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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- It seems like the cold weather has come back with a vengeance, and we need to get our homes prepared.

During the winter months, many of us crank the heat up in our homes.

October is "Energy Awareness Month," and Ameren Missouri wants you to know that there are ways you can protect your home from the cold this winter and save some money on your utility bill.

“Try to figure out where you're filter is and make sure that it's clean, or does it need to be replaced,” said Ameren Missouri Spokeswoman Annette Sweet.  

“Also, look for areas around your windows and doors that air is coming in and also install a programmable thermostat because they will really save you some money.”

Sweet said after the first of the year, Ameren Missouri is going to have an energy efficiency program where it will have incentives or offer rebates on different products.

So, she says if you're thinking about doing something major to your home, you might want to wait until after January 1.