I was reading the most recent issue of the Solplan Review recently when a particular article caught my eye. The Solplan Review is the independent review of energy conservation building science and construction practice and is published in Vancouver.
The article compared energy consumption in homes in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. It discussed air quality, ventilation systems and air exchanges in these homes. The results of this study are immaterial unless, of course, you are planning on moving to one of three cities in the near future. If you are, bring money, because you won't find prices like we have here.
What I found particularly interesting was the discussion concerning air tightness in new home construction. It stated that coastal British Columbia had the loosest houses in the country. This makes sense given the weather there, where there would not be a tremendous need for air tightness, and that other aspects of the house (ie. water penetration) might receive a greater priority.
Water penetration is not the same issue here that it is in B.C., but cold weather certainly is a factor. The article went on to say that Manitoba has the tightest new houses in Canada, and by quite a bit over some other regions.
This may not seem surprising, given our cold weather, but it's still nice to hear from an independent third party. The Manitoba Home Builders' Association has been saying that the best built and most energy efficient new homes are being constructed right here. Backup data corroborating this is a bonus.
Air tightness in a home is important to us in the winter. We just survived a long, cold winter and appreciated the additional warmth that resulted from our superior construction. However, if Environment Canada's projections for the long weekend hold true, air tightness in your new home won't be important over the next few days as we throw open our windows and allow the gentle breezes, fresh air and warm weather into our homes.
Manitoba new homes: Built better for Manitoba weather.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
