The ever-upward spiral of petroleum and energy costs has compelled property owners and industry experts alike to take a closer look at how insulation can affect long-term expenses. International standards organization Energy Star advised homeowners to check if their attics require additional insulation or adjusted sections to ensure better energy efficiency:
“If your insulation is just level with or below your floor joists (i.e., you can easily see your joists), you should add more. If you cannot see any of the floor joists because the insulation is well above them, you probably have enough and adding more may not be cost-effective. It is important that the insulation be evenly distributed with no low spots; sometimes there is enough insulation in the middle of the attic and very little along the eaves.”
Energy Star added that improved insulation in Toronto homes, as well as in properties in similarly cold locations, depends not only on the amount and quality of the material installed but also on the compatibility of the components. For instance, fiberglass sections that are to be layered over loose fill need to have their paper or foil backing removed prior to installation. The application of the loose fill itself requires specialist assistance from Toronto insulation experts.
Installing additional rafter vents is a useful and cost-effective method to regulate attic temperatures. These components ensure that there are multiple channels for air to move through the house, thus reducing the need to use heaters or coolers and yielding significant savings in the long term.
Locating and sealing air leaks in the attic and the basement are also vital steps in improving energy efficiency for homes in higher latitudes. Structural flaws tend to develop in hard-to-reach locations throughout a house, hidden from plain sight and detectable only through a detailed inspection by a professional. Energy Star specifically pinpointed areas such as kneewalls, attic hatches, wiring holes, plumbing vents, recessed lights, furnace flues, duct chaseways, and basement rim joists as susceptible to air leaks.
Families that are looking to improve their domestic energy efficiency and cut down on their monthly electricity bill need to consider the long-term effects and costs of any decisions they make regarding the quality of their insulation. The skilled and experienced technicians of EnviroTech Insulation can help design, install, and maintain energy-saving attic insulation for Toronto homeowners.
(Source: Adding Attic Insulation, Energy Star)