With temperatures dropping and days shortening, it might be time to consider how energy efficient your home is. In October, the government projected that the prices of residential heating fuel would be lower than or close to what they were last winter. Forecasts of a cooler winter, however, might mean that some consumers—specifically those who rely primarily on heating oil or electricity—will end up paying more to heat their homes these next few months. Here are some things you can do to save energy and reduce your home heating costs: 1) Seal or caulk any leaks in your home, such as the area around window frames; 2) Use sunlight to heat your home during the day; and 3) Adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. More tips can be found at the Alliance to Save Energy web site.

–M. L. Liu