ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) - After several days of sub-freezing temperatures, many of us are cranking up the heat to stay warm, but that can quickly lead to high energy bills. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to keep those costs down without sacrificing comfort. As the temperature drops, it’s important to make sure your home is properly sealed to prevent energy loss. Even small gaps can cause your heating system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Taking steps to address these issues can significantly improve your home’s efficiency. “You've had to turn your heat up and if you take all the cracks and crevices and open spaces in your home. It actually it equates to an open window, that's a lot of energy figuratively and literally escaping your home,” said Nicole Williams, who is the manager of energy efficiency at NYSEG and RGE. “Weatherization is huge -- insulation and air sealing of their homes. That's where you're finding a lot of your drafts. your windows, doors, utilizing door sweeps, outlet covers” Managing your home's temperature efficiently can make a big difference in your energy usage. Whether you're at home or away, ensuring your home stays comfortable while also keeping your heating costs down, can be accomplished with a few simple steps. “You can use a programmable or smart thermostat. those are really important because it helps you maintain your heat, which helps control cost as well as comfort throughout the day whether you're home or leaving,” Williams said. “It knows when I'm not there, I don't have to program it or set it -- it automatically turns the temp down to 64 and then when I come home, it jumps it up to 67 or 68 degree temp that's recommended or comfortable for me and my home.” In addition to using a smart thermostat, consider optimizing your home’s natural heat. By keeping your blinds open during the day, you can allow the sun to warm your space, which may reduce the amount of heating needed. This can be especially effective with smart thermostats that adjust based on the temperature inside your home. "Keep your blinds open, let that natural sunlight come in. That allows your thermostat to program itself esp. if you have smart learning thermos, it allows it to adjust appropriately. and you can probably have a lower heating during the day to allow the sun to come in and warm," Williams said. Williams also emphasized the importance of using only space heaters that are electrically approved and meet regulatory safety standards. It's crucial to ensure that the heater is plugged directly into a wall outlet, rather than using an extension cord, as this can prevent potential overheating or electrical hazards. Proper usage of certified heaters and adhering to safety guidelines significantly reduces the risk of fires and other accidents in the home.