If you have any exposed water or drain piping in any un-insulated spaces (such as in a crawlspace, attic, outside walls, etc.), make sure to insulate them with foam insulation (at a minimum). Ideally you should wrap them with electrical heating tape first, then insulate them.

Change Your Furnace Filter

If you have a forced-air system, changing the furnace filter can save you some energy (up to 5 percent) and keep dust down in the house. The system will last longer and be less likely to break down. The most popular 16 X 20-inch duct filter is priced around 50 cents (when bought by the box). Change them monthly during heating season.

You use more hot water in winter. Lower the water heater temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees, and take showers, not baths. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average bath consumes up to 25 gallons of hot water, while a five-minute shower uses up much less — only around 10 gallons. Equipping your showers with low-flow showerheads also dramatically reduces the consumption of water, both hot and cold.

• Heater serviced
• Change filters
• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check hot water heaters for leaks and proper temp setting
• Check insulation under house and on pipes
• Inspect thermostat for function and proper setting
• Close chimney flues (if not being used)

Each degree you lower the thermostat on your heating system decreases your fuel bill by three percent. Going from 72 degrees down to 68 degrees doesn't matter much in terms of comfort, but it can save up to twelve percent on your heating bill. (All temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit.) If you're using a coil-type thermostat, you'll get more accurate readings if you clean it. Pop off the thermostat cover and blow or gently swipe away the dust.