Don't overheat. Don't turn your thermostat higher than normal to heat your home faster. It won't work.

Keep your thermostat away from open windows and drafts. The cool air will make your heating system work harder.

Use zone heating. To avoid wasting energy -- and money -- heating a room you're not using, close doors and/or vents to that room. (To avoid damage to your central heating system, close off no more than one-fourth of the area of your home.)

Check the flue. The hot air emitted from your heating system escapes out of your chimney almost as effectively as heat and smoke from your fireplace do. When you're not using the fireplace, close the damper tightly.

Bundle up your home too. Keep all your exterior doors tightly shut and try to avoid frequent in-and-out traffic. Stylish, padded door runners help reduce drafts under doorways (in a pinch, towels also work).

Use solar power. Make the most of sunny mornings by opening your drapes on the eastern and southern windows of your home. In the afternoon, western windows get the most exposure to the sun. On overcast days and at night, close your drapes and shades, and keep your northern windows covered.