What is R-value?
A:
R-value is a measure of energy efficiency. The higher the R-value of the insulation, windows, and even a home’s structure, the better the house is able to block the transfer of unwanted hot or cold air through walls and ceiling.
Newer homes have a higher R-value rating inside their walls then older homes, this higher R-value allows the homes to use less energy to heat and cool the inside. The lower the amount of energy needed to regulate the inside of the homes temperature the lower the bills will be for the homeowner.
Mandatory building code changes have forced the construction industry to adjust their standard building practises to meet higher R-values, the building code in Ontario is scheduled to change again in a couple of years and the R-value will be going up in all new homes.
The raising of the R-value is good and bad, good as it lowers energy consumption and bad because it raises the minimum cost of new homes for everyone.
The future of home building will be to raise the R-value to a point where there is little to no energy to heat and cool the building, this goal is not just to save people money but to also lessen the impact on the environment.
Rob Abbott
Operations Manager
Village Builders Inc.
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