Follow this energy-saving guide, and help avoid high utility bills this winter. These simple money-saving solutions will help get you through the cold months.

Spend an hour or so each weekend tackling winter-weather tasks. The energy and money you save in the long run will be well worth the time.

• Involve the whole family. Maintain your home as a team — everyone will feel a sense of accomplishment.
• Younger children can help with picking up leaves. Cleaning gutters, shoveling snow and trimming yard brush are great jobs for teens.
• Show utility bills to your kids. Encourage them to turn off lights, use less energy and make a game out of saving money. When the next month’s bill is lower, everyone deserves a treat.

• Replace your light bulbs with CFL bulbs — they last around 10 times longer and help reduce energy bills.
• Install water filters on your sink tap. Filtered tap water costs less than bottled water and reduces landfill waste.
• Replace old showerheads with environmentally friendly versions that conserve water and lower your monthly water bills.
• Use a vacuum with an energy-saving motor and a HEPA filter to keep your home free of dust and allergens.
• Set your water heater to a safe temperature to save on heating costs.
• Switch to a programmable thermostat — it’ll automatically lower the temperature when you go to bed and raise it when you wake up. Encourage your family to wear layers and extra blankets.
• Going away for an extended period? Turn the thermostat down to around 60 degrees before you leave.

• Check your insulation. In particularly cold climates, look into adding extra insulation to the attic.
• Open drapes and blinds when the sun is shining directly on windows.
• Shop for energy-saving drapes that seal in heat in the winter and keep the house cool in the summer.
• Have an energy audit performed. Many utility companies offer incentives for energy inspections.
• Make sure all exterior doors have proper weather stripping. Seal and caulk all windows. Look into replacing old windows with energy-efficient glass.
• Have a technician inspect your furnace. Replace air filters regularly.

• Inspect snow tires, ice scrapers and your vehicle’s emergency kits.
• Check on stored lawn mower and gardening equipment.
• Have your fireplace professionally inspected and cleaned. Restock firewood.
• Check snow shovel for wear and tear. Purchase a new one if necessary.

• Trim back trees that may pose a danger in high winds or freezes.
• Keep important phone numbers handy. Your emergency list should include your doctor, insurance company, close family members and any others you deem important.
• Test carbon-monoxide and smoke detectors. Check your fire extinguisher.
• Prepare for the occasional power outage. Replace flashlight batteries and make sure you have plenty of spare batteries. If you have a generator, have it serviced annually.
• Stock an emergency kit with cold-weather essentials such as warm clothing, nonperishable food items, a can opener and first-aid supplies. Make sure everyone knows where the kit is stored.
• Review fire safety and evacuation procedures with your family.