Top Five Ways to Save Energy Montana

1. Add a layer to your attic insulation

Many Canadian homes are under-insulated, which means heat can escape through the ceiling, past the roof and into the atmosphere. Up to 15 per cent of your home's energy is lost through the attic. Adding insulation to the attic is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to help cut heating and cooling costs. To minimize heat loss, attic insulation should be at least 12 inches thick.

2. Add insulation to other areas of the home

It is a simple equation: add insulation to help reduce energy usage and increase comfort. Supplementing the insulation in your crawl space, under floors and against basement walls is a great way to help restrict the transfer of heat or cold through your house.

3. Install a programmable thermostat

Why heat the house when nobody's home? A programmable thermostat can automatically lower and raise your home's air temperature when you're at work or comfortably nestled under a comforter, resulting in significant savings.

4. Harness the power of the sun

During the summer, help keep your house cool by closing the blinds during the day to block the heat of the sun. Alternatively, during the winter, raise your blinds during the day to make the most of the sun's natural heat.

5. Install energy-efficient doors and windows

Modern energy-efficient doors and windows are designed and insulated to reduce the transfer of heat into and out of the home, which can help reduce energy costs.

For more information on household insulation and energy savings, visit www.owenscorning.ca.