Thesis Statement

Thesis:

What minor renovations should be done on an existing home in Kamloops, B.C. resulting in the most cost effective energy savings?

Attic Insulation

Adding insulation to your attic is a great way to reduce heat loss during the winter. Heat rises, and when an attic is poorly insulated, a lot of that heat escapes through the roof. Whether you are using batt or cellulose, the most critical thing to consider when adding insulation to an attic is the ventilation. Without proper ventilation, frost and condensation can form on the underside of the roof causing substantial damage. Free flowing air must be able to come up through the soffits and leave either through a ridge vent or any type of roof vent such as a gable vent. See drawing below illustrating proper ventilation while using batt insulation.

By using thermal convection, outside air is continually being exchanged with the air in the attic. This allows no moisture to stay in the attic and cause damage. By adding insulation to your attic, with proper ventilation, you will decrease your chance of water damage; decrease the amount of wasted heat, therefore, decreasing the amount of energy used to heat your house.

4 Ways to Slash Your Energy Bill

Check out this article about 4 Ways to Slash Your Energy Bill!
http://home-interiors.suite101.com/article.cfm/3_ways_to_slash_your_energy_bill"

And while your surfing the web getting some great ideas on how to cut back on your energy consumption (and also save some money!) check out the Energy Star Website for some great efficient appliances!
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_find_es_products