When the morning air feels crisp enough to make you reach for a sweater — and the cicadas finally call it quits — it’s a sure sign that fall is here. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for energy goblins to sneak in.

These goblins aren’t the cute, costumed trick-or-treaters who show up on your doorstep. They’re drafts, phantom power drains, and other energy-wasters that lurk in your home all year long. The good news? By taking a few easy and inexpensive steps, you can keep your home cozy and lower your energy bills.

Here’s how to scare away those energy goblins this season:

1. Dial It Down

Sure, Arizona fall mornings may seem comparatively mild, but your heater might still work pretty darn hard. Don’t make it work overtime. As winter nears, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 68°F when you’re home and lowering it when you’re away. Think fiddling with your thermostat settings is too much? Get a smart thermostat and let it do the adjusting for you.

2. Switch It Up

Switch ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air back down where you can enjoy it. Come spring, switch them back. It’s a simple adjustment that can help keep your home cozy. No magic spells required.

3. Breathe Easier

Clogged air filters are like a stuffy nose for your HVAC system — they restrict air flow, making it harder to work efficiently. Swap them out every month, or according to your manufacturer’s guidance, to save energy and avoid overworking your system.

4. Banish Breezy Break-ins

See light around your front door? Feel a mysterious breeze? It’s not ghosts. They’re drafts and they love to sneak into your home through cracks around doors, windows, and even electrical outlets. Stop them in their tracks with weatherstripping, caulk, or door sweeps. Check out our DIY videos here for a quick tutorial.

Extra Help: If you’re a low-income customer, you may qualify for free weatherization upgrades through TEP’s partnership with local agencies.

5. Don’t Let Energy Waste Haunt Your Kitchen

Whether you’re baking pumpkin treats or simmering soups, don’t let your energy use creep up. Keep the heat where it belongs: inside the oven. Use the window to check on your food instead of opening the door. Cover pots with lids for faster cooking, and let your dishwasher do the dirty work. It uses less energy and water than handwashing.

6. Let the Light Chase Away the Chills

In summer, curtains serve as heat shields, protecting your home from intense triple-degree heat. In fall, open them up and let the sun naturally heat your home. Close them at night to keep the cold out and the heat in. It’s free solar heating — no installation required.

7. Light Up Halloween Without Scaring Your Energy Bill

Planning to go all out with your Halloween décor this year? Swap out old string lights for energy-efficient LEDs. They use up to 90% less energy, last longer, and still deliver plenty of eerie glow.

For more tips on fighting energy goblins, visit tep.com/phantom-energy.