By Lizzie Peyton GUEST COLUMNIST
As we gear up for the upcoming ski season in Big Sky we are all too familiar with the importance of a solid base layer, a bomber jacket or a cozy puffy vest. But what if the allure and appeal of these winter wardrobe essentials extend beyond the slopes and to your home?
These “layers of your home” are what’s called the building envelope—the walls, roof, windows, doors and foundation that separate the indoors from the outdoors. When properly insulated and sealed, this envelope acts like your home’s puffy jacket by holding in warmth, keeping out cold drafts and maintaining comfort no matter what Montana’s weather brings.
A well-performing building envelope doesn’t just make your home cozier, it makes it more sustainable. Modern insulation and air-sealing technologies, from fiberglass to advanced foam boards, work together to create a powerful barrier against energy loss, keeping your home warm in winter, cool in summer and comfortable year-round.
The results speak for themselves: a tighter home means lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that properly insulated homes can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs annually, and those savings will be more significant in our cold climate.
When it comes to fighting climate change, the cleanest energy is the energy we don’t use. Every bit of efficiency adds up to fewer emissions and a healthier planet.
Beyond efficiency, a well-sealed envelope also acts as a shield against Montana’s outdoor elements, reducing infiltration of wildfire smoke, dust and moisture to help maintain healthier, cleaner indoor air. It’s comfort you can feel and sustainability you can see on your utility bill.
Before you head out for your first ski day of the season, you wouldn’t skip checking your gear—secure your bindings, wax your skis, or patch a hole in your favorite puffy. The same goes for your home. A home energy audit is that all-important pre-season tune-up for your home.
An energy audit identifies where your home is losing energy and where improvements, like insulation, air sealing, or HVAC upgrades, can make the biggest impact to improve energy efficiency, home comfort and indoor air quality. Here’s what the audit includes.
A blower-door test detects air leaks that act like unzipped jackets, letting cold air in. Infrared imaging shows “cold spots” where heat is escaping. System check-ups evaluate your HVAC performance and ductwork efficiency. And a personalized report gives you a prioritized plan for improvements, so you know where to invest.
Through Build Better Big Sky, Big Sky SNO offers home energy audits starting at just $50.
So, as you zip up that favorite puffy vest this winter, remember your home deserves the same care. A snug, energy-efficient home means more comfort, lower bills and a smaller impact on the planet.
Lizzie Peyton has been leading Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization (SNO) for four years to encourage widespread community climate action. When not exploring parts unknown, you can usually find Lizzie cooking up something delicious.
