Efficiency Manitoba
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: More than just lower bills
At the heart of a Certified Energy Efficient home is a better performing building envelope: higher levels of insulation, careful air sealing and quality windows that reduce heat loss, drafts and tem- perature swings compared to a typical code-built home. In a climate with huge seasonal differences, keeping conditioned air inside and unwanted out- door air out is a big part of controlling energy use. Efficient envelopes and properly sized heating systems help keep bedrooms at a steadier tem- perature on cold winter nights, making bedtimes and early mornings more comfortable for kids and parents alike. When insulation, airtightness and moisture control are done well, basements and playrooms feel more inviting year-round, giving families more usable space without cold floors and chilly or stuffy corners. Homes in the New Homes Program are ener- gy-modelled and tested so builders can see how choices such as wall systems, window packages, mechanical equipment and airtightness affect overall performance before the house is built. That performance shows up on the utility bill, but it also creates a more stable indoor environment that’s easier to keep comfortable and gentler on heating and cooling systems.
At 141 Yolande St., Kensington Homes showcases its Gold Efficiency Package alongside certification through Efficiency Manitoba’s New Homes Program.
The weather events of this past season have also underscored the importance of resilience. A Certified Energy Efficient home with a well- insulated airtight envelope and high-perfor- mance windows slows the rate at which indoor temperatures change when the power goes out or equipment is pushed hard. In winter, that means the home stays warmer for longer. During summer heat waves, it means less unwanted heat sneaking in, so the inside stays more comfortable and safer for the family.
REAL HOMES, REAL CHOICES: Two paths to comfort and resilience
Energy efficiency and resilience don’t have to be all or nothing. This year’s Fall Parade of Homes
Photo by Darcy Finley
112 FALL 2026 PARADE of HOMES | homebuilders.mb.ca
Powered by FlippingBook