October is what we call a shoulder month. Its that short window between running the AC all day and switching on the furnace full-time. The weather feels just right, and you would think your electric bill would finally take a break. Sometimes it does. Sometimes not so much.

Thats because October is sneaky. When I see my use tick up this time of year, its not because something major changed. Its usually a handful of small things that slipped under the radar. A space heater pulled out just for the morning. A dehumidifier is still running in the basement. Lights stay on longer because the suns calling it a day earlier than it used to. Nothing that makes you panic, but enough to keep that meter spinning.

At my house, Ive got two daughters who love this time of year. Fall festivals, Halloween, spooky movies our living room becomes a revolving door of costumes, snacks, and someone leaving the TV on for just a second. And even though we dont go all-out with decorations, there are still a few battery packs, chargers, and flickering lights that seem to multiply the closer we get to trick-or-treat night.

October is also when I notice a shift in thermostat battles. Mornings are chilly, afternoons are warm, and no one can seem to agree on what the house should be. That leads to systems switching between heat and cool, sometimes on the same day, which isnt great for comfort or energy use.

And then there are the things that hang around from summer just a little too long. Maybe its a fan still running in the garage, or that second fridge now holding two bottles of water and a leftover container of pasta. These things dont seem like a big deal until they run 24/7 and your energy use starts to climb for no apparent reason.

October often feels like a transition, and that can lead to some unexpected energy use. You might still have fans or window units plugged in from summer, or find yourself using space heaters for those cool mornings and evenings. Shorter days mean more indoor lighting, and that slow shift from open windows to closed-up homes can increase heating demand even if the thermostat isnt fully turned up yet. These little shifts, often unnoticed, quietly add to your monthly energy total.

Thats why October is the perfect time for a little energy cleanup. Take a few minutes to look at whats still running that doesnt need to be.

Is your thermostat set for todays weather, or is it still stuck on last months settings? Small changes now can make a noticeable difference, especially before we head into the colder, higher-use months.

Once we get into November, the furnace will be doing more of the heavy lifting, and the chances to make up ground start to shrink. Think of October as your last calm moment before the real cold sets in. If you can smooth out your energy use now, you will be in a better spot to handle whatever winter throws your way without dreading what shows up in your next bill.

Because lets face it, October is already full of things trying to scare us. Your electric bill doesnt need to be one of them.