Tips on how to save on your energy bill

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- We’re all guilty of turning up our thermostat every winter, but with each degree you adjust — your heating bill gets impacted.

“Changing your temperature from 72 degrees Fahrenheit to 68 degrees Fahrenheit could lower an energy bill by up to 10%," said Schnee Doyle, a spokesperson for Indiana Michigan Power.

For a more personalized number, I&M has an online calculator homeowners can input their usage to find out just how much they can save.

Doyle says making these small adjustments — even if only one degree — could lead to at least 50 dollars more in your pocket.

“Some of them are just as easy as you know changing your habits. Clean the furnace filter once a month. That’s gonna help you save because dust and dirt can quickly clog vital parts making the furnace run harder," said Doyle.

Other ways to save including fixing any air leaks and cleaning any chimneys within your home.

And if there are any power outages, it's important to be mindful of using generators.

“We just encourage our customers to connect all appliances directly to that generator. Don’t connect the generators electrical output to any home or building electrical circuits at all. So deadly exhaust doesn't enter anyone's home," said Doyle.

I&M says you should also be mindful about space heaters -- keeping them far away from anything flammable.