06/17/2026
Airtightness is often discussed in terms of comfort, durability, and energy efficiency. But it's also one of the smartest financial decisions a builder can make.
In this Construction Instruction video, Building Knowledge Canada's Andy Oding talks about the economics of air tightness in new homes and explains why airtightness should be viewed as a business strategy, not just a building science target.
Key takeaways:
✔️ Air leakage can account for 20–40% of a home's mechanical load. A tighter building envelope can often allow for smaller HVAC systems, reducing construction costs.
✔️ Dollar for dollar, improving airtightness often delivers greater performance gains than adding more insulation. Reducing air leakage can achieve results comparable to significant insulation upgrades, often at a lower cost.
✔️ Better airtightness means fewer comfort complaints, reduced condensation risk, and stronger long-term building performance.
The bottom line? Airtightness isn't an upgrade; it's a fundamental part of building better, more durable, and more cost-effective homes.
Watch the video: https://bit.ly/4owdMdI
