Want to save money on your heating and energy bills this winter? With natural gas and heating oil prices skyrocketing, it's a good idea to do everything you can to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. Below you'll find a few useful tips to help you save energy and lower those bills this year.



Easy and inexpensive energy-saving tips:

1. Add new attic insulation -- Many home attics are much warmer than they should be, and lose a lot more heat than they ought to. Making sure you have at least 12 inches of insulation in your attic is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on your heating bills.

2. Check your windows -- Minimize the loss of warm air from your home by repairing any broken or cracked glass. Putty old windows and make sure that they close properly. Also, consider adding new weatherstripping and caulking the frames around windows.

3. Check your doors -- Make sure all of your external doors close tightly. Replace any doorknobs, latches, and striker plates that don't work properly. Also, consider adding weatherstripping and caulking door frames as well.

4. Check the fireplace -- Make sure that it has a tight-sealing damper and that you close it when not using the fireplace. If you never use the fireplace install a chimney block to eliminate heat loss through the chimney.

5. Use energy-efficient light bulbs -- Replace all of your old incandescent light bulbs with newer energy-efficient bulbs. They'll help you save on your electric bill and you may even be able to get a rebate from your utility company by using them.

6. Install low-flow showerheads -- Over time these can save you quite a bit on your energy and water bills.

7. Reduce your hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit -- Many people keep the water in their tanks way too hot. Lower the thermostat and save a bunch of money.

Other energy-saving improvements you may want to consider:

(Note: These improvements are more "involved" and costly but well worth the investment in the long-run.)

1. Install automatic setback thermostats that adjust your home's heat on a schedule.

2. Add new insulation to your walls, basement, crawlspaces, and flooring.

3. Install exterior storm windows.

4. Replace your normal curtains with tight-sealing or insulated window coverings