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1. Make sure you have a good insulation system.
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.

2. Test your home for air tightness;
Caulk and seal air leaks around plumbing, duct work and electrical outlets, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, add caulking around the fireplace hearth.

3. Replace single pane windows with insulated windows (or install shrink fit window insulation kit if replacing windows is not an option.)
Use draperies, blinds, curtains or shutter on all windows to slow the loss of heat through the glass.  Keep window coverings open on sunny days to let in the sun's warmth.  Close them to insulate against colder air at night.

4. Have heating and cooling systems serviced at least once a year. 
Add a humidifier-either on your furnace or as a separate unit.  It can help control heating costs, because moist air feels warmer.

5. Clean or replace filters monthly. 
Check your furnace filter frequently and replace or clean it as needed.  A dirty furnace filter can drive up the cost of heating your home.

6. Check duct work to make sure it is insulated and intact. 
Adjust register openings to keep various rooms of your home at the  desired temperature.  Remember heat rises, so you may want to partially close upstairs registers.

7. Set your thermostat at 68 degrees during the winter. 
Install a programmable setback thermostat to conveniently and effectively control heating costs without sacrificing comfort.  Lower the temperature setting at night and when you are not home.

8. Use ceiling fans to circulate air. 
If you do have ceiling fans, maker sure the mountings are snug and tight.  Use clear caulking to seal any leaks you may find, as 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 houseful of warm air.

9. Open curtains on south facing walls to allow sunlight into the home. 
Rearrange furniture for winter, placing it next to inside, instead of outside walls and away from windows.  Avoid blocking heating registers and air returns with furniture, draperies or carpet.

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

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