Plan ahead now to save on energy bills this winter

Worried about rising energy costs as you look ahead to the colder months? You're not alone. Nearly 7 in 10 Americans (68%) are already struggling with higher utility bills, which show no signs of going down. With autumn just around the corner, it's natural to start thinking about ways to keep heating bills from getting out of control. Planning ahead can also give you time to take advantage of simple, low-cost methods to improve your home's energy efficiency.

Try a home energy audit

You could pay for a professional energy audit, but many local utility companies offer free, low-cost or subsidized home energy audits. This process can help you discover where you could make improvements that can impact your heating costs. Typical energy audits evaluate your home for things like air leaks around windows and doors, your home's insulation, the efficiency of your HVAC system and more. Some programs even offer free products including LED light bulbs.

If your local company doesn't offer this service, you can perform your own energy audit, following advice from organizations like the National Association of Home Builders.

Quick steps to improve energy efficiency

Energy audits are one helpful step toward identifying areas of your home that need improvement, so that's a good place to start.

Here are a few simple, low-cost DIY tasks which address many common issues found in energy audits:

• Caulking and weather stripping for windows or doors can help prevent heat loss, saving anywhere from 5-10% on energy costs over the winter. You may already know from previous winters what areas of your home are harder to keep warm, so take a look at the windows and doors — both inside and outside the home — to find areas where extra caulking or new weather stripping might be needed.
• Look for obstructions around your home to ensure heat vents, air registers or radiators are not blocked by furniture, and are clear of dust and debris.
• Replace all your lighting with more efficient Energy Star certified LED bulbs.
• Consider using blackout curtains with thermal properties that are effective for retaining heat.

Take care of HVAC maintenance now

Another advantage of planning ahead is that many utility companies and HVAC contractors get booked up far in advance, especially for fall furnace cleaning and tune-up appointments. By calling to schedule your appointment now, you'll ensure your HVAC system is in great shape before you really need it. This can help prevent emergencies and costly repairs down the road.

This is also the perfect time to make sure your furnace filter has been recently changed. Writing the date when you swap out the HVAC filter on the filter itself, as well as setting calendar reminders, can help you remember when this vital task needs to be performed next.

Changing your HVAC filter at least as frequently as the manufacturer recommends helps keep your furnace running more efficiently. A dirty filter can slow air flow, making your furnace work harder. Frequent air filter swaps also help improve the air quality in your home.

Use your thermostat smartly

Rather than constantly bumping your thermostat up and down, setting it at a slightly lower, constant temperature can help keep your furnace from overworking. Just a degree or two lower can make an impact in overall energy savings during the winter, and programming your thermostat means you can set it and forget it. For example, you could set it to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, lowering it to 60-65 degrees at night or when you're not home.

If you have an older thermostat or find that heating your home is uneven, upgrading to a newer thermostat or one of the latest smart thermostats can make a big difference in energy efficiency and more consistent heating.

Check with your local utility company

Ready to upgrade your home's HVAC system for a more energy efficient unit? This can be a great way to reduce your costs over the long term. Before you buy, check with your local utility company as well as your state and municipal government to learn about potential rebates or tax credits that may be available to you. Many utility companies also offer cost management programs and energy efficiency programs to help customers navigate the financial impacts of higher utility bills, so it's worth checking their website or calling to ask.

By taking a few of these proactive practical steps now, you can help your home stay warmer and more affordable throughout the colder months of the year.