Yellow Warbler, near Salmon Lake

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

Posted: April 1, 2026

As spring arrives in Montana, April brings a mix of mild days, cool nights and the occasional late snow. This transitional weather makes it an ideal time to focus on energy efficiency. Start by taking advantage of natural warmth: open curtains on south facing windows during the day to capture solar heat, then close them at night to retain it. Because temperatures can swing quickly, adjust your thermostat settings to avoid unnecessary heating because lowering it just a few degrees can cut energy use without sacri­ficing comfort. April is also a perfect month to tune up your HVAC system before summer demand hits; a clean filter and well-maintained components improve efficiency and performance. Finally, check your home’s weather­stripping and caulking, especially after a long Montana winter. Sealing air leaks now helps stabilize indoor temperatures and reduce energy loss as the seasons shift. And don’t forget about MEC’s energy-efficiency rebates for electrically heated homes. Rebates include windows, doors, insulation and heat pumps. Call us for more information.