Energy efficiency is among the most significant factors in healthy residential and commercial buildings. Investing in retrofits, improvements, and enhancements that improve energy efficiency, like insulation upgrades, can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs while minimizing your carbon footprint and improving indoor comfort. Whether you’re working on the construction or renovation of a traditional detached home, commercial property, multi-unit home, or mixed-use facility, the investment in spray foam insulation in Ottawa will offer a significant return on investment. Working with a leading insulation company in Ottawa, like Great Northern Insulation, you identify the best ways to bolster your energy efficiency with insulation. And with insulation rebates available, of up to $10,000 investing in new insulation and energy efficiency is more accessible than ever.
Insulation is designed to control and slow how heat moves through materials. In a building, heat that enters the indoor environment through intentional heating, radiant heat, or other sources will typically rise upwards or in a straight light and escape through vents, cracks, or openings in building materials. Even if a room seems entirely enclosed, there is often space for heat to escape. Insulation slows the conduction of heat passing through these building materials, keeping it indoors in the winter. In the summer, building insulation prevents the heat from the sun and other heat sources outdoors from entering the indoor environment.
Installing high-quality insulation will manage your indoor climate effortlessly, minimizing the use of heating and cooling systems on your property. As a result, you will use your furnace and air conditioner less, ultimately burning less fossil fuels and keeping more money in your pocket.
Depending on your insulation company in Ottawa, the types of materials available will vary. Leaders in the Canadian insulation industry, Great Northern Insulation offers blown-in fibreglass, batt insulation, spray foam insulation in Ottawa, and more. The number one indicator of an insulator’s performance is its R-Value. Every type of insulation is assigned an R-Value, which indicates its thermal conductivity and efficacy as an insulating material. Spray foam insulation in Ottawa is often chosen for its exceptionally high R-value. However, this value can be altered by the amount of insulation installed or the number of layers applied. So, it’s imperative to consider other factors, including the conditions or challenges your property most commonly experiences and the area where you install your insulation.
When exploring and evaluating the options available, it’s helpful to get guidance from an experienced insulation company in Ottawa. Local insulation experts can tell you how a particular insulation performs in that specific climate and what will work best for your structure.
Loose-Fill or Blown-In Fibreglass: Fibreglass blown-in insulation is typically installed in hard-to-reach areas where it can easily fill cracks, crevices, and gaps that are not otherwise accessible. Fibreglass can be used in several areas throughout a property, including walls, ceilings, floors, and attics, where it can seal air leaks, prevent drafts, dampen noise, and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Because it’s moisture-resistant, loose-fill fibreglass creates an effective vapour barrier that protects essential building materials from mould. Expertly installed fibreglass insulation can deliver high-level performance for more than 80 years when kept in good condition.
Spray Foam Insulation: Spray foam insulation is a leading choice for residential and commercial properties in Ottawa and throughout Southern Ontario. The unmatched thermal resistance and R-Value make it a reliable energy-efficient option. Where many other materials can be compromised by moisture, mould, and other indoor contaminants, spray foam insulation in Ottawa creates a barrier that prevents water intrusion from rain or other outdoor pollutants. It also provides a strong defence against air leaks because the foam adheres to the material on which it is being applied. Both open-cell and closed-cell foam insulation have a life expectancy between 80-100 years, and the material requires less monitoring to be preserved.
The key to getting optimal performance and minimizing waste energy consumption with your insulation is by installing it in the right areas around your property. Ultimately insulation should be installed where heat loss is most likely to occur. Studies show that about 38% of heat loss occurs in cracks or gaps in walls, 19% of heat can be lost through the basements and crawl spaces, and an estimated 25% of heat is lost through the attic and roof. Working with your insulation company in Ottawa, you can identify the areas in your property that are most susceptible to heat loss and prioritize those specific areas with insulation upgrades. The team at GNI will help you determine the best basement, crawl space, wall, and attic insulation solutions for your property so you can see a substantial difference in your utility costs and overall indoor comfort.
For new insulation to be as effective as possible in promoting better energy efficiency, old damaged insulation should be removed. In some situations, top-up services can be used to boost the performance of existing insulation, but that is only recommended if the existing insulation is in good condition. Indications you need insulation removal include recent water damage, mould infestations, or pest infestation in your attic or insulation. Waterlogged insulation is a precursor for mould and can limit the efficacy of your insulation. While pests like insects, rodents, and birds can nest in insulation, creating holes and compromising its effectiveness. At GNI, our insulation experts will help determine whether insulation removal or top is best for your property.
By upgrading your residential or commercial insulation, you will quickly see a change in your energy efficiency. You may notice fewer drafts or inconsistencies in temperature as you travel from one room to another. Insulation upgrades will also reduce strain on your air conditioning or heating units. As a result, you will need less maintenance, and your utility bills will cost you less. To start building a better-performing property with insulation upgrades in Ottawa, contact Great Northern Insulation.
The Home Energy Rebate Plus program is an excellent way for residential property owners in Ontario to save on their home insulation investment. Depending on the R-value of your new insulation and other factors, Enbridge Gas customers can get up to $10,000 back, and non-Enbridge customers can still receive up to $5,000. To learn more about maximizing your investment into insulation in Ottawa with the Home Energy Rebate Plus program, talk to the Great Northern Insulation team directly.
Image Credit: iStock
