Most of the country is currently affected by an enormous cold front, and these freezing temperatures directly impact the amount of natural gas you consume – which in turn affects the amount of your monthly bill.

That means now is a great time to remember that National Cut Your Energy Costs Day is observed every year in January, with the message that using energy wisely and making a few household changes can have a positive impact on your natural gas and other utility bills. Plus, there is the added benefit that using less energy will reduce your home's carbon emissions!

So, here are five areas of the home where you have an opportunity to cut your energy costs, where it is safe to do so:

Thermostat

The first and most obvious place where you can harness real savings is at the thermostat. We recommend, when it is safe to do so, setting your thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and lowering it even further to 58 degrees when you are away from home. If you want even more control over the energy usage in your home, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to help regulate temperatures with more precision.

Showers & Baths

Did you know that water heating can account for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home? What’s more, showers and baths can account for as much as 40 percent of your home's hot water use – so think about reducing your shower time by a few minutes and taking baths less often.

Large Appliances

While the clothes washer, clothes dryer and dishwasher all make our lives easier and much more convenient, they also require significant energy to complete a single cycle. Try to maximize the efficiency of all three by consolidating your laundry and dishes and running those appliances only when you have a full load.

Fireplace

For many, a warm fire in the fireplace is among the coziest ways to spend time at home in the winter. But if no fire is burning, it is important that you keep your fireplace damper closed. Leaving an open damper is like keeping a window wide open – warm air goes right up the chimney!

Windows

Even on cold days, the power of the sun can work to your benefit inside the home. If you have windows that receive direct sunlight during the day, leave those drapes and blinds open to let the sun's warmth further heat your home. At night, close the drapes and blinds to help insulate against the cooler nighttime temperatures.

By making a few small, consistent changes to our energy habits, we all have an opportunity to significantly reduce energy consumption and enjoy the benefits of lower energy bills. 

For even more energy saving tips – including rebates on high-efficiency natural gas appliances, energy-saving devices and weatherization upgrades for customers in Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Texas – visit atmosenergy.com/ways-save/manage-energy-home.