Cold months can raise your energy bills. Fall is the right time to get your home ready. Use this checklist to stay comfortable and avoid surprises.

Start with a simple home energy checkup

A good plan starts with a quick look at how your home uses energy. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says to start weatherizing with a home energy audit. Then look at air sealing, insulation, moisture control, and ventilation.

Here is a simple way to begin:

  • Walk your home on a windy day. Note rooms that feel drafty or cold.
  • Look at doors, windows, baseboards, and where pipes or wires enter walls.
  • Check insulation levels where you can safely see them. Note any thin or missing areas.
  • Watch for moisture or musty smells. Make sure vents and fans are working and clear.

A basic checkup helps you choose the next steps that matter most in your home.

Seal drafts and cold spots

Small gaps can create big discomfort. DOE says sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots. Use caulk on fixed cracks and use weatherstripping around doors and windows that move.

Focus on common leak points:

  • Caulk along baseboards and where trim meets walls.
  • Caulk gaps around plumbing, cable, and electrical penetrations.
  • Add weatherstripping to door jambs and window sashes that open and close.
  • Replace worn door sweeps so light and air do not pass under doors.

Work room by room. After you seal, recheck on a cool evening. You should feel fewer drafts and more even temperatures.

Set your winter thermostat plan

Your thermostat plan affects comfort. In winter, DOE suggests about 68–70°F while you are awake, and lower while you are asleep or away. DOE also notes you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.

Set a simple weekday and weekend schedule. If you use a heat pump, DOE notes that programmable setback is generally not recommended in heating mode. In that case, keep a steady setting or follow your manufacturer’s guidance.

Check your water heater setting

Hot water is a quiet energy user. For most homes, DOE recommends setting the water heater to 120°F. This setting balances comfort and energy use.

Find the control on the tank or in the app for newer models. If you adjust the setting, give it a day and test at a tap. Label the control so everyone in the home knows the target.

Look up your state energy help dates now

If paying winter bills will be hard, check assistance dates early. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is federally funded help for home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. States, territories, and Tribes run the programs, so you apply through your state or local provider. EnergyHelp.us helps people find where to apply. Application dates vary, so look up your local office and mark your calendar.

Ask about the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program too. It is run by states and local agencies. Under DOE guidelines, households at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines, or that receive SSI, are generally eligible. Local providers apply the rules, so contact your provider to see if you qualify and what documents to bring.

If you want bill credits that support local solar energy, read our pinned guide, Income-Qualified? How Your Household Can Save More. For program info and helpful links for income-qualified households, visit our income-qualified programs page.

If you subscribe to community solar, expect smaller winter credits

Solar production follows the seasons. It is highest in summer months and lowest in winter months because daylight hours change through the year. Community solar credits follow the same pattern. That means winter credits are smaller, and summer credits are larger.

Review last winter’s statements to see your pattern. Use that number when you plan your budget.

A little prep now goes a long way. Seal a few gaps, set your thermostat and water heater, and check your assistance dates. These steps can make your home more comfortable when the first real cold snap hits.