Cold weather is here and expected to continue into early next week along the Gulf Coast. Here are some tips to keep cozy and save money and energy during the winter season. Many more ideas are available at MyGulfPower.com.

Things you can do to save money and energy:

• Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. For every degree below 68 you’ll save 10 percent on your heating costs.

• An electric blanket is more economical than heating the entire house all night long. 

• Open shades, drapes and blinds during the winter so sunlight can enter the house and help to warm the home naturally. At night, close shades, drapes and blinds to help retain heat.

• Operate your ceiling fan on low speed and switch in reverse to push hot air from the ceiling level to the occupied-lower areas of the room. Use fans only when the room is occupied.

• Use a portable electric heater to heat only a small area. Purchase models that are thermostatically controlled. Keep it at least three feet from items that could catch fire like curtains or furniture. Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every floor and in every sleeping room of your house.

• Make sure vents and return-air registers are not blocked by furniture, draperies, doors or other obstacles.

• Don’t use your oven to heat your home — it’s very costly and most importantly, it’s very dangerous.

Things you can do to prepare your home for winter:

Temperature settings

• Heating your house can make up as much as half of your electricity bill so direct most of your attention to your thermostat. Keep it at 68 and wear warmer clothes.

• Programmable thermostats are a good investment, or you can take advantage of Gulf Power’s Energy Select. Energy Select is Gulf Power’s advanced energy management program that offers a lower price for electricity 87 percent of the time.

Heating and cooling equipment

• If your heating system is an older, less-efficient unit, upgrade to a geothermal heating and cooling system — or a high efficiency air-source heat pump. Talk to a Gulf Power representative for a free Energy Checkup: 1-877-655-4001.

• A complete tune-up of the home heating system can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 or more, but this is a worthwhile investment and can reduce your heating bill from 3 to 10 percent.  Remember to replace your filter every month. Talk to a Gulf Power representative: 1-877-655-4001.

• Duct leakage can account for 20 percent of your heating and cooling cost. Getting ducts sealed should be at the top of the list for making your home energy efficient.

Insulation

Adding insulation to your attic is one of the most cost-effective energy saving measures.

Weather-stripping and caulking

Weather-strip door jambs and caulk any cracks around windows to prevent cool air from entering your home.

Window units

If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove it for the winter months to prevent heat from escaping through and around the unit. If it can't be moved, put a cover over it to prevent drafts.

Humidifier

Use a humidifier to keep your home more comfortable. Adding moisture allows you to reduce the thermostat setting without feeling colder.

Customers can get a free Energy Checkup online or at your home with an appointment. Gulf Power energy experts will analyze your house and electricity use, and look for ways to make the house more energy efficient. Just go to MyGulfPower.com or call 1-877-655-4001.

If you need assistance paying your bill:

Additional help is available for customers who may have difficulty paying their bills. Gulf Power customer service representatives are available 24 hours/7 days per week to discuss payment and billing options with customers. To speak with a representative, customers can call 1-800-225-5797 or visit our website at gulfpower.com for information about the programs or to make payment arrangements.