COLUMBIA - When the temperatures drop, energy bills tend to rise for homeowners trying to keep their homes warm. Thursday morning brought wind chills below zero, but with the correct heat-saving measures, home interiors can stay warm and save money.

Home Performance Experts' Dan "The Energy Man" Riepe conducts regular energy audits for customers looking to keep heat sealed inside their homes. Riepe uses a blower door to pull air through the home, then checks for temperature changes with an infrared camera. Any cold spots will show up purple and blue, notifying the homeowner of any trouble spots.

Riepe says homeowners need to fix those trouble spots quickly, for two reasons.

"Not only do you feel comfortable in your house, but you're saving money. And you can spend that money on something else," Riepe said.

He says cutting energy costs is easy, just try a few, simple at home tips:

- A programmable thermostat can cut back on energy expenses. Keep temperatures cooler at night and warmer during the day.
- Ceiling fans running on low can spread heat evenly throughout a room.
- Keep furniture away from AC and heat ducts.
- Close chimney flue and seal off unused fireplaces.
- Check that windows and doors are latched.