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Save On Energy This September

BOSTON (CBS) - Today is the unofficial last day of summer! The school year is about to start.

It feels more like the beginning of a new year than January first does.

In preparation for the new year folks have been shopping for supplies and clothes for school for weeks. Even adults have begun to buy their fall wardrobes. We begin a new year mentally as we change seasons.

Kids go from the carefree summer fun to settling down in school. I think that carries over to adulthood. Then we have kids of our own and the tradition continues.

I began my fall chore list for garden and house projects this long weekend and then I thought about the personal things I have put off over the summer. Maybe I needed to return to Weight Watchers for a fall tune up.

I was creating New Year's resolutions. First on my list was painting and putting away of the porch furniture. Then I went looking for the Weight Watchers meeting schedule.

Our house has been chilly in the morning and I went looking for something warm to wear to church yesterday.

So added to the list was continuing to work on energy efficiency. Check out the U.S. Department of Energy's website on where to begin.

We have replaced all of our light bulbs with LEDs when we found them on sale.

So what can you do to use less energy? I don't want you to be cold this winter but I don't want you to be broke either.

Get an automatic thermostat. Not expensive. Check your attic. Simply laying insulation up there can reduce your heat loss. Are your windows tight? Can you caulk them yourself? Do you need storm windows or new windows?

Check the doors next. Do you need a storm door or weather stripping? Most of our energy loss is through our attics, windows and doors.

Check what you can do this fall to save on energy costs this winter.

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