applications. If you're planning to build a new home, find out what your local building code requires.

If your home is poorly insulated, it usually pays to upgrade the insulation. Your local climate can also have an impact on the cost-effectiveness. Keep in mind that installation costs (including changes to the framing, cladding and finishes) are usually the most expensive part. So if you're building a new home, it makes sense to insulate well now so you won't need to add more later.

The bottom line is that the right insulation system can save you money. It can also reduce the amount of energy you use and makes your home more comfortable. Check the cost, advantages and disadvantages of all available options. Review all details to ensure that air leakage is minimized and the movement of moisture is handled correctly. When in doubt, consult a professional.

For more information or a free copy of the "About Your House" fact sheet Insulating Your House, or for other fact sheets on every facet of owning, maintaining or renovating your home visit http://www.cmhc.ca/, or call 1-800-668-2642.

For story ideas or to access CMHC experts or expertise, contact CMHC Media Relations - National Office at: 613-748-4684 or by e-mail: media@cmhc.ca.

Published: January 2, 2009, Source CMHC