#1 Take advantage of heat from the sun

Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

#2 Cover drafty windows

If you can’t replace a drafty window, then stop air leaks by adding caulking, weatherstripping, or sealing a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet onto the window frame during the cold winter months. Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

#3 Adjust the temperature

Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable when you are home and awake. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat down 5°-10° from your usual setting. This could save you 10% a year on your electric bill. A programmable thermostat can make this change easy.

#4 Maintain your heating systems

Schedule service for your heating system and replace your filter as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every 2-3 months, or as needed.

#5 Reduce heat loss from the fireplace

Unless a fire is burning, keep your fireplace damper closed. Keeping the damper open is like having a window wide open; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney. When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided), closing doors leading into the room, and lowering the thermostat.

#6 Lower your water heating costs

Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy and money, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.

#7 Use efficient holiday lighting options

Reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays by using light-emitting diode — or LED — light strings 🎄💡

#8 Get audited

Ask your utility for a home energy audit to find out where your home has air leaks, identify potential efficiency upgrades you can make, and discuss how you might adjust your energy habits to save even more.