As winter temperatures drop, the potential for higher utility bills goes up. Taking steps ahead of the cold season can help you trim costs and make your home more energy efficient, keeping those utility bills in check even as the winter weather rages.“Many homeowners just assume the winter season means their bills will go up as systems work harder to keep their home regulated,” said Francois Lebrasseur, marketing manager of water products for GE Appliances. “In reality, there are many steps one can take to improve energy efficiency and minimize the added expense that comes with extreme winter temperatures.”According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity costs are on the rise.