The leaves have fallen and cooler weather has set in. You may think now is a god time to cozy up on the couch with a book and a mug of hot chocolate. But you would be wrong. It’s not that time–yet. First you need to review the following 8 tips for an energy-efficient (and thereby eco-friendly) home this winter:

1. Outlet Seals via Home Talk

Insulation-wise, outlets and switchplates are weak spots. Cold drafts can easily flow into your home through sockets and light switches. You can purchase outlet seals and insulators at your local hardware store, which will help insulate them against heat loss. If you prefer, you can even upgrade your switchplates and outlet covers with newer ones which have insulation built in. If you don’t want to spring for the whole house (which can easily add up), go room by room. Or do the rooms you spend the most time in and work your way through the whole house.

2. Change your furnace air return filter every three months. A clean air filter means your furnace won’t have to work as hard to draw in air. Disposable filters are common, but washable furnace filters are a more environmentally conscious option, though they are initially more expensive. Furnace filters come in a range of different sizes. Be sure to check your old one for its measurements before you head to the hardware store.

3. Program your thermostat. Keep your home warmer at times when you know you’ll be home. Set the temperature to cooler levels when you’re sleeping or when you’re not likely to be home.

4. Unplug any electronics when they’re not being used. Even when turned off, electronics use electricity. You can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year by keeping unused electronics unplugged.

5. Let the sunshine in (but close your curtains at night).

Hopefully this one is self-explanatory. Sun = warm. No sun = no warm. If it’s sunny outside, throw open your curtains and let that light pour in. In the evening, close your curtains back up for an extra layer of insulation.

6. Block vents to rooms you aren’t using. Is there a vent in your master closet/guest room/laundry room that you don’t need? Cover it up! Magnetic vent covers can be found easily and at most hardware stores. No sense in heating a room you don’t use, right (just remember to keep the door to that room closed)?

7. After using the oven, leave the door open to let the heat escape. All that wonderful, hot air will warm your kitchen up in no time. It already cost money to heat the oven up to whatever temperature, you might as well benefit from the residual heat. Bonus: Now you get to eat whatever yumminess just came out of the oven!

8. Keep a cozy blanket or two handy (on the back of a couch, for instance) in case you (or a family member) get a little chill. It’s much more energy and cost efficient to snuggle in a blanket for a few minutes to warm up than it is to turn up the thermostat.

There you have it! 8 easy ways to make your home more energy efficient this winter.

OK, now you can go snuggle up on the couch with your book and hot chocolate.