How to save on home heating costs

Whatever your heating source, you can take some simple steps to keep your bill from burning a hole in your wallet this heating season.Bottom of Form

Have a professional test your duct system for air leaks. The Energy Department says gaps, cracks and disconnections in home duct systems are responsible for losing 25% to 40% of the energy generated by the central furnace, heater or air conditioner.

Get your heating system professionally cleaned and tuned to reduce the chance of breakdown midwinter. This simple step improves safety and pays for itself through greater efficiency.

Install a programmable set-back thermostat. Used properly, a programmable thermostat can save you about $100 per year, according to the Energy Star program.

Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. Wear warm clothing indoors during cold weather. An electric blanket is much less expensive than heating your bedroom.

Consider heating your home with a passive solar heating system. Passive systems make use of home design and climate and forgo the need for pumps, fans and electrical equipment.

Insulate your water heater. This will pay for itself in about a year. Be careful not to set the thermostat above 130 F for electric water heaters with an insulating jacket or blanket -- the wiring may overheat.

Open draperies and shades in winter to let in sunshine and close them at night to hold in heat. Remove awnings from sun-exposed windows in cold months. Prune any trees or shrubs that block sunlight.

Avoid the use of kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, and keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use. Turn off heat when the fireplace is being used.

Never use the range or oven to heat the kitchen. This can be dangerous as well as energy-inefficient.

Apply weather stripping around your attic door to prevent heat from escaping.

If wood is plentiful where you live, have a professional install a wood-burning stove.

Dust or vacuum all radiator surfaces frequently. Dust is a wonderful insulator and tends to build up on radiators and baseboard heat vents, keeping heat from dispersing.