Winters in Colorado can be brutal. With temperatures dropping to near or below zero for days on end, saving money on electricity costs while trying to stay warm can be difficult. With a few improvements to your home and upgrades to your fixtures, you and your family can remain comfortable. After all, the Colorado winter is one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Listed below are 5 ways you can start saving energy in your home and decrease your electric bill during the winter months.

Program your Thermostat

In winter, turn your thermostat down by two degrees and wear a sweater. It will save you up to $180 per year on your bill. Plus, lowering your thermostat setting at night can save you 10-20 percent more on energy costs.

Get CFL or LED Light Bulbs

Replace your home’s incandescent light bulbs with CFL (https://greenlivingonline.com/articl…) or LED bulbs. You’ll save energy with the lower wattage it takes to power the bulb and reduces your cooling costs. Incandescent light bulbs give off 90 percent of their energy as heat.

Make Smart use of your Appliances

Dry two or more loads of laundry together to reduce energy used from the dryer. Remember to clean the lint filter before every load. A clogged filter can increase energy use up to 30 percent and is considered a safety hazard. Unplug appliances when they aren’t being used. Appliances that remain plugged in contribute to energy costs. Things like your coffee pot, hair dryer and other items that use electricity when plugged in should be unplugged while not being used.

Change Your Furnace Filters

Changing out your furnace filter every two months can increase its efficiency by 50 percent. A well-running furnace uses energy much more efficiently.

Replace Plumbing Fixtures with Low Flow ones

A low-flow shower head requires less water and, by extension, needs less heat to warm the water. You can also insulate your water tank and set the thermostat two degrees lower to save energy. Doing this, along with setting your water heater at 60 degrees Celsius to 65 degrees Celsius, can save you money on heating costs.