Much of the heat from your home may be escaping through cracks and other minor openings around your doors and windows (source: U.S. Department of Energy). The following are a few tips that could prevent the loss of heat and help reduce your heating bills.

• Check the insulation in your attic, including your attic hatchway. Poor attic insulation can cost you from 20% to 30% on your heating bill.
• Clean and replace filters in your forced-air heating system once per month during the winter.
• Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans wisely. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a house full of warm air. Turn them off as soon as they have done their job.
• Keep your heating system well tuned with periodic maintenance by a professional service person.
• The American Gas Association and many manufacturers recommend an annual inspection.
• Yankee Gas offers an annual inspection of central heating systems (inspections are performed April 1 through September 30 only). Call us at 1-800-989-0900 to learn more about it.
• Look for air leaks through openings where plumbing or electrical wiring goes through walls, floors and ceilings. Also check for drafts from electrical outlets.
• As an alternative to storm windows, clear plastic film can be taped tightly inside the window frames to stop air leaks. This film can be purchased for about $15 and save as much as 15% per year on heating costs.

Read more energy conservation tips.