Gone are the days when insulation installers would simply show up, do their work and only check back in for the customer’s next renovation or building project. As Josh Wall of Great Plains Insulation explains, some of his most useful feedback comes well after a job’s completion.
“The best compliments we get are usually about six months later,” he says. “After the customer has gone through part of the winter or even a full cycle, they’ll tell us, ‘Hey, our $700 heating bill is now $300.’ Savings like that are huge for a family.”
And it’s not just heating. Without proper insulation or sealant, cold air from even the best air conditioners can seep through the walls.
“Some older homes aren’t sealed very well, so we do our best to seal the house as best as possible and keep that cold air in longer,” says Wall. “Then there’s a lower energy bill in the summer as well,” he says.
Then there’s the rebates customers can expect through Efficiency Manitoba.
As a certified contractor, work performed by Great Plains Insulation is eligible for the efficiency rebates, and Wall can even help customers get signed up to the program.
“In the last couple of years, Efficiency Manitoba has increased the amount of rebatable work we’re able to do for some people,” he says.
“There are some programs that are income-based and up to 100% covered, and there’s others that cover the cost if you have less than a certain amount of insulation. Their requirements are a lot broader now, so more people are able to apply and actually get accepted.”
Initially owned by Wall’s father, Wall and his wife, Aynsley, took over Great Plains Insulation about three years ago. The company provides attic insulation and spray foam services, and they’ll drive south to the border and three or four hours to the east, north and west to ensure Manitoba property owners can benefit from what they offer.
In fact, it’s those trips to visit customers that Wall finds especially rewarding.
“I thoroughly enjoy the drives we usually plan for the end of the week – visiting customers, doing site visits, talking about plans of action,” he says. “I like waking up every day, getting a coffee, visiting customers and providing service to everybody in the area.”
Great Plains Insulation can be reached by calling or texting (204) 384-6267, or through email at greatplainsinsulationltd@gmail.com. Further information about their services, as well as a gallery of their previous work, can be viewed online.