Button up your home now against Old Man Winter

We've had a beautiful fall and the weather promises to be unseasonably warm as we head through the first week in October.

But the calendar doesn't lie, and it won't be long until Old Man Winter is doing his best to let himself into our homes.

There haven't been many hurricanes, the economy is slow and there's plenty of natural gas in storage, so the price is relatively low, but doing everything we can to reduce energy consumption is still a good idea.

ACE -- the Public Alliance for Community Energy -- is urging Nebraska gas customers to take advantage of the warm weather to prepare for the coming cold.

Among their tips:

* Inspect windows and doors for drafts and apply/replace caulk to insulate and repair cracks in walls and around doors and windows.

* Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature and dress in layers. Lower it a few degrees before leaving the house or going to bed. If possible, use a programmable thermostat to automatically control your home's temperature.

* Seal leaks in furnace air ducts;

* Change or clean air filters monthly;

* Keep window blinds, shades and draperies open during the day to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close them at night for added insulation.

* Set ceiling fans to run clockwise, drawing air up and keeping warm air circulating;

* Lower your natural gas water heater to 115 or 120 degrees.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program also may be able to help you if you have trouble paying your heating bills. It's a federal program available through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

A little effort now can pay dividends all winter in the form of more comfortable homes and lower energy bills.