Tennessee homeowners are feeling the heat from rising electricity costs. While the state still enjoys power rates below the national average, prices here are climbing faster than in most parts of the country.

The reasons are complex. They include extreme weather that pushes the grid to its limits, to the construction of massive, energy-hungry data centers, to rate hikes by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as it invests in new infrastructure. 

In the Tri-Cities, the impact is clear: monthly electric bills have surged, driven by TVA’s price increases and follow-up adjustments from local utilities. The exact amount depends on your provider and how much energy you use, but for many households, the difference shows clearly in the monthly budget. 

The good news? There’s still time this fall to take practical steps that will keep winter heating bills under control. A few targeted home improvements and maintenance tasks can pay off in lower energy use — and a warmer, more comfortable home. 

One of the most valuable investments you can make is a professional heating system for inspection and tune-up. Unless you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer, this is a job best left to an expert, who can check for efficiency issues and make small adjustments that save big money over the course of the season. 

Don’t forget about your ductwork, either. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a central heating system can lose up to 60% of its warm air before it reaches your rooms if ducts are dirty, poorly connected, or uninsulated in unheated areas. Vacuum ducts every three to four years and ensure they’re sealed and insulated. 

Also, stock up on furnace filters and change them regularly. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder — and consume more electricity — to maintain comfort. 

A small upgrade that makes a big difference: install a programmable digital thermostat. These devices automatically adjust temperatures when you’re asleep or away, trimming energy without sacrificing comfort. 

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure the chimney or exhaust is professionally cleaned before the first cold snap. A clean flue improves safety and heating efficiency. 

Once your heating system is ready, it’s time to focus on your home defenses. Start with a thorough check of doors and windows — replacing or adding weather-stripping can block drafts and prevent warm air from escaping. 

Take a slow walk around your home’s perimeter. Look for cracks around pipes, crevices in the foundation, or small gaps where insects and cold air can sneak in. Even minor sealing jobs pay off quickly. 

A clever way to find leaks indoors: light a candle or stick of incense and walk near windows, doors, and baseboards on a breezy day. If the flame or smoke flickers, you’ve found an air leak that’s costing you money. Seal it with caulk or insulation strips. Door sweeps are another simple, inexpensive fix for stopping heat loss under doors. 

Before winter weather sets in, clean your gutters and check the flashings to keep water out. This is also a good time to winterize your garden and store outdoor tools. Drain hoses, insulate any exposed pipes, and trim tree limbs near the house or power lines. 

This one’s easy to overlook but highly effective. By reversing your ceiling fan blades to spin clockwise in winter, you push warm air that collects near the ceiling back down into the room. That extra circulation can cut heating costs by up to 15%. 

Electric rates may keep rising, but your bill doesn’t have to. With a few strategic steps — from professional heating checks to DIY weather proofing you can make your home more energy-efficient and keep more money in your pocket this winter. 

More homeowner tips and advice can be found at House Logic’s tips for saving energy costs at https://www.houselogic.com/ It’s a free service of the National Association of REALTORS® offers tips agents can use for their marketing. It’s also a home base for savvy homeowners looking for information and tips on everything from maintenance advice to cutting energy costs.