Heat Retention and Building Performance in Alberta: The Key to a Cozy Winter

Oct 24, 2023 | Building Performance, Blog

 

As the crisp autumn air begins to signal the arrival of winter, the residents of Alberta are gearing up for the cold and snowy months ahead. Many of these Albertans may have questions about how heat retention affects their homes, workplaces, and properties during the winter. One of the most significant concerns during the winter season is maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient living or working space. To address this concern, it is essential to prioritize building performance and heat retention. Here are a few benefits of focusing on these aspects and reasons why choosing Krahn for these services is a wise decision.

The Alberta Winter Challenge

Alberta is no stranger to harsh winter weather. With temperatures often plunging well below freezing and substantial snowfall, staying warm and comfortable indoors becomes a top priority. The challenge lies in balancing warmth and energy efficiency to ensure that your building remains cozy without causing an enormous spike in heating costs.

Benefits of Heat Retention

  1. Energy Efficiency: A well-performing building is more energy-efficient. It retains heat better, reducing the need for constant heating, and ultimately saving you money on utility bills. This eco-friendly approach also reduces your carbon footprint, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious individuals and organizations.
  2. Enhanced Comfort: Proper building performance results in better temperature regulation and less draftiness. Your space will feel cozier and more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the winter season without constantly battling the cold.
  3. Durability: High-performance buildings are built to last. Investing in quality construction and insulation can extend the lifespan of your property, reducing maintenance costs over time.

The Importance of Heat Retention

Heat retention is a critical component of building performance, especially in Alberta’s winters. Adequate insulation and well-sealed doors and windows play a pivotal role in keeping the heat inside where it belongs. It can be difficult to tell exactly where a structure may be experiencing heat loss, but with the specialized infrared cameras used by our Building Performance team, we can detect which parts of a building envelope is deficient!

Thermographic image showing points of heat retention deficiency

This office building suffers from heat retention deficiency. The yellow/orange areas are where the building is leaking heat.

Why Choose Krahn?

Krahn is a trusted name in the engineering industry and has recently added building performance to its services. Here’s why you should consider choosing us to inspect your building:

  1. Expertise: With years of experience in Alberta’s challenging climate, Krahn understands the unique demands of building in this region. Their expertise ensures that your structure is well-equipped to handle the winter season.
  2. Custom Solutions: Krahn offers customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to retrofit an existing building or design a new one, Krahn’s engineering team already designs buildings for heat retention and low energy costs. With building performance surveyors now on staff, we are better equipped to help with existing buildings as well.
  3. Energy Efficiency: Krahn is committed to creating sustainable and energy-efficient structures. By choosing their services, you’re not only investing in comfort but also in a greener future.

As winter approaches, the significance of building performance and heat retention in Alberta cannot be overstated. Krahn stands out as a reliable and experienced partner for anyone looking to fortify their structure against the cold. By choosing their services, you can enjoy a cozier and more energy-efficient winter, all while making a responsible and sustainable choice for the environment. Whether you’re concerned about your home, office, or investment properties, don’t let the cold creep in! Trust Krahn to keep your space warm and comfortable throughout the winter season.

Learn more about our Building Performance services here!