Heating bills leaving you cold? Here's how to save money

Hikes in home heating bills pack a punch for household budgets as outdoor temperatures plunge.

Howling winds are even more challenging for people who rely on fixed incomes or live paycheck to paycheck.

There's a little bit of good news this year. Most families are likely to see dips on their heating bills, especially if they use natural gas. The Department of Energy reports that this winter's heating fuel costs should be 14.9 percent less than last year because of lower natural gas prices.

The average household spends about $900 to heat their home in the winter, so this year's savings could be $134 from the lower fuel costs alone.

But let's face it. You're still spending a lot of money. There are ways to trim these heating costs. Nicor and suburban heating repair companies offer these tips:

• Lower the thermostat. Every one degree results in savings of 4 to 5 percent. Lowering from 72 to 68 degrees would save the average household $150 over the winter.

• Learn to love socks - or slippers. If your feet are cold, your whole body will feel cold. The next step if you're still feeling chilly: put on a sweater rather than cranking the heat.

• Call for a checkup. Proper maintenance will help the furnace run more efficiently. Remember to check filters. Dirty filters lead to higher heating costs. Many repair companies don't recommend pleated filters as they force the furnace to work harder.

• Purchase a programmable thermostat. The thermostat allows the homeowner to adjust the heat on a predetermined schedule. A 10 degree setback at night will save 5 to 15 percent on annual heating costs.

• Consider a humidifier. Properly humidified air makes the home feel warmer and more comfortable, so you can keep the thermostat setting lower.

• Turn on the fan. During the winter months, set the blades to go clockwise, recirculating the hot air at the ceiling.

• Cover up the windows. Keep the blinds closed when it's dark. But be sure to let in the light during the day. Those rays of sun help heat the home.

• Don't let it escape. If your home has a fireplace that you're not using, be sure the flue is closed and glass doors are in place to cut down on heat loss.

• Close the vents. In addition to those bathroom ventilation vents, turn kitchen ventilation fans off when they're not needed.

• Wrap the water heater. Buy a low-cost blanket for the water heater to keep the tank warm, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat up the water.

• Lower the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees. For a family of four, this could mean reducing energy use by 15 percent, saving nearly $40 a year.