Heating systems have been working overtime because of winter's early arrival. Here are ten tips to keep your home warm and energy-efficient during the coldest months of the year:

1. Adjust Your Thermostat

• Lower the thermostat: Set it at the lowest comfortable temperature. Every degree you lower the thermostat can reduce your heating costs by 1-3%.
• Use a programmable thermostat: Program it to automatically lower the temperature while you're asleep or away and raise it before you return home. This helps to avoid heating an empty home.

2. Seal Leaks and Insulate

• Check for drafts: Use weatherstripping or caulk around doors, windows, and any other openings (such as pipes) to prevent heat from escaping.
• Insulate your home: Insulating your attic, walls, and floors can make a huge difference in keeping warm air inside. If you don’t have insulation, consider adding it in high-priority areas like the attic.

3. Use Heavy Curtains or Drapes

• Close them at night: Thick curtains can help keep warm air inside during the night and block cold air from entering through windows. During the day, open curtains to let the sun’s heat in.

4. Utilize Space Heaters Efficiently

• Use space heaters in smaller areas: If you're spending most of your time in one room, using a space heater can be more energy-efficient than heating your entire home. Space heaters will add around $3 per day to your electric bill, so use them wisely.
• Turn off when not in use: Only run the space heater when you’re in the room and be sure to turn it off when you leave.

5. Maintain Your Heating System

• Clean and replace filters regularly: Dirty filters can make your heating system work harder and less efficiently. Change filters monthly, or at least once every 3 months, to keep the system running smoothly.
• Have your furnace or heating system serviced: Regular maintenance can ensure that your system is running efficiently and prevent breakdowns.

6. Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans

• Use ceiling fans in reverse: Many ceiling fans have a reverse setting that pushes warm air back down into the room. Set the fan to rotate clockwise during the winter to circulate warm air.

7. Wear Layers

• Dress warmly: Wear sweaters, thermal socks, and blankets when you're inside. Layering up helps your body retain heat, so you don’t need to rely on the thermostat as much.

8. Cook and Bake Efficiently

• Use the oven to heat the home: When you bake or cook, leave the oven door open afterward to let the residual heat warm your kitchen.
• Use smaller appliances: Consider using a microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker, which use less energy than an oven and keep the kitchen warm without overheating the whole house.

9. Reduce Hot Water Usage

• Lower the water heater temperature: Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) instead of the default 140°F (60°C). It’s hot enough for most daily needs and will reduce energy usage.
• Take shorter showers: Hot water heating can account for a significant portion of your energy bill. Reducing shower time or installing low-flow showerheads can cut down on both water and heating costs.

10. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use

• Avoid phantom power: Many devices, like TVs, chargers, and computers, consume energy even when turned off. Unplug them when not in use or use a power strip to easily turn off multiple devices at once.

By following these energy-saving tips, you can stay warm and save on your heating bills this winter without sacrificing comfort.