BRRRRR: We’ve lived in the area our entire life, but it still gets us every year when the weather starts to get really cold.

We’ll never learn.

The frigid air is also hard on our wallets, so it seemed to be just in time when the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) sent us tips on Tuesday on saving energy.

According to the PUC, “Severe cold temperatures put extra demands on utility systems, but energy conservation helps.”

We guess the winter’s hard on everyone.

 • Instead of turning up the heat, add an extra blanket or sweater, if your health permits.

 • Use a programmable thermostat and set it to lower the temperature at night or whenever the house is unoccupied.

 • Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. This includes overhead doors on attached garages.

 • Seal off unused rooms. Close the floor or wall registers and return air vents, and keep the doors closed in those areas.

 • Open south-facing window curtains, drapes and blinds during the day. Close coverings at night to keep the heat in.

 • Weatherstrip and caulk windows.

The commission has more tips on energy conservation on its website, as well as home heating safety tips.

Turns out, more than 20 percent of home fires are related to supplemental room heaters. The PUC got this statistic from the U.S. Fire Administration. Taking an hour to view the list of tips could save you a world of trouble later if it prevents a fire.

Maybe your own home is safe and warm right now, but perhaps you have an elderly or ill neighbor who could use a friend to check on them?

The commission reminded us to check on any neighbor who might need help contacting the utility company if they are experiencing related issues, and there are programs available to help restore utility service to people who qualify.

We don’t know about anybody else, but we could use a little advice right now on how to keep the winter from bringing down our mood.

Should we try to get outside more? We’d try to hibernate, but our boss won’t let us work from home.

Does anyone have any time-worn tips to keep our spirits up that no one talks about anymore? Readers, what do you do to keep the winter blues at bay?