🔍 What Are Heat Escape Points?
These are locations in a home’s structure where warm air (in winter) or cool air (in summer) escapes due to poor insulation or construction flaws. Heat naturally moves from warm areas to cold ones, so in winter, warm indoor air tries to escape to the colder outdoors. When that happens through unsealed or poorly insulated parts of the home, your heating system has to work harder, which wastes energy.
🏡 Main Heat Escape Points (Detailed)
| Area | % of Heat Loss | Cause | Visual Signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof/Attic | 20–25% | Inadequate insulation, air leaks into the attic | Icicles, uneven snow melting |
| Windows | 15–25% | Single-pane glass, poor seals, drafts | Condensation, cold spots |
| Doors | 10–15% | Gaps, worn-out seals | Drafts near floor, light visible under door |
| Walls | 20–30% | No or poor insulation, especially in older homes | Cold walls, high heating bills |
| Basement & Foundation | 10–20% | Uninsulated foundation walls, cracks | Cold floors, moisture issues |
| Ducts & Vents | 5–10% | Leaky ducts in unconditioned spaces | Uneven heating between rooms |
🇨🇦 Why This Matters in Canada
Canada’s climate varies by region, but winters are generally cold and long—sometimes hitting -30°C or lower in places like Alberta, Manitoba, and northern Ontario. This means:
- Long heating seasons (October to April or longer)
- High heating bills: Heating can account for over 60% of annual energy use in Canadian homes.
- More wear and tear on furnaces and heat pumps
- Environmental impact: Most homes still rely on fossil fuels, so more energy use means more CO₂ emissions
🔧 How to Improve Energy Efficiency
Here are some practical upgrades and how they help:
| Upgrade | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Attic insulation (R-50 or higher) | Major reduction in heat loss; high ROI |
| ENERGY STAR windows/doors | Reduce drafts and heat leakage |
| Air sealing (caulking/weather stripping) | Low-cost fix for noticeable energy savings |
| Wall insulation (blown-in or spray foam) | Dramatically cuts heat transfer |
| Basement insulation (rigid foam or blanket insulation) | Improves comfort and reduces humidity |
| Duct sealing and insulation | Keeps heated air in and delivers it more efficiently |
