In the winter months, furnaces work longer, using more electricity, we tend to have more family gatherings, and daylight hours are at a yearly low. The combination of these things result in an increase in usage in lighting, electronics, appliances, and heating water.

If you'd like to avoid a higher bill this winter due to higher usage, consider the following tips for saving energy and keeping warm:

• Close your blinds – keep the warm inside
• Seal leaks – use towels to block drafts from windows and doors
• Clean your furnace – change filters often
• Fans – reverse the circulation to push warm air down
• Bundle Up – put on an extra layer of clothes or a blanket
• Wear a hat – you lose body heat through your head
• Drink something warm – cozy up with a cup of coffee or tea
• Use less water – wash full loads of dishes and clothes and take shorter showers
• Use less energy – turn off electronics when not in use

For more energy saving tips click here.