How to insulate your home for winter?

Preparing your home for the harsh Calgary winter is not just a matter of comfort, but a necessity for survival and saving significant amounts of money. Calgary is located in one of the most challenging climatic regions of Canada, where winter temperatures regularly drop to -20°C and below, and with the wind chill factor, it can feel like -40°C and colder. The average annual heating degree days (HDD) is around 5,000 HDD18, which places high demands on home insulation.

Climate challenges in Calgary

The Calgary climate is characterized by:

  • Chinooks — warm, dry winds that cause sudden temperature changes.
  • Strong winds — average speed of 14.2 km/h, which increases heat loss.
  • Expansion/contraction cycles — due to temperature fluctuations.

Thermal insulation requirements

According to the Alberta National Building Code:

  • R-60 — for attics.
  • R-22 — for above-ground walls.

Recommended values for Calgary:

  • R-50 or higher — for attics.
  • R-30 — for exterior walls with exterior insulation.

Heating systems

Natural gas

  • The most economical source.
  • Efficiency up to 98.5% AFUE.

Electric systems

  • 100% efficiency, but higher cost and slow heating.

Heat pump

  • Effective down to -20°C, requires a backup heat source.
  • Reduces CO₂ emissions.

Attic insulation

  • R-60+ — recommended for Calgary.
  • Materials:
  • Blown fiberglass — affordable and effective.
  • Foam glass — more expensive, but has higher R-value and air barrier.

Important: Provide ventilation to prevent condensation and mold.

Walls

Interior retrofit

  • Blown insulation through holes in the wall.
  • Least invasive method for older homes.

External insulation

  • 1–2 inches of foam board over the sheathing.
  • Advantages:
  • Continuous thermal barrier.
  • Eliminates cold bridges.

Basement

  • Moisture and contact with the ground are the main problems.
  • XPS — the best option (closed pores, moisture resistance).
  • Closed-cell foam — a combination of insulation, sealing, and vapor barrier.

R-recommendations: minimum R-20.

Windows and doors

  • Triple glazing + argon — recommended standard.
  • U-factor 0.20 or lower.
  • Professional installation — essential for effectiveness.
  • Thermal curtains, night blinds — additional protection.

Sealing

  • Important in Calgary's strong winds.
  • Methods:
  • Expanding foams.
  • Acoustic sealants.
  • Blower door test — identification of weak spots.

Ventilation (HRV systems)

  • Ensure air exchange while retaining heat.
  • Recover up to 85% of heat.
  • Regular maintenance required (filters, heat exchanger, drainage).

Intelligent control

  • Programmable thermostats:
  • -2°C at night = -10% consumption.
  • Zone heating:
  • Thermostatic valves, dampers.
  • Especially for south-facing windows.

Passive solar heat

  • Sunlight through south-facing windows.
  • Heat storage:
  • Stone/concrete surfaces (thermal mass).

Maintenance

  • Filters — replace every 1–3 months.
  • Annual service:
  • Combustion check.
  • Heat exchanger.
  • Thermostat calibration.
  • Carbon monoxide check.

Air humidification

  • Humidity 30–50% — comfort and savings.
  • Avoid condensation.
  • Regular cleaning of humidifiers.

Financial support

  • Greener Homes Grant — up to $5,000.
  • CEIP — low-interest financing.
  • Calgary Home Upgrades Program — education and assistance with upgrades.

Energy audit

  • Includes:
  • Airtightness test.
  • Thermography.
  • Prioritization of measures.
  • Maximization of ROI.

Phased implementation

  • First — airtightness, attic.
  • Then — windows, heating.
  • Smart budgeting.

Future planning

  • Preparation for:
  • Price increases.
  • New technologies (heat pumps, electrification).
  • High quality = long-term benefits.

Consumption monitoring

  • Smart meters.
  • Analysis before and after upgrades.

Safety

  • Impact of airtightness on ventilation.
  • Carbon monoxide testing.
  • All gas work — only certified specialists.

Environment

  • Reduction of GHG emissions.
  • Increase in the value of energy-efficient homes.

Latest technologies

  • Aerogels, vacuum panels — maximum R-value with minimal thickness.
  • Smart control — integration of heating, lighting, and ventilation.
  • Heat pumps — increasing viability even at -30°C.

Conclusion

Insulating your home in Calgary is an investment in safety, comfort, savings, and environmental responsibility. With financial programs and long-term benefits, energy efficiency is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make.

A well-insulated home is warm, quiet, and profitable.