Caulk and weather strip around doors, windows and wherever two different building materials or parts of a structure meet.

Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature. Each additional degree adds about 5 percent to heating costs.

Don't set your thermostat higher than the desired temperature. It will not make your home warm up any faster.

Make sure your thermostat is on an inside wall away from windows and doors where a cold draft could make your furnace run harder than necessary.

Leave shades and draperies open on sunny days and allow the sun to help heat your rooms. Remember to close them at night.

Close the fireplace damper when the fireplace is not in use. Add glass fireplace doors to reduce heat loss up the chimney, even when the fireplace is in use.

Make sure registers for supply and return air are not blocked by draperies or furniture.

Clean or replace furnace filters monthly.

Ceiling fans work well in the winter as well as the summer. In winter, reverse the direction of the blades if you can to push warmer air on the ceiling down.

Energy-saving water heating tips

Fix leaky faucets immediately. A steady drip can waste gallons, and the energy used to heat it.

Don't let hot water run continuously when you're shaving or washing dishes.

Break the habit of using hot water when cold water will do.

Maintain your water heater regularly. Once or twice a year turn off the gas or electric power to the water heater and drain the sediment from the bottom of the tank. (Caution: If you have serious scale buildup you may not be able to close the drain tap. Be prepared to shut off the water with the valve at the top of the tank and use a wrench to tighten the drain tap. Use a hose to direct water to a floor drain.)