Temperatures have dropped in recent weeks, prompting many to reach for the thermostat.

There are ways to ensure you heat your home efficiently and save money this winter. Some upgrades may even qualify for a refund or tax credit.

The two biggest elements that contribute to home energy efficiency are typically the heating and cooling system and the “building envelope,” or any components that separate the inside and outside, said Rachel Goodgal, government affairs manager for the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance.

“Of course they work together. “The tighter your building envelope, the less hard your HVAC system has to work,” Goodgal said.

But before starting a big project like replacing a furnace or installing insulation, Goodgal says homeowners and renters can look for smaller measures to make their homes more comfortable.

This includes cleaning or replacing furnace filters, annual furnace inspection and maintenance, and sealing air leaks around windows and doors.

PPL Electric offers energy saving tips. According to its website, any hidden air leaks from windows, doors, skylights and other openings can be the equivalent of a hole the size of an open window. Leaks can be sealed with caulk or foam caulk.

PPL also recommends the use of insulating curtains or blinds. On south-facing windows, the curtains can be left open during the day to let in sunlight and closed at night to reduce cold and drafts.

If you’re not sure where to start, a home energy audit can provide clues as to which tasks you should tackle first.

During an audit, a certified appraiser conducts a room-by-room inspection as well as a review of previous energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy says assessors may use devices to detect sources of energy loss, such as blower doors, infrared cameras, furnace efficiency meters and surface thermometers. After the audit, the reviewer provides a list of recommendations.

Tax credits and refunds are often available for energy audits and the resulting modernizations.

The Inflation Reduction Act expanded the tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements. By 2032, the law allows people to claim 30% of the cost of the upgrade, up to certain dollar limits.

For example, people can claim a credit of up to $150 per year for home energy audits performed by a certified appraiser. People can claim 30% of the cost of replacing a furnace with an efficient heat pump, up to $2,000.

Goodgal said many utilities offer discounts to people who make efficiency improvements.

“All major electric utilities…are required to have energy efficiency programs in place under Pennsylvania Act 129. Many of the gas utilities also have voluntary efficiency programs,” she said.

PPL offers discounts of up to $500 on attic insulation and up to $100 on a smart thermostat, among other benefits.

The Weatherization Assistance Program can help Pennsylvania residents with upgrades if their income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, that’s $62,400 per year or less.

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