Understanding the facts about residential insulation is crucial for homeowners, especially in regions like Calgary, Alberta, where temperature fluctuations are significant. From freezing winters to warm summers, proper insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. 

Despite its importance, several misconceptions about insulation persist, leading homeowners to make uninformed decisions that can impact their energy bills and indoor comfort. This article debunks six common insulation myths, providing insights tailored to Calgary’s unique climate and highlighting services offered by local experts like Sorell Insulation.

Many homeowners believe insulation is only needed to keep homes warm during the winter. However, insulation plays a year-round role in regulating indoor temperatures. 

• In winter, insulation reduces heat loss, preventing warm indoor air from escaping. 
• In summer, it blocks heat gain, keeping the house cooler and reducing the load on air conditioning systems. 

The City of Calgary emphasizes that well-insulated homes improve indoor comfort while significantly reducing heating and cooling costs. Investing in high-quality insulation, such as fiberglass insulation or spray foam insulation, ensures year-round energy efficiency.

Not all insulation materials are created equal. The effectiveness of insulation depends on various factors, including: 

• R-value – The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s resistance to heat flow. 
• Moisture resistance – Some insulation materials, like spray foam, resist moisture better than traditional batt insulation. 
• Air sealing properties – Certain materials, like blown-in insulation, fill gaps and prevent air leaks more effectively.

For Calgary homeowners, where moisture buildup and extreme cold are concerns, selecting the right insulation is key. Sorell Insulation offers customized insulation solutions, including spray foam insulation and batt insulation, to meet your home’s specific needs. 

While adding insulation can improve energy efficiency, there is a limit to how much is beneficial. 

• Beyond a certain R-value, adding more insulation has diminishing returns and may trap moisture if not installed correctly. 
• In older homes, replacing or upgrading insulation may be more effective than just adding more layers. 
• Air sealing is just as important as insulation—if your home has air leaks, insulation alone won’t solve the problem. 

Before adding more insulation, it’s best to have a professional assessment. Sorell Insulation provides insulation inspections and upgrades to ensure optimal performance without over-insulating.

Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature year-round. In Calgary’s climate, where summers can be warm and winters extremely cold, insulation ensures: 

• Lower heating bills in winter by preventing heat loss. 
• Reduced cooling costs in summer by minimizing heat gain. 
• Less wear and tear on HVAC systems, leading to long-term savings. 

A well-insulated home also improves air quality by preventing moisture buildup and mold growth. Sorell Insulation offers insulation solutions that enhance comfort throughout all seasons. 

Many homeowners assume that newly constructed homes automatically have sufficient insulation. However, building codes only set minimum insulation standards, which may not be optimal for energy efficiency. 

• Builders often prioritize cost savings over insulation performance, leading to gaps and weak spots.
• Many new homes in Calgary can benefit from additional attic insulation to prevent attic rain (moisture buildup in winter). 
• Adding extra insulation can improve energy efficiency beyond code requirements. 

If you recently moved into a new home, getting an insulation assessment is a smart investment. Sorell Insulation provides expert evaluations to determine if upgrading insulation could improve comfort and reduce energy costs. 

While insulation requires an upfront investment, the long-term energy savings often offset the cost. 

• Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.
• Government rebates and incentives, like the Canada Greener Homes Grant, help homeowners afford insulation upgrades. 
• Insulation improves home value, making it a worthwhile investment. 

Sorell Insulation assists homeowners in Calgary by guiding them through available rebates and ensuring cost-effective insulation solutions.

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