(MERRILLVILLE) – Colder days are coming, and NIPSCO is reminding customers that small changes around the house can have big energy savings.

One is to use natural light. It’s is a source of free heat that is often overlooked. Leave your curtains open during the day to allow your rooms to absorb some warmth.

Turn back your thermostat. Be cautious of how high you set the thermostat temperature during the winter. The more heat you use, the higher your energy bill will be. Turn your thermostat down a few degrees if you’re looking to save energy and money.

Save on hot water. Don’t set your water temperature higher than 120 degrees, which will help save energy and avoid scalding.

Seal cracks and leaks. Fixing leaks around the house can reduce energy expenses between 5 and 30 percent.

Maintain your furnace. Schedule your annual furnace tune-up, ideally before the first cold weather arrives.

Buy ENERGY STAR products. Look for ENERGY STAR labels when purchasing new electronics, as they have been certified a high-efficiency and low-energy, consuming up to 65 percent less energy than non-certified alternatives.

NIPSCO offers a range of programs designed to help customers save energy and money, including rebates, home energy assessments, and online marketplace and more.

For more information on these topics, you can visit the NIPSCO website. Click Here.