Winter is coming. Are you ready?

Make a plan to winterize your home and reduce your heating costs. These small changes can result in big savings.

1. Turn down the thermostat. For every two degrees it’s lowered, you can save an average of 3% on your energy bill. Turn the heat down 7-10 degrees while you are sleeping and save up to 10% a month on heating.

2. Get a programmable thermostat. You can reduce your waste heat by using a smart thermostat to automatically turn your heat down at night or when you are away. Rebates

3. Insulate your home. Seal any gaps that create drafts in your home, and make sure there is insulation around your doors and windows and lower your heating bills as much as 8%. Rebates

4. Use less hot water. Heating water can make up around 12% of a family’s utility bill. By washing many of your clothes in cold water you’ll save 75-90% over washing in warm water. Rebates

5. Change your furnace filters regularly. Your furnace is responsible for about half of your energy bill. Clean filters regularly means your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, saving you up to 7% on your monthly bill.

6. Get free heat from the sun. Close your curtains and shades at night to protect against cold drafts; open them during the day to let in warming sunlight.

Tools to help manage your bill