As temperatures will soon start to drop, a little preparation now can mean real savings on your energy bill this winter. Here are a few simple steps to get your home ready for the season:

Schedule a furnace tune-up. Have a professional inspect and clean your heating system before the cold sets in. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down when you need it most.

Reverse your ceiling fans. Switch fan blades to rotate clockwise on low speed. This pushes warm air (which naturally rises) back down into the room, helping you feel warmer without cranking up the thermostat.

Seal drafts around doors and windows. Cold air sneaking in and warm air sneaking out force your heating system to work harder. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive fixes that pay off quickly.

Let the sun help. Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let in natural heat, then close them at night to retain warmth.

Adjust your thermostat. Setting it back a few degrees while you’re asleep or away can lower heating costs without sacrificing comfort. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this effortless.

Check your attic insulation. Heat loss through the attic is one of the biggest culprits in high winter energy bills. Fall is a great time to check and add insulation if needed.

Small changes now add up to big savings later. As always, Steuben County REMC is here to help members use energy wisely. Contact us anytime for a free home energy assessment.