Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/51669
live at home Through the Roof When it comes to saving energy this winter, it pays to look up We Wisconsinites are winter-hardy folk. And when it's time to prepare our homes for freezing temperatures, we're experts. Or at least we like to think so. As plastic window insulation kits remain a hot commodity for keeping cool air out, there's another crucial place to ensure your heat stays in: Your attic. "It is where a lot of energy escapes," explains Renee Wilson, vice president of operations at Rockweiler Insulation. In fact, 60 percent of all air leaks are found in the attic through areas such as ceiling light fixtures and fans, plumb- ing, attic access openings and more. "Any little place where there's a gap up through your ceiling, that's where you want to stop the air flow," Wilson adds. To find out if your energy is escaping, she suggests following a few simple steps: The Perfect Match The big red barn is just a disguise. The only thing that's rustic inside the double doors are the well-worn floorboards, creaking as you make your way through the delightful maze of home goods. It's this comfort- able mix of cozy and chic that gives The Montage its name, explains Manager Eliz- abeth Wright. "It's a montage of items for you and your home," she says. And she's right. Stroll the store to find inspiration for any style of living space. With high-quality furniture pieces available in hundreds of fabrics, Wright and her team hope to help you create a home that suits you perfectly. If furniture isn't what you need, look both high and low for every home accent imag- inable—from wall art to area rugs, home lighting and table-top accents. "Accessories are what really let you put your personality into your décor," Wright says. "To me, that's what makes a home." With an assortment of goods that change with the seasons (don't miss the Christ- 22 BRAVA Magazine December 2011 Pay attention to drafts. While drafty windows and doors are often the first to be noticed, they can signal bigger problems. Take note of the next steps to ensure the money you pay to heat and cool your home isn't going right out the window (or attic). Find chic home décor and more inside The Montage mas décor!), you'll find home accents for you, gifts for them and even quick updates for your wardrobe thanks to a selection of jewelry and scarves. In short: An eclectic mix of furniture, home décor, gifts and more. Find high- quality furnishings and affordable acces- sories for both you and your home. Wright's favorites: A stunning dining set—a distressed solid oak table with padded wicker Parsons chairs—and the selection of home accessories. "To pick just one [accessory] is impossible!" she says. Why you'll love it: Not only can you find everything for your home, from furniture to wall art, you'll find endless inspiration from the stylish room displays for creating a space that's all your own. Where to go: 5808 Hwy. 51, McFarland; (608) 838-7505 Listen to your home. Without feeling any drafts, you may realize that your furnace is running more often. Watch where your money goes. If you feel like you're paying more in your energy bills, don't be afraid to call your utility company. Using the statistics of your home, they can help determine what is "normal" for a home of your size and the kind of energy you use. This is just a baseline estimate, though, as energy usage varies depending on your lifestyle and how many people are in your house. If necessary, call in the experts. If you suspect you may have leaks, energy auditors can determine precisely where leaks are in your home while insula- tion contractors can assess what your insulation levels are and seal spaces against air leakage. No matter which route you take, Wilson says sealing leaks and enhancing your insulation will pay off in the long run. "It is definitely an investment, not an expense," she says. "It's the one area of your home that constantly pays back." Photo by Amber Arnold