• Repair broken or cracked glass and putty older windows; check to see that windows close properly and window locks pull sashes together.

• Make sure doors close properly;repair or replace non-working doorknobs, latches and striker plates.

• Weatherstrip windows, doors and attic accesses; caulk the frames around windows and doors from the inside using a clear, pliable caulk.

• If you have a fireplace, be sure it is fitted with a tight sealing damper that is closed when the fireplace is not in use. If the fireplace is used infrequently, use a chimney block to eliminate heat loss.

• Caulk foundation cracks and openings. Make sure kitchen and bathroom vent dampers close properly.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent lights. Over its lifetime, a fluorescent bulb will save $30 - $50. Look for rebates from utilities to save you even more. Today's new compact fluorescent bulbs perform even better than the models of a few years ago.

• Install low flow shower heads and faucet aerators to save energy and water.

• Reduce your hot water heater temperature to 120°.

• Repair leaking hot water faucets, tanks and pipes.

In addition, the following improvements can save more money on heating bills, although they generally require a greater up-front investment of time or money. Contact your gas or electric utility to find any rebates or other assistance that they may offer for such measures.

• Install automatic setback thermostats that adjust the heat to your schedule.

• Insulate attics (especially attics with less than seven inches of insulation), walls, and flooring over unheated crawl spaces or basements.

• Install exterior storm windows, including cellar storm windows. For windows that are rarely opened, consider installing interior storm windows.

• If you plan to replace your present oil or gas heating system, select a high efficiency unit with an Annual Fuel Use Efficiency Rating (AFUE) of at least 82 percent. Make sure the heating system is properly "sized" for your home; many systems are too large for the space being heated the result is a considerable waste of dollars.

• Replace standard curtains with tight sealing, insulated or quilted window coverings.