Avoid blocking heating vents and air returns with furniture, draperies or carpet.

Consider storm or thermal windows and doors or double-paned glass. A less-expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to retain heat or air conditioning.

Purchase some inexpensive, pre-cut insulation gaskets and seal out the cold air entering your home through electrical switches and outlet plates, particularly those on outside walls.

A dirty furnace filter can drive up the cost of heating your home. Change or clean filters in heating and cooling units at least four times a year.

Check to see if your attic and crawlspace and/or basement have recommended levels of insulation. Add insulation as needed.

A humidifier - either on your furnace or as a separate unit - can help control heating costs. You'll feel warmer in moist air, so you can set your thermostat lower.

Closets and cabinets on outside walls can leak a great deal of air, so make sure the doors fit snugly and keep them tightly closed.

If you have ceiling fans, make sure the mountings are snug and tight. Use clear caulking to seal any leaks. Even minor cracks around the base can let in lots of cold air.

Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly in cold weather. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a household of warm air.

Set water heater temperature at 120 degrees and install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets. Water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators save up to 50% on your hot water use. Simply unscrew the old one and screw on the new one.

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*Energy-savings are based on information from the Department of Energy's web site at energy.gov.

**These actions can save you money with a gas furnace but may drive your energy bills higher with some electric heat pumps.

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