There are some simple thing you can do to positively affect your home heating costs. Many of these tips will also save on air-conditioning costs during the warm summer months.

1. Install an automatic setback thermostat to lower the temperature to 60 degrees F. at night and when no one is home.

2. Set water heater temperature at 120 degrees F. When you leave on vacation turn down the temperature on the water heater.

3. Fix leaky or dripping water faucets.

4. Clean or replace air filter on the furnace once a month.

5. Make sure air vents are not blocked.

6. Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors. Add a sweep to the bottom of doors that let cold air in.

7. Install gaskets behind electrical outlet cover plates located on exterior walls.

8. Install glass doors on fireplaces and keep the flue damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.

9. Plant windbreaks to shield your house from the winter wind.

10. Upgrade ceiling insulation to R-38 and wall insulation to R-13. Install R-19 insulation in rim/band joists and R-10 insulation on basement/crawl space walls.

11. When purchasing new windows or a furnace, look for the ENERGY STAR logo which indicates a high efficiency product.

12. Insulate water pipes to the first horizontal pipe runs off the water heater or provide heat traps on both cold and hot water lines. All hot water pipes located in unconditioned basements/crawl spaces should be insulated.

13. Install water heater blankets in accordance with suppliers' specifications.

14. Install low flow shower heads.

15. Consider installation of an instantaneous (tankless) water heater.

16. If you use an electric hot water heater, place it on an insulated pad.

17. Insulate and provide joint sealant on all HVAC duct work.

18. Plug major air leaks, especially in the attic and basement. Seal around electrical wire boxes and plumbing cutaways. Seal around recessed lighting fixtures, but use caution because insulation should not be placed near lights.

19. Caulk around outdoor faucets, wire and pipe holes and where different siding materials meet.

20. Get a home energy rating to evaluate home energy improvements.