Reduce Your Home Energy Bills This Fall and Winter

Colder weather doesn't mean spending more on energy costs to stay comfortable. There are lots of ways you can keep warm without pushing up the thermostat and seeing those costs rise with it.

Here are a few ideas:

1.  Open your curtains and blinds during the day to let the sun's warmth in but close them up at night to keep the heat trapped inside.

2.  Make use of blankets, warm rugs, flannel sheets and layers!

3.  Reverse your ceiling fans to get them blowing the warm air back down from the ceiling and on to you!

4.  If there are rooms in your home that you rarely use - close off the vents to keep the warm air going to the most trafficked areas of the home.

5.  A humidifier adds moisture to dry winter air, making it feel more comfortable.  Use in the rooms you spend the most time in and cut back on the heat.

A rule of thumb for winter heating is to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees while you're home and try to make it cooler at night depending on your sleep preferences.

What do you do to stay warm without breaking your winter budget?