Colder weather could be on the way for the Puget Sound area next week, according to the National Weather Service, which makes this a good time for a few easy steps that can reduce the amount of energy you use to stay warm and save you money.

• Clean or replace furnace filters often.
• Caulk, weatherstrip and insulate.
• Don’t block furnace ducts with draperies or furniture.
• Insulate your windows or add storm windows.
• Close off unoccupied rooms (unless you have a heat pump).
• Open draperies and shades in sunny windows. Close them at night.
• Use portable heaters only in small areas for short periods of time.
• Stop drafts at the bottom of doors and along window sills — use a 3-inch by 36-inch cloth tube (“door snake”) filled with sand or small beans or use a rolled up towel or rug.

 We’ve got even more money-saving energy efficiency suggestions for you here.