Properly maintain your heating system. Heating can account for almost half of the average family's winter energy bill.  Make sure your furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. A well maintained system can trim your heating bill by as much as 10 to 20 percent (versus an unmaintained system).

Install a programmable thermostat. The energy savings will offset the cost of a basic unit in less than a year.  Programming your thermostat from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day while no one is home, or while everyone is tucked in bed, will cut your heating bill up to 10 percent.

Insulate heating ducts and keep them in good repair to prevent heat loss.  Your system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register, if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.

Cut your energy bills by up to 30 percent with Energy Star-labeled products. Look for the Energy Star label, the government's symbol for energy efficiency, when replacing your heating and cooling systems.

The Truth About Energy

The American Gas Association predicts the price of natural gas to increase by 30% in the next 2 years.

To offset these costs, the U.S. Department of Energy is recommending that homeowners have their comfort systems serviced at least once a year.

Servicing your furnace or A/C unit once a year can decrease your energy bill by as much as 10% a year or by $30/month.

As well as keep your furnace or A/C unit true to its AFUE/SEER rating, allowing it to run smooth and efficient.