Even though winter is still a few weeks away, the first chilly signs are being felt and a few snowflakes have been spotted in the air. Skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, ice fishing and other winter recreational activities await here in upstate New York.

Unfortunately, the cold temperatures lead to an indoor activity none of us are too fond of - paying the heating and electric bills. When the days are shorter and the temperatures colder the home energy bills can skyrocket. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help lower your costs.

Some of the tips I am including in this column have been detailed in the past. Many are common sense, while others are new. I am hopeful that by utilizing some or all of the tactics you will be able to better manage your energy use and keep winter bills in check.

One of the simplest cost saving measures is to lower the thermostat. For every one degree you set back your thermostat, you can save one to three percent on your annual heating bill. By installing a programmable thermostat you can adjust your home’s temperature based on your family’s schedule. Dropping the temperature at night, during the day when you are at work and your children are at school, or any other time when you leave the house for more than two hours can provide real savings. It takes less energy to warm a cool house than to maintain a higher temperature all day and night.

It is also vital that you do everything you can to keep out the cold. A quick inspection of your home may reveal areas where heat, and in turn, cash, are simply leaking out. Check for insulation in your attic, walls, ceilings and floors, and install more if needed. Inexpensive weather-stripping around doors and windows can also go a long way in blocking cold drafts. You should also replace any cracked windows and use easy to install storm window kits to keep out breezes. Finally, close your curtains at night to keep warm air inside.