When my husband and I were in the process of buying our home, one of the first questions we asked the sellers was what their average annual energy costs were. If you are currently going through this process or will be in the future, don’t be afraid to ask this question, as well as for any documented proof they can provide of utility bills they can give you for the past year. You have every right to know what you can expect to pay to keep your home running smoothly.

Living in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we knew that it would be our energy costs that would be one of our largest monthly investments. Not only do we experience several months of freezing temperatures and seemingly endless snow, me and my husband also both work from home and are almost constantly yolked to one device or another, making for very little energy downtime.

If your electricity costs skyrocket during the winter, here are 3 tips anyone can implement to save big on energy costs, including Direct Energy savings for choice areas in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

1. Turn the Thermostat Down

45 degrees in the spring and 45 degrees in the winter feel like two entirely different temperatures. One feels like rebirth and excitement to finally get outside and feel the warm breeze on your skin, while the other feels like hibernation and sadness.

If you’re the type of person who cranks the heat as soon as you feel the slightest nip in the air, stop. That chill in your bones is an illusion and you’re wasting money trying to quell its lies. By keeping your thermostat set to 65 degrees during the day, you can save a considerable amount of money while still being comfortable. It’s unrealistic to think that you should feel great lounging around at home in just a tank top when it’s 5 degrees outside. Break out your favorite sweaters and sweatshirts and say hello to big energy savings. During the nighttime, set your thermostat a few degrees cooler. The savings will add up over time and there’s no point in heating your home to 65 degrees while you’re tucked away in your warm and cozy bed.

Your thermostat isn’t the only energy-wasting culprit in your home. Most people have their water heaters set way too high; this is especially true if you have a dishwasher. Ditch your dishwasher manufacturer’s recommendations and lower your water heater to 120 degrees. Your water will heat to a temperature satisfying to everyone in your home, and by rinsing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher they will come out clean without needing lava-like heat to scour stuck-on food away.

2. Keep the Cold Air Out

Our home is nearly 100 years old, and while new windows were installed relatively recently, there are two older windows in our living room and kitchen that can get pretty drafty. Drafts can cost you hundreds of dollars every year in wasted energy, so it’s important to do what you can to keep your warm air inside. You are paying for it, after all. Luckily, there are some quick fixes for drafty windows that can help save you money if you can’t afford to replace them.

Once the chill of autumn strikes, use an indoor window insulator kit to seal your windows and keep that cold air out. If window insulating isn’t an ideal solution for you, say if you have five cats who claw through any barrier keeping them from being able to sit in the window (what, you don’t?) a set of thermal lined curtains are a worthy investment.

3. Choose the Right Provider

So many people choose an energy provider simply because they are the most well-known company in their area, they came at a recommendation of a friend or family member, or they have just always used them and are weary of change. However, chances are that there are multiple providers in your area, and you owe it to yourself to shop around. While multiple factors should go into your decision process, ultimately choosing one energy provider over another should come down to quality service for a fair and affordable price.

Direct Energy Savings

Direct Energy powers your home with a fixed-rate energy plan with the peace of mind that you will pay the same rate throughout your contract term. No seasonal fluctuations here, just big energy savings that will have your bank account breathing a sigh of relief. Direct Energy is also the only energy provider to be a part of Plenti that lets you enjoy rewards every month.

Direct Energy offers different savings depending on where you live. Just plug in your zip code on their website and learn about the Direct Energy savings available in your area. Here in Pennsylvania, Direct Energy has special offers for the month of January:

Save up to 16%* over MetEd’s electricity rate, and up to 12%* over Penn Power’s electricity rate. There’s more! Save up to 10%* over Penelec’s electricity rate!

You can also enjoy Direct Energy savings if you live in Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

*All savings refers to the current difference between Direct Energy’s fixed rate offer and the Utility’s current Fixed Rate for Basic Service as of January 8, 2016, and does not include any other component of the electricity bill. Utility rates are subject to change and there may be no savings following the respective official utility rate change date. Direct Energy’s fixed rates include electricity supply charges only and excludes delivery/transmission charges, taxes, and all other utility-related charges. Offer is limited and valid for new residential customers only.

Are there Direct Energy savings in your area? How else do you save on energy costs during the winter? Leave your tips in the comments!