As the seasons begin to change and our community transitions to colder weather, it’s important to keep an eye on your electricity bill. Winter can bring about a rise in utility spending, but follow these simple steps to keep your home running as efficiently as possible.

Schedule a service call for your heating system

The first step you should take is calling a local business to service your heating system before the winter. They can perform a routine maintenance check to see if it needs any repairs or if it’s on the brink of malfunctioning. Being proactive will save you time and money in the long run.

Adjust the temperature of your home

Keep your thermostat set as low as possible, while still remaining comfortable. Before bed, turn it down a few degrees to save around 10% a year on heating and cooling bills. Luckily for consumers, they sell programmable thermostats to make this process easier and more efficient.

Monitor your fireplace

If you have a fireplace, be sure to always keep the damper closed to eliminate heat loss. Make sure the seal of the fireplace flue damper is as tight as possible, and purchase caulk if necessary to seal up. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.

Purchase eco-friendly Christmas lights

Investing in LED holiday string lights can reduce the cost of energy used to decorate your home for the holidays. They are also safer, sturdier, longer lasting and easier to install.