Net Zero energy—where a home produces as much energy as it consumes—is the future of homebuilding in Canada, and Avalon Homes has been leading the way for over 20 years in Calgary. As pioneers in Net Zero construction, we design and build some of the most energy-efficient homes on the market today.
With our Net Zero for Zero Dollars approach, owning one of these homes is more accessible than ever—when you combine your mortgage payment with the utility savings, your monthly costs are comparable to a standard townhome! The key to making this possible? It all starts with Net Zero insulation.
What Makes Net Zero Insulation Different?
The only way to balance the consumption and production of energy in a Net Zero home is by building a home that loses as little energy as possible. This is where insulation plays its critical role.
Our insulation systems here at Avalon are 50-60% more effective than traditional home construction. How? By eliminating the transfer of heat through building materials (known as thermal bridging) and using continuous insulation to wrap the home in an energy-retaining shell.
If done correctly, every layer of the home will be optimized to keep conditioned air in, and unwanted air out.
Some of the defining features of our Net Zero insulation strategy include:
- R-60 Attic Insulation: Exceeding standard requirements to trap heat in winter and block heat in summer.
- Airtight Building Envelope: Prevents heat loss and moisture infiltration through precision air sealing.
- Advanced Wall Assemblies: Use layered insulation and high-performance materials to eliminate energy leaks.
These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”, they’re the foundation for a different type of home—one that runs on its own clean energy.
Proven Net Zero Insulation Standards
At Avalon Homes, we don’t just meet the standard and fall in line with the rest of the industry, we exceed it to deliver real-world benefits, and a best-in-class, for our customers.
R-60 Attic Insulation
The majority of homes in Canada are built with R-40 insulation in the attic. Avalon does things a little differently. Our R-60 standard raises the bar by a full 50%. This provides better thermal protection and a more stable indoor temperature year-round. By minimizing the transfer of heat, your home retains its temperature for longer, and reduces stress of your heating and cooling systems.
Airtight Building Envelope
Having an ultra-airtight building envelope significantly reduces the infiltration of air and moisture. This seal will save energy, but also protect the structural integrity of your home. Leaks are not only the enemy of efficiency, but they also facilitate deterioration.
Double-Coated Triple-Pane Windows
A home’s windows contribute significantly to its overall energy savings. These windows in particular offer nearly twice the insulation value of standard double-pane glass. They achieve this result through multiple low-e coatings and insulated frames; keeps heat in during winter and out during summer.
Continuous Insulation Strategy
The Avalon Net Zero insulation strategy installs insulation in a continuous layer across all structural elements. This creates a uniform barrier that drastically reduces heat loss and cold spots, serving ultimately to eliminate what are known as thermal bridges.
Energy Performance and Cost Savings
In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, energy-efficient Net Zero insulation will also put money back in your pocket! Here’s how.
80% Energy Reduction
Avalon Homes built with Net Zero insulation systems use up to 80% less energy than a conventional home. Airtight building envelopes and high R-value insulation combine to heavily reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Lower Monthly Bills
One of the main things these components combine to do is lower your utility bills. When your furnace and air conditioner run less frequently, the savings start to add up. Hundreds to thousands of dollars in annual utility savings!
CMHC Green Home Rebate
Have you heard of the CMHC Green Home Program? If you buy an Avalon Net Zero home, you may qualify for a premium refund of up to 25% on mortgage insurance, further improving their affordability and attractiveness to potential buyers.
Long-Term Investment
Net Zero homes are a responsible long-term investment that benefit both you, personally, and the environment, as a whole. Net Zero construction offers long-lasting protection against utility inflation, and is also a sought-after selling feature if you ever decide to list in the future.
Comfort and Health Benefits
These high-level concepts and advantages are great to conceptualize, but what about the day-to-day benefits of a Net Zero insulated home? Let’s explore it together.
Draft-Free Living
You’ve probably been in homes (maybe you’re in one right now) where certain parts of it are chilly or inconsistent with their temperature. Not with Net Zero insulation. You’ll feel the difference every time you walk through the door. Consistent, even temperatures flowing throughout the home.
Clean, Filtered Air
Net Zero insulation works in concert with high-efficiency ventilation systems like HRVs (heat recovery ventilators) to maintain optimal indoor air quality. Fresh, filtered air helps to reduce allergens and improve respiratory health. More energy and less fatigue are direct results.
Soundproofing
Ever get tired of hearing the passing traffic? The barking dogs? The howling wind and the pelting rain? Advanced insulation materials help to significantly reduce these annoyances, fostering a peaceful refuge in what should be the most private and relaxing space you spend time in.
Moisture Protection
The airtight seal around our building envelopes prevent condensation buildup, which results in a much lower risk of mold or mildew. This not only protects the building from long-term decay, but it aids in air quality and comfort, too.
Third-Party Verification and Standards
Third party programs keep us performing at our best, offering an unbiased assessment of our work to make sure it meets and exceeds the standard expected by our customers.
EnerGuide Rating
Each Avalon home comes with an EnerGuide label that verifies its energy performance.
CHBA Net Zero Certification
Avalon is certified by the CHBA Net Zero Labelling Program, meeting top national standards for sustainable residential construction.
Blower Door Testing
This test measures the home’s airtightness by evaluating air leakage by using a blower door. Avalon consistently exceeds efficiency benchmarks, ensuring every home delivers on its energy-saving promise.
Insulation is the cornerstone of every Net Zero energy home. From reduced energy bills to year-round comfort and long-term value, superior Net Zero insulation delivers benefits that last.
Avalon Homes has spent more than two decades perfecting high-performance home design—ready to experience the comfort and savings we provide?
Tour one of our ZEN Net Zero homes. Contact us today to speak with a specialist.