with HGTV’s Pat Simpson

Do you feel the winter winds inside as well as out? You can take a few simple steps to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient in winter.

• Make sure your heating system is operating at top efficiency by having it checked by a heating and air conditioning professional, preferably at least once a year. Many companies offer annual service plans, and, with some companies, having a service plan means you'll get priority service.
• Check your heating and air conditioning filter monthly and change it if needed. Clogged filters make the heating system work harder to circulate air.
• Set the temperature at 68 degrees F or lower. Your heating costs increase about three percent for each degree above 68.
• Install a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature while you are at work or asleep and then raise it back to a comfortable temperature. Turning your thermostat down to 65 degrees F from 72 degrees F for eight hours a day can save as much as ten percent of your heating costs. Remember that a heat pump needs a programmable thermostat made specifically for heat pumps.
• Caulk, seal and weather strip around seams, cracks and openings to the outside, including around doors and windows and around pipes and ducts that go through exterior walls.
  Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlets and switches.
• Add insulation. According to the Department of Energy, one of the more cost-effective ways to cut heating and cooling costs is to add attic insulation.
• Change the direction of ceiling fans so that they will push warm air downward. The blades should be turning clockwise as seen from below.
• If you use your fireplace often or heat with wood, have an annual check by a chimney sweep for creosote and flammable debris. Close the damper when the fireplace is not in use.

For more ways to keep you and your wallet comfortable this winter, go to Analyze Your Home's Energy Use to find out about the online Right Choice™ Home Analyzer, the do-it-yourself energy audit kit, in-home energy audits and the more in-depth Right Choice™ High Tech Audit. Smart Energy Use offers more tools to help you save energy.