Do-It-Yourself 101: Q&A’s with an Energy Efficiency Expert

Do-it-yourself renovations are a growing trend amongst Canadian homeowners.  Andy Goyda, an Energy Efficiency Expert with Owens Corning Canada, provides answers to some commonly asked questions:

Q:  I’m spending a lot on heating my house.  How can I improve my home’s energy efficiency and reduce my heating bills?
A:  Many Canadians are concerned about the size of their energy bills.  One of the first renovations that homeowners consider to make their home more energy efficient is to replace their furnace.  New high-efficiency furnaces certainly help reduce energy use, but if a home isn’t well insulated, the potential energy savings will be lost as heat escapes outside.  Upgrading a home’s insulation will help to better control heat transfer between the indoor and outdoor environments and is one of the best ways to reduce energy bills. 

Q:  Renovations are expensive – is it worth the cost?
A:  With energy costs on the rise, the value of energy savings from energy efficient upgrades will be increasingly significant.  Insulation renovations can be particularly cost effective for homeowners willing to undertake the renovations themselves.  Upgrading insulation is one of the easiest do-it-yourself renovations and once complete, homeowners should notice an immediate impact on their energy bills.  When properly installed, insulation will continue to save energy every year throughout the life of the home.  The long-term energy savings make insulation renovations more than worth the cost.

Q:  How much can I save on energy bills by upgrading my home’s insulation?
A:  By properly insulating a home’s basement and attic, energy costs can be cut by up to 28 per cent.  With additional insulation upgrades, additional savings can be achieved.

For more information on household insulation, call 1-800-GET-PINK or visit www.owenscorning.ca.

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