Next Level Structural Efficiency

A little heat goes a long ways.

One of the life-changing results that a more efficient and comfortable home can bring is the experience of sitting around the fire on a cold night because you want to, not because you have to.

Quality of life is raised with a higher performing home...comfort on your terms is possible.

Send a message to learn more

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:

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.

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 ›