It might seem hard to believe we’re here already, but with the days getting shorter and the air getting just a little bit crisper, it’s impossible to deny: Summer is winding down.

Fall brings plenty of goodness, of course. Apple cider, changing leaves, and (our personal favorite) new opportunities to make your home more energy efficient! Here are a few tips and ideas to help you save energy as the seasons change.

Tip #1: Let in the Sun
During the fall, south-facing windows can be a great way to warm up your home without using a single watt of electricity. If your home is getting a bit chilly during the day, open the blinds and curtains on these windows to let in some sun. And if you’ve got pets, you can bet they’ll make the most of those extra sunbeams.

Tip #2: Replace Your Air Filters
When was the last time you replaced the air filter in your HVAC system? It’s easy to forget, but to get the most efficiency out of your system you should be checking your filter at least every three months. That means the changing of the seasons can be a perfect reminder that you’re overdue.

Tip #3: Replace Your Light Bulbs with ENERGY STAR® LEDs
Less sunlight outside means more lights on indoors. But if you’re not using ENERGY STAR LEDs, then you’re using more energy than necessary. Fall is a great time to make the switch. And if you need a little extra motivation, we’ve got some rebates to help you along.

Tip #4: Adjust Your Thermostat…
If you find yourself nudging up the thermostat, make sure you turn it back down in the morning. Leaving your thermostat at a high setting during the day, when nobody’s home, is a big source of energy waste in cooler weather. Can’t seem to remember? Then we recommend getting a programmable thermostat. Set it, forget it, and start saving energy.

Tip #4A: …Unless You Have a Heat Pump
If you have a heat pump, you’ll want to be careful about turning down that thermostat. That’s because too much of a temperature drop inside your home can trigger the emergency heat. The end result? An electric bill that’s higher than it needs to be.

Tip #5: Schedule a Free Home Energy Assessment
Maybe your ceiling isn’t sealed as well as it could be. Maybe you could benefit from a heat pump water heater. Or maybe you just can’t stand the idea of missing a way to save energy. Whatever the case may be, our free home energy assessment can help.

It works like this: Your local Energy Advisor will come to your home and conduct a thorough inspection. You’ll then receive a checklist of all the ways you can save energy, and get help finding rebates. If that sounds pretty great, then what are you waiting for? Contact your Energy Advisor today.