Careful maintenance and common-sense actions can help conserve energy. From free or inexpensive changes to investment in more efficient appliances and windows, you can save on your heat bill in winter and enjoy additional savings in other seasons.

Fast and free

Some tips have been around for generations--and work! For example, turn the thermostat down. It is a simple step that gets even more mileage when partnered with turning off the light when you leave a room and shutting the front door firmly--"We’re not trying to heat the neighborhood!" The thermostat offers the biggest savings for your heat bill; especially turning down the heat when you aren’t at home.

Lowering the thermostat from 70 to 55 degrees when you’re on winter vacation could add up to 20% savings. As always, there is a caveat. If you have a heat pump, the heat strip will kick on when you move the thermostat back up. In this case, a two-degree change is recommended to limit use of the heat strip. Lights--even night lights--modems and cable boxes, computers and televisions all consume considerable energy. Some are only a trickle, but, like a faucet, it adds up. Lowering the hot water to 120 degrees or lower should save another 5% or so.

Easy and inexpensive

Replace filters monthly and perform other recommended maintenance on your heater. A simple hint is to use the date you make your mortgage payment as a reminder to maintain the heater. This will work for other monthly maintenance as well. Seal up leaks around windows, doors and any device or wire coming through the wall, like pipes and even cable and power outlets. Ask your hardware store for the proper product for particular uses.

Long-range investment

Some things are expensive but will continue to pay dividends after the cost is recouped. Appliances like the furnace or water heater of today are considerably more efficient than those 10 years or older. Windows have come a long way too. Some of your initial costs could be lessened with credits and grants from a variety of government and utility sources. A comprehensive database of incentives by state is available from www.dsireusa.org. There are even special credits for low-income households, which can be a real blessing in difficult financial times.

All of these measures will pay off during the summer too. If you are looking for ways to reduce your utility bills, your first move might be to arrange a free energy audit from your utility providers. They can provide valuable information on savings in every category, including incentive programs. A final word of caution--make sure you use licensed professionals and check their credentials. If you are a DIY person, check your work twice. Your family’s comfort is the goal, but their safety is more important. .