Summit Insulation urges Manitoba homeowners to check for drafts before winter

Summit Insulation Services is steering Gretna-area homeowners toward air-sealing checks and a new Manitoba rebate bonus as colder weather returns. The incentive can pay eligible households up to $1,000 when measured air leakage drops after approved insulation work and EnerGuide evaluations.

Why it matters: - Southern Manitoba homeowners can lower heat loss before winter by finding air leaks and weak insulation spots early. - The new provincial bonus can reduce the cost of air sealing when households pair it with eligible insulation upgrades. - Homeowners who plan the work in the right order may avoid rework and improve comfort, moisture control and energy efficiency.

What happened: - Summit Insulation Services is urging homeowners in Gretna and nearby communities to inspect their homes for drafts, uneven temperatures and insulation problems as cooler nights return. - Efficiency Manitoba's Home Insulation Rebate now includes an air-sealing bonus of $500, $750 or $1,000. - The bonus launched Aug. 5 and applies when comprehensive air sealing is completed as part of an eligible insulation project. - The rebate requires pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations.

The details: - The air-sealing bonus is tied to measured reductions of 10, 20 or 30 per cent in a home's air leakage rate. - Summit Insulation Services said signs of leakage can include a draft at the attic hatch, a room that cools faster than the rest of the house or a cold area along the basement rim joist. - Natural Resources Canada's Keeping the Heat In guide points homeowners to common leakage areas, including doors and windows, attic hatches, ceiling penetrations, plumbing and wiring openings, and the joint between wood framing and the foundation. - The federal guide recommends treating air-leakage control as a priority while considering moisture, ventilation and combustion-air needs. - Homeowners can check accessible areas for shifted or damp insulation and note where drafts or temperature differences occur. - Homeowners should not cover wet insulation or disturb vermiculite. - Hidden spaces, electrical concerns and possible hazardous materials should be evaluated by a qualified professional. - Efficiency Manitoba also offers a separate $400 rebate for an eligible pre-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation. - Homeowners should confirm eligibility and receive approval before buying materials or starting work.

Between the lines: - The rebate structure favors whole-home planning over isolated fixes. - The pre- and post-evaluation requirement means homeowners need measurable results, not just completed work. - Summit Insulation Services is positioning air sealing as a practical first step for Prairie homes heading into winter, where heat loss and moisture issues can be more pronounced.

What's next: - Homeowners considering the rebate should book an EnerGuide evaluation before beginning insulation work. - The next step after the baseline assessment is to complete the eligible air-sealing and insulation project. - A follow-up evaluation will determine whether the home qualifies for the bonus amount tied to its measured air-leakage improvement.

The bottom line: - Manitoba homeowners who act before winter may improve comfort and cut energy loss while unlocking provincial rebate money if the work is approved and verified.