{"id":7023,"date":"2024-03-27T15:52:56","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T15:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naimacanada.ca\/?p=7023"},"modified":"2024-03-27T15:55:49","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T15:55:49","slug":"demystifying-home-retrofits-interview-building-science-expert-stephen-magneron-homesol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naimacanada.ca\/demystifying-home-retrofits-interview-building-science-expert-stephen-magneron-homesol\/","title":{"rendered":"Demystifying Home Retrofits: An Interview with Building Science Expert Stephen Magneron (HomeSol)"},"content":{"rendered":"
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#557570″ background_color_gradient_end=”#557570″ background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.naimacanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/coding-background-texture.jpg” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” transparent_background=”off” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”MAIN TITLE” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”72″ text_line_height=”1.1em” header_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”620px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” text_font_size_tablet=”52″ text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”16px||21px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” transparent_background=”off” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on”][et_pb_row padding_mobile=”on” column_padding_mobile=”on” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px||18px|||” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”INTRO” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”10px||11px||false|false” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n
Interview by Andy Cockburn and Jillian McArthur, NAIMA Canada<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n As we journey towards a more sustainable future, the role of home retrofits becomes increasingly significant. These types of retrofits, often referred to as whole-home retrofits, are pivotal in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and ensuring homes are comfortable and resilient.<\/p>\n To delve deeper into the world of whole-home retrofits, we sat down with Stephen Magneron<\/a>, a building science expert and Senior Registered Energy Advisor from HomeSol Building Solutions<\/a>, a leading organization specializing in energy efficient home solutions. Stephen is also a certified PassiveHouse consultant, an Energy Advisor (EA) for R-2000, Energy Star, and Existing Homes. Phew!<\/p>\n Let\u2019s jump right into our interview with Stephen.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px|||||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.naimacanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/toronto-homes.jpeg” title_text=”toronto-homes” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”75%”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px|||||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Q: Stephen, can you please explain what a whole-home retrofit is?” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”10px||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”17px||0px|||” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n Stephen emphasizes that a whole-home retrofit embraces a comprehensive approach to improving a home’s energy efficiency and comfort. It involves optimizing various aspects such as air tightness, insulation, and proper windows to achieve specific performance targets.<\/p>\n Stephen underscores the importance of viewing the home as a system, where every component interacts with one another. He mentions that while the extent of retrofitting depends on individual circumstances, the overarching goal remains consistent: to create a more sustainable and comfortable living space.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Section 2″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”29px|||||”]<\/p>\n Stephen highlights that while some clients may initiate retrofits with a specific goal in mind, such as utilizing grants or loans, others may require guidance from renovators or builders. Stephen likes to help guide them towards their goals. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to evolving trends and preferences, suggesting that future initiatives may involve enhanced contractor training and targeted social media campaigns aimed at homeowners.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Section 3″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px|||||”]<\/p>\n Stephen confirms that a phased approach is indeed viable, especially in mitigating upfront costs. His strategy generally involves providing homeowners with the entire retrofit plan, ensuring they have a clear understanding of the process.<\/p>\nQ: Stephen, can you please explain what a whole-home retrofit is?<\/h4>\n
Q: When people instigate a home retrofit for themselves and their family, are they already savvy in what\u2019s needed? Will this change in the future?<\/h4>\n
Q: Can a retrofit be phased?<\/h4>\n