It's October and that means it's National Energy Awareness Month! While the weather outside may still play some tricks (is it t-shirt or sweater weather, today?), saving on your energy consumption could be a real cost-saving treat on your monthly utility bill.

A few fact from fiction "tips" to help you start being more energy aware:

Fact or Fiction? When heating a home, closing the vents in rooms not in use will save energy and money.
Fiction: Heating systems are built based on the design and ductwork in a home. Closing off vents could make a heating system work harder and thus increase energy costs.

Fact or Fiction: Open or closed window coverings help keep a house cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter.
Fact: In the winter, if it's sunny, open the window coverings during the morning and day to allow natural sunlight to heat a home. In the summer, window coverings should be closed to reduce heat from the sunlight.

Fact or Fiction? When not in use, electronic devices don't use electricity.
Fiction: "Phantom" or "vampire" power is a thing and can make utility costs higher. It"s better to turn off or unplug electronic devices when not in use.

Fact or Fiction? Lighting can have a direct and immediate effect on utility costs.
Fact: Energy efficient lighting is the fastest and easiest way to cut costs, and using fixtures that may include dimmers and/or motion sensors could help further by turning down or switching off lights in rooms not being used.

For more energy-saving strategies and resources, check out TDHCA's Home Weatherization Tips handout at https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/home-weatherization-tips-energy-savings.