We bought our 1985 Guelph bungalow knowing the attic insulation was original R-20 fibreglass batts. Got the EnerGuide evaluation done first, then upgraded. Sharing the real numbers.
Pre-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation:
- Energy Advisor assessment: $400
- Result: attic insulation rated as priority #1 upgrade
- Estimated annual savings from R-60 upgrade: $680/year
The upgrade:
- 1,250 sq ft attic
- Air sealing first (polyurethane foam at all penetrations, pot lights, etc.) — this was 2 hours of the work
- Blown cellulose to R-60
- Baffles maintained at eaves for ventilation
Cost:
- Insulation contractor (air sealing + blown cellulose): $2,850
- No structural work needed
Grants received:
- Canada Greener Homes Grant: $600 (R-60 upgrade qualifies)
- Enbridge rebate: $400
- Total grants: $1,000
Net cost: $1,850
Gas bill comparison:
- Jan 2024 (before upgrade): $287
- Jan 2025 (after upgrade): $196
- Dec 2023 (before): $242
- Dec 2024 (after): $171
Monthly savings: averaging $78/month in heating season. Payback on net cost: under 2 years.
My recommendation:
Get the EnerGuide evaluation first ($400). The energy advisor identifies your actual priority upgrades — don’t guess. In our case, air sealing at the attic floor was half the value; the blown cellulose was the other half. Skipping the air sealing step would have cut the results significantly.