In many parts of the United States, cool fall days have arrived, with colder winter weather around the corner. Energy bills often rise during the colder months, because people spend more time indoors and home heating systems require more energy than air conditioning. Fortunately, there are no- to low-cost actions you can take to stay comfortable in your home throughout fall and winter while saving money on your electric bill.

Here are five simple energy efficiency steps you can take:   

1. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home. Close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
2. Weatherize your home. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that may leak air. 
3. If you have a fireplace, open the dampers to allow the natural draft of your chimney to pull warm air out.
4. Install a “smart” thermostat to save as much as 10 percent on your annual electric bill. It gives you the power to control your home's temperature remotely (on your computer or smart phone)—or to program a pre-set schedule, so the temperature is just right when you walk in the door.
5. Replace your furnace and heat pump filters every month.

Find more tips in EEI’s “More Than 100 Ways to Improve Your Electric Bill” booklet.