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Energy Conservation Begins at Home

Let's face it: Staying warm enough this time of year (without wearing a parka inside the house) is expensive. With winter approaching, it's a good time to get your home ready for the cold temperatures ahead.

Check out these 20 strategies for lowering your heating bills, saving resources, and helping to preserve the planet.

1. Wear appropriate winter clothing. Put on a sweater (and turn down the thermostat).

2. Harness the sun. Open south-facing window shades and drapes during the day and close them at night.

3. Flip a switch. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.

4. Give your computer a rest. Your computer's sleep mode (if activated) will let you power it down when sitting idle -- which can save $25 to $75 per year in energy costs. Or simply turn the computer and monitor off when they're not in use -- as well as the printer, copier, and fax machine.

5. Ditto with other equipment. Unplug all your electronic toys (TVs, DVD players, VCRs, cell-phone chargers) to keep them from using electricity when they're not in use.

6. Make your ceiling fan do the work. Most fans have a switch that lets you reverse the motor. The resulting updraft forces warm air near the ceiling down to where it can make you and your family feel more comfortable.