The whole family had the good fortune of 90 degree temperatures on the first day of fall this year, but those spoils of summer-like weather are gone. As winter settles in and you pull out the kids' ski and sledding gear in preparation for cold weather fun, you also need to be ready for the heating season. Here are some tips from the team at Rochester Gas & Electric to help maximize your home's energy efficiency and minimize your energy bills.

- Set thermostats no higher than 70° and at 58° when you're away from the house for more than a few hours or go to bed for the night. This may not be advisable if you have frail, ill or elderly people or infants in your home.

- Turn down thermostats automatically by installing automatic setback or programmable thermostats.

- Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the  heating season.

- Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm airflow across the floor.

- Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close fireplace dampers when not in use.

- Set water heater temperatures at 120° to cut water heating bills without sacrificing comfort.

- Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.

- Run washing machines and clothes dryers with a full load.

- Open draperies and blinds on sunny days to let the warmth in and close at night to insulate against cold air outside.

Be Sure Your Family Are Safe This Winter

- Protect yourself from a silent killer. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is a product of the incomplete burning of natural gas, propane, gasoline, coal or wood. It can result from a faulty chimney, flue or vent from a    heating appliance or water heater. To protect your family, have your heating system and chimney, flues and vents checked once a year by a professional, and purchase a   carbon monoxide detector for your home.

- Be prepared if you smell natural gas. If you smell that    distinctive odor - it's like the smell of rotten eggs – get up, get out and call RG&E immediately from a neighbor's phone. We'll respond quickly to make sure you and your family is safe.

Remember, for natural gas or carbon monoxide emergencies, call RG&E anytime at 1.800.743.1702. For all non-emergency natural gas services such as furnace problems, no heat or hot water, dryer or stove problems call a trained and certified plumbing and heating or appliance professional.

Having Trouble Paying Your RG&E Bills?

If so, don't wait – contact them at 1.877.266.3492. The sooner you do, the sooner they can work together with you on a   solution.

With RG&E's Budget Billing service, you don't have to worry about seasonal ups and downs in your energy bills. Budget Billing lets you spread your utility costs evenly over 12 months. It's a great tool for planning your monthly budget because you'll know what your RG&E bill is going to be in advance. For more information or to sign up for Budget Billing, visit rge.com or call 1.800.743.2110.

- You might be eligible for a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grant. The 2007-2008 HEAP season begins November 1 and closes when funds are exhausted. Eligibility depends on household income and family size. Contact your local Department of Social Services for more information or to apply for a grant.

- Consider the Red Cross/RG&E Heating Fund, a seasonal energy assistance fund that helps eligible customers cope with unexpected energy emergencies. One-time emergency grants begin in January. Applicants must have a heating shutoff notice in order to apply. Contact your local Red Cross office. The Red Cross/RG&E Heating fund is supported by contributions from RG&E shareholders and customers. To donate or apply for a grant, contact your nearest Red Cross office.

Special thanks to Richard Meier and Lydia Boddie-Rice of RG & E for their contribution of this article.