Fall – things you can do before it gets cold

Warm up your system

Service your heating system at the beginning of each heating season. When using wood fuel for heating, have your chimney cleaned at the beginning of each heating season. Close the fireplace damper when not in use.

Check your heating ducts for air leaks. Look for joints that should be connected but have separated. Leaky ductwork can increase your utility bill significantly.

Be aware that for every degree you lower your thermostat you save about 2 percent off your heating bill.

Weatherize your home

Cover or remove window air conditioners and adjust outdoor light timers for length of day and/or daylight savings. Remove screens from windows and install storm windows.

Use caulking and/or weather-stripping on all doors and windows, and use locks on your windows to make them tighter and draft resistant. Also, clean out gutters and downspouts.

Insulate or increase the amount of insulation in your attic, basement and outside walls. Reducing air leaks—in floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, fireplaces, plumbing penetrations, doors, windows, and vents—could cut 10 percent from an average household's monthly energy bill.

There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes—use less water and use cooler water. Your clothes will be just as clean as using warm, or hot water and you'll save money by not heating water to wash clothes.

Use natural gas for cooking, water heating, and drying clothes. Natural gas can save up to 30% more in costs than using electric for these appliances and is better for the environment.