Autumn may be underway, but with warm, lingering daytime temperatures, sweaters and cocoa may have to wait. Making small changes at home as we transition to cooler weather can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. Here are some tips to prepare your home for fall.

1. Check your thermostat: With air conditioners still in use throughout the fall, set your thermostat to 78 degrees during the daytime hours for the greatest energy savings. Better yet, buy a programmable thermostat to help you optimize energy use without sacrificing comfort. You can find smart thermostats on the TEP Marketplace, where you can shop for energy efficient products, view product specifications and compare items — all in one place.
2. Change your air filters: A dirty, clogged air filter restricts airflow, making your HVAC system work harder. That drives up energy bills and reduces the lifespan of the unit. To prevent this, change your air filters monthly. Buy several in advance and then set a reminder at the first of every month or when you pay your bill, so you don’t forget.
3. Seal drafts:  Can you see light around the edges of your exterior doors when they’re closed? If so, it’s time for weatherstripping. While you’re at it, check for drafts around windows and other openings. Sealing those drafts will help you maintain a consistent temperature in your home.
4. Schedule furnace maintenance:  The best time to test your heating system is before you need it. With winter around the corner, schedule a check-up of your unit to ensure you don’t experience any problems during those cold desert nights. Check out our rebates on tune-ups and maintenance when you use a participating contractor.
5. Add insulation: Even though you can’t see it, insulation is a workhorse when it comes to keeping your home comfortable. Insulate your attic, walls and crawl spaces for the best performance. Residential customers are eligible for a rebate up to $1,000 for the purchase and installation of attic/roof insulation at home when using a licensed insulation contractor.
6. Explore our pricing plans. You might be able to save more by shifting how you use energy. Our Customer Care team can walk you through options that might work best for you. If you have 12 months of consecutive billing history at your current address, you can easily compare pricing plans online to find the one that might work best for you. It only takes a few minutes.
7. Schedule a free Virtual Home Assessment. Get free advice from an energy advisor who will make recommendations for saving energy based on your unique needs. Call 866-473-8761 or email TEPEfficientHome@FranklinEnergy.com to schedule your assessment.