Sasec Comfort Design

Some good solar farming happening in Southern AB this week!

Canada's Greener Homes Grants are in full swing. Up to $5000 available for home energy upgrades plus $600 towards the Energuide Home Audit costs.

Marshall Gardner is a Certified Energy Advisor partnered with Verdatech & Acacia Engineering available in Southern Alberta and is now conducting Energuide Audits!

If you have any questions, please reach out. You can also learn more about the program follow this link:

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-grant/23441

Canada Greener Homes Grant We want to help Canadians make where they live more energy-efficient. The Canada Greener Homes Initiative will help homeowners save money, create new jobs across Canada for energy advisors, and fight climate change.

SASEC Comfort Design, will never discriminate against anyone (race, age, s*x, medical history, etc) wishing to use our services or work with us. We will never ask personal medical questions because it’s none of our business.

Recently I was asked to interpret/analyze another Greener Homes Grant Energy Audit (Energuide) because the homeowner was dismayed at the poor communication and overall low level of assistance this report provided to them...this is why I've generally avoided getting too deep in the government program. Between the shallow home analysis and generic recommendations, it wasn't much help for the homeowner and didn't give them a good direction to move forward.

If you have received one of these reports recently and want help going through it, a second opinion, or to maybe just dig a little deeper towards an plan tailored for your needs (that takes your lifestyle/needs into account), give SASEC call/email to setup a meeting. I would be happy to help you out.

Upcoming ICF showcase (Aug 13th) in Red Deer put on by Up To Kode and Nudura ICF. This is a commercial property, but if you're interested in seeing ICF construction up close (for commercial or residential) and learning what it's all about this would be a great opportunity. Email [email protected] for more info.

Thinking about steel stud construction to offset high wood costs? This is good for fire ratings (and maybe cost somewhat), but think about what this amount of steel in the exterior walls will be doing in the winter AND summer months.

I can't wait to drive by this house in the winter with my thermal camera.

Careful planning and detail work needs to be done when steel studs interact with exterior temperature swings to avoid issues. Unfortunately, this house was already planned and underway by the time I was on site with some efficient windows.

Investigating then modeling/planning is key to a good outcome. This is a before and after thermal image of an existing attic that was recently "topped up" to overcome some problems found with a thermal scan.

A summary of the change:
Original: ~R25, 6 hr phase shift of insulation layer.
New: ~R51, 12 hr phase shift, no more problematic thermal areas.
(The insulation thickness was NOT just doubled)

This R51 was limited structurally by the existing design of the roof/trusses and existing insulation already there. I would've like to see it a bit higher, but this is the best outcome for this house.

This change will reduce heat loss through the ceiling by ~50% (and also reduce summer cooling needs significantly). The longer phase shift will mean heat won't have a chance to impact the interior much before temperatures start to cool off at night. The insulation used will reduce sound issues as well as supporting a comfortable interior temperature year-round.

Weathershield cellulose was used (recycled paper) and they are also a sponsor for Passive House Alberta. Was great to support their product that is also made in Alberta!

A successful outcome starts with in-depth exploration which leads to strategic upgrades that matter.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Investigate, plan, execute.

Earth Day video from Passive House International. Efficiency is the first renewable energy...it reduces the impact of whatever energy source we are using.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOsUB0FLtmg&list=PLnfvPyFz72o2Uht8dRceIk3zDW9aTTNSW&index=14

North American Passive House Network - Efficiency: The First Renewable Energy #EfficiencyFirst This English-language video for the North American Passive House Network highlights the benefits of the Passive House standard and an efficiency first approa...

Will be interesting to see how this produces & lasts. I have always thought each small town in Southern AB would be good with localized production like this...with grid backup of course.

Massive new solar farm northwest of Lethbridge now in operation - My Lethbridge Now LETHBRIDGE, AB – Canada’s largest solar facility is now soaking up the rays here in southern Alberta. The 132MWac Claresholm Solar Project ... more ›

Did you know?

Having your home (or business) on a site that works with the sun, and designed to use our nice winter sunshine effectively, can reduce heat needed by 30 to 40%.

Not including the other benefits of natural light, that is a massive reduction in heating costs alone over the lifetime of the space!

Interesting. More localized energy use/production helps solve many issues...electrolysis is very energy intensive though...will keep an eye on this tech.

World's First Home Hydrogen Battery Powers Your House for 3 Days, is Recyclable, and Not a Fire Risk LAVO's green hydrogen battery system can capture and store solar energy and power your house for 3 days, lasts 30 years, and is recyclable.

Great to see how a high performance building works in the bitter cold...The future doesn't have to be bleak...it can be warm and comfortable!

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-cold-snap-no-match-for-the-furnace-free-warmth-of-a-net-zero-home-1.5908049

Net-zero energy house providing warmth during Alberta's cold snap | CBC News While cost can be a barrier, interest is growing in net-zero homes that both produce energy and use it wisely.

Recent air leak and thermal testing on some amazing small buildings from DROP Structures. Identifying and reducing air leaks is a key component to improved comfort and efficiency.

Going into people's homes for thermal testing has become more of a challenge this past year. To help overcome this, we are now offering a small portable thermal camera that will allow homeowners the ability to have a great first look at their home to see if there are areas that are problematic and contributing to comfort problems. A great chance to learn more about your home and a good first step towards improving your comfort.

Rental Fee is $50 per day, give us a call at (403) 892-8885 to book a spot!

Having air leaks in your home contributes to discomfort in winter and summer, but this is something that is rarely considered. It has a direct relation to energy efficiency and arguably most importantly comfort. Our testing equipment was recently serviced and fully recalibrated by the Retrotec factory in the USA. Great to have it back in service!

This testing is best done on a new build BEFORE the drywall is put in place. On renovations, it can be used to identify areas that need attention before tearing into things, making sure everything is airtight before drywalling, and also testing windows and doors.
Taking care of these leaks will improve your comfort and let the insulation work to the best of it's ability.

Sasec Comfort Design updated their info in the about section.

Sasec Comfort Design updated their business hours.

Sasec Comfort Design updated their phone number.

Sasec Comfort Design updated their address.

Thermal Imaging can be invaluable for detecting (and correcting) thermal problem areas. Here's some shots that show defects in a wall with fiberglass batt insulation. This was caught and corrected before the drywall went up...allowing the insulation to work as it is designed to (better comfort), lowering energy costs and reducing condensation risks in the structure.

If you have a cold area in your house you're looking to fix or wanting the most from your reno/build...this is one important tool...and we can help.

Just a simple chart showing the importance of modelling house performance to find that perfect balance between comfort, performance, and cost.

This is for a build in a mild Southern BC climate and shows a simplified look at the relationship between different levels of insulation placed under the basement concrete slab and the affect this has on heat demand for this particular house. This project might be aiming for Passive House levels, so this is just a starting point.

Interesting point here is at 3" of insulation...Heat Demand for the structure is reduced by ~33% than when compared to only using 1" of insulation.

Windows can bring some of the best positive improvement in comfort, quiet, and overall building efficiency. Quality is key and I firmly believe that we need to reduce the use of plastics (and our exposure) in our living spaces and boost the natural materials used.

Here's some collaboration with Crafted Windows & Doors (Instagram) this summer to create some amazing living spaces. From a whole house redo to only starting with a few units, the impacts are immediate.

Getting away from the use of plastics, using more local materials and enhancing long-term durability. Solid Fir frames with wood sourced from BC, High quality glazing from Alberta and European hardware come together to make amazing Tilt & Turn windows that will last for years. Natural finishes/paints, air-tight, triple-pane glass.

Windows that won't just end up in a landfill someday. It's always a pleasure to be a part of lasting positive change of any space!

With many now spending a lot of time in their house under stress, it's a perfect time to sit back and look at how your house is affecting your mental state.

Does your house ease your stress or increase it?
Does it support you (physically and mentally?) or diminish you?
Do you realize you need a place of support? A place to do yoga/meditate/pray/gather your thoughts/get a good night's sleep...perhaps this isn't there.
Is it sunny, warm, quiet, durable, stable?

It goes beyond just house performance and efficiency. Having a space that includes these elements is great, but a house that doesn't help elevate and support you mentally seems a waste to me.

If you'd like, post a pic, or describe, the place you have at home that helps support you and your family.

Here's a pic of one of mine...Large hammock (yes...inside!) that overlooks a park and get's lots of sunshine. Worked on reading & homework with my son in it and a perfect place for him to de-stress...one of my favourite times/places in my home.

If you don't have a place that supports you, let me know...I can help you with developing and planning to have one.

Efficient buildings and retrofits of existing buildings would go a long ways to reach these goals. This is where a building efficiency standard like "Passive House" (around for 40 years FYI) can make more than just a dent...can make a large impact for generations to come.

City sets “ambitious” goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 LETHBRIDGE, AB - The City of Lethbridge's greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target is twice as high as what was su...

We were able to model a great wall and boost the performance by about 40% with only an increase in construction cost of ~ 6%. This is on a large home, the monthly savings in utilities will easily pay for these upgrades in a short period of time. Not to mention the daily comfort improvements in both sound and temperature. Not a Passive House level build, but definitely a great step in the right direction that will benefit the homeowners every single day...hot or cold.

Upcoming Passive House course this Friday. This is the last of the winter courses that have been put on this winter around the province. Let's take comfort and efficiency to the next level!

Held at the multicultural centre here in Lethbridge from 8:30 - 4:30. Go to www.passivehousealberta.com/courses to sign up.

It’s not too late to register for our last course this spring in Lethbridge! Our technical course, How the Passive House Approach helps Build Better Buildings and Healthier Communities, is geared towards industry professionals who are in the construction, building, planning and design industries.

In this introductory course, we will take a more detailed approach into the benefits of incorporating Passive House design principles into residential, commercial and recreational buildings, using real-life examples.

Learn how building to Passive House standards creates sustainable, energy-efficient buildings to minimize risk, maximize long-term profitability and provide competitive advantages.

Register today https://www.passivehousealberta.com/courses/ Energy Efficiency Alberta

One of the "Little Luxury Comforts" recently completed. Some amazing & intense wood grain with black epoxy came out fantastic! This is in a small office space. A totally unique piece was called for to add something special and elevate the feel of the space.

I want to make a full size desk or table out of this wood someday...it would be amazing!

Upcoming Passive House technical course here in Lethbridge on March 6th!

We’re holding courses in Edmonton, Canmore, Grande Prairie, Red Deer and Lethbridge this winter! Our educational courses are of interest to Albertans who care about sustainability, energy efficiency and creating healthier work, home and play environments.

Register today and learn how you can create a healthier and more comfortable home – even in our cold Alberta climate! https://www.passivehousealberta.com/courses/

Energy Efficiency Alberta

A core drive behind what I do is to help others realize that "we all need a place to slow down". A house built to a high level of performance (not even up to Passive House levels) can bring with it that next level of quiet that the world is lacking in many areas. A quiet (durable and efficient) space, with natural materials, working with the surrounding environment in a positive way...longterm quality of life.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/article-in-an-increasingly-clamorous-world-silence-is-becoming-essential-to/

The world is getting noisier, and it’s affecting our health. How much will people pay for silence? In an increasingly clamorous world, silence is becoming something people will pay for. As Gayle MacDonald writes, it’s not just a luxury, but essential for our health