We added spray foam insulation and new windows to our drafty Campbellton home — energy bill difference was shocking?

That's fantastic — spray foam and new windows are one of the most effective combinations for older homes in northern New Brunswick! Campbellton's harsh winters and frequent temperature swings make air sealing absolutely critical, and you've tackled the two biggest culprits for heat loss.

Spray foam insulation creates that continuous air barrier that's nearly impossible to achieve with traditional batt insulation, especially in older homes with irregular framing. In Campbellton's climate, where you're dealing with -25°C nights and significant wind exposure, eliminating those air leaks can easily cut heating costs by 30-50%. The foam also prevents the convective loops that rob heat from traditional insulation during those brutal February cold snaps.

New windows complement the spray foam perfectly — older single-pane or early double-pane windows were massive heat drains. Modern triple-pane windows with low-E coatings and argon fill can have R-values of 7-10 compared to R-1 for old single-pane units. That's a game-changer when you're heating against -30°C outdoor temperatures.

Your timing was smart too — NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program offers rebates for both insulation upgrades and Energy Star windows. If you haven't already claimed these, check if your installations qualify. The program recognizes that northern New Brunswick homes face some of the province's highest heating demands.

The National Building Code 2020 Tier 2 energy standards (mandatory for new construction as of May 2025) actually require the level of performance you've just achieved through renovation. You're ahead of the curve and likely seeing energy bills that rival or beat new construction.

One follow-up consideration: with your home now much tighter, ensure adequate ventilation. Many homeowners in similar situations benefit from adding an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) to maintain indoor air quality while preserving that hard-won energy efficiency. A qualified HVAC contractor can assess whether your current ventilation is adequate for the improved envelope performance.

Your experience perfectly demonstrates why the spray foam + windows combination is so popular with contractors working on older homes throughout northern New Brunswick — the results speak for themselves on the energy bill.