Although we may not get much of the fall season in Texas, the (slightly) cooler weather brings some relief from the hottest days of summer. You probably notice that your electric bill goes down a little too. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop thinking about saving energy. On the contrary, the cooler weather provides a great opportunity for you to tackle some energy-saving projects to make your home more efficient during the coming winter months.

Make sure your HVAC is in tip top shape

Schedule a professional to come out to service your HVAC unit before the weather turns cold. Regular maintenance will help your system perform more efficiently and could prevent costly repairs down the road.

Also, make sure you’re changing out your air filter whenever you notice it’s dirty—usually every 1 to 3 months.

Seal air leaks around your home

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average home has enough air leaks to add up to a 2-foot-square hole. That’s like keeping a window open 24 hours per day. On chilly winter days, these air leaks can be especially taxing on your electric bill.

If you want to keep your hard-earned dollars from flying out the window, take the time this fall to make sure your home is properly sealed. Walk around your home and look for any gaps or cracks that might allow heat to escape. The most common air leak sites can be found around doors, windows, baseboards, outlets, faucets, pipes and your foundation.

Fill any gaps or cracks you find with caulk to prevent air leaks. To seal air leaks around things that move, such as windows and doors, weatherstripping is more appropriate.

Not all air leaks will be visible to the naked eye. If you want to make sure you cover all potential air leaks, try conducting a DIY version of the blower door test.

Reduce your water heating costs

Water heating is the second-highest cost on your energy bill. Fortunately, there are a couple of things to do to reduce these expenses each month.

1. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees. Most water heaters come pre-set at 140 degrees, but you aren’t likely to use water that’s so scalding hot. According to the DOE, setting your water heater too high could cost you up to $60 per year in standby heat losses and $400 in demand losses.

2. Add an insulating blanket to your water heater. You can find one of these blankets for less than $20 at most hardware stores, and they can reduce heat loss by 25 to 45 percent. The extra insulation can be especially energy-saving during the colder months if your water heater is located in the garage or another space that’s not heated.