When the months of October and November roll around, the sun starts to go down earlier and temperatures drop faster. This offers a much-needed break from the humidity of summer. As soon as we shut off our air conditioners, though, we look to our thermostats for warmth. From then until spring, our heaters run almost constantly, which puts a considerable dent in our wallets. To remedy those expensive electricity bills, pay attention to these tips and tricks.

1. Seal Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are often the sources of all our problems. Older ones, especially, can introduce chilly drafts into your home. This counteracts the purpose of heat in the first place and costs you money. To solve this issue, you should check that your windows and doors are correctly sealed. First, lock your windows. When you enter your house, close the door behind you. Then, look for cracks and feel for any cold areas. Finally, to patch everything up, apply adhesive stripping and insert draft stoppers.

2. Install Insulation

If your home has an attic, ensure that it's adequately insulated. Warm air rises, which means it can escape if nothing is there to stop it. This is the largest source of heat loss in houses. Every fall, head up to your attic or crawlspace and see if any changes need to be made. Try to do so before temperatures get particularly low. When done accurately, you won't have to make any changes for years to come. The installation method is simple — there are only a few steps to take, and in most cases, you can do it yourself. 

3. Wear Warm Clothes

When in doubt, put on an extra sweater and a pair of socks. If you live in an exceptionally cold climate, it's not realistic to expect to lounge around in a T-shirt and shorts. Even if you can afford it, issues happen when you place too much effort into your heating system. Instead, buy some heavy blankets, so you're warm enough while you sleep. A few extra layers are more practical and will save you money in the long run.

4. Regulate the Thermostat

Many of us don't pay enough attention to our thermostats. However, a few simple fixes in this regard can make all the difference. While you're at home, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature — around 68 F. Then, when you leave or go to sleep, lower the temperature by at least seven degrees. There are even wireless thermostats on the market that allow you to adjust the temperature from anywhere. This action can save you a noticeable amount of money.

5. Unblock Air Vents

Sometimes, our air vents are blocked by pieces of furniture. This prevents warm air from properly heating your home. Take a few minutes to walk around your house and locate them. If something is in the way, rearrange it so heat can leave the vent but the room still looks and feels as it should. Making sure your air vents function as they should is one of the more straightforward fixes you can make. 

6. Adjust Your Water Heater

A handy tip you can use year-round is to reduce the temperature of your water heater. If it's too hot, it'll exert extra energy to cool the water down, so you don't get burned. Lower the heat to the advised 120 degrees, so it doesn't have to overcompensate. Afterward, feel free to adjust by a couple of digits, should you think it's not warm enough. This way, you can keep yourself out of harm's way and save on your electricity bill.

7. Open the Blinds

On sunny days, open your blinds to allow the light to stream in. This can provide a boost of warmth in every room of your house. When it's cloudy or dark out, close them for extra insulation. If you feel like you need more protection, curtains and drapes are usually thick enough to provide an extra layer of insulation. The bonus is that they're a great design aspect as well.

8. Close the Fireplace

Fireplaces are wonderful ways to keep your house heated in the colder months. Unfortunately, when we're not using them, we often forget to close the flue. Even though this duct is great for removing exhaust gases, it can also allow warm air to escape. Close these completely after your fire has completely burned out. This will keep your space warm and toasty.

Remain Diligent

To reduce your energy bill this winter, it's important to remain diligent and try to locate potential problem areas. Take note of these tips to make sure these months are easy on your bank account.