As the winter months are rolling in, energy bills go up. NIPSCO offers a few simple steps you can take to save money on your energy bill through the winter.

One of the easiest things that can be done, is turning down the thermostat when no one is home or at night. Often, the easiest solution is programmable thermostats. Those can be purchased for $20-$30 and NIPSCO says they offer a rebate program up to $20.

Another simple solution is using ceiling fans to circulate warm air throughout rooms. There is a switch on the fan that spins the blades clockwise to keep warm air from rising.

Limiting hot water is another big energy saver. Monitoring hot shower time and being aware of your water heater could save some cash.

Changing furnace filters should be done every 2-3 months. Clean filters keep the furnace operating smoother, ultimately taking less work and using less energy.

For more information click the big red bar for a link to the NIPSCO website to learn about energy saving programs, rebates and energy assistance.