Saving on heating costs

[bjl584]

A few interesting ideas:

Ask your utility company if they offer an energy audit
You may be able to receive free light bulbs, discounts on window caulking, or interest free loans for insulation

Plastic over old drafty windows can help keep in heat

Upgrade an old furnace to a more modern unit if in the budget

After baking, open the oven door to let the heat out into the room

Winterize your bed with wool or heavy blankets and comforters

[myrdale]

I have an electrical space heater I use to only heat the room I'm in and keep the door closed (until the cat wakes up, he hates closed doors ><! ).

[ua_guy]

One that a lot of people miss is regular inspection of their furnace and duct work. Insulation can become damaged, ducts can become separated, and other leaks can develop, needlessly increasing energy consumption.

Same with older doors and windows. Make sure original weather seals and stripping are in-tact and functioning as designed. Sometimes those things wear out or get torn off, or the structure settles in a way that creates a gap that a seal can't close. Consider replacing worn seals or adding additional material. A roll of door/window weatherstripping at the hardware store is only a few dollars.

[Fishindude77]

Insulation and weather sealing are by far the most important and most economical ways to control heating and cooling energy use.

Not everyone can do this, but we use a woodstove for supplemental heat in the extreme cold periods.
Can't beat the comfort of a hot wood fire in the winter.

[Stump1000]

Turning down the thermostat just 1 or 2 degrees can already shave a good amount off the bill. Layering up indoors helps too.

[ua_guy]

I'm also a fan of heating schedules. You can program most modern thermostats to bump down a couple of degrees overnight (put extra blankets on the bed), or when you're away.

Most people shiver when we say we only keep our house at 67 or 68 degrees in the winter. It's cool if you're not used to it. We have become used to it over time. I'll sweat at 68 degrees if I'm moving around inside the house much.