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How to save money on your heating bill

Before the temperatures drop, take the time to inspect your window and door frames both inside and out. Check around the outside frame and between the door and inner frame. If you see cracks or daylight anywhere, either caulk or stuff rags into the cracks. If a gap is big enough, do both: Using a butter knife or something similar, stuff strips of cloth into the gap until it's almost even with the outer surface, then cover lightly with caulking. You get the best of both worlds by doing that. Rags are better insulation (besides usually being free), but caulking looks better and will stay in place better. Even if you can't see daylight under the door, keep a rug or draft dodger pushed against it.

If the door doesn't fit snugly in the frame, put strip insulation around the frame to fill in. Again, the rag bag comes to the rescue. Instead of buying strips of foam or felt, you can use any heavy material, or use your own felt salvaged from an old hat or shrunken wool garment. Tack or staple it into place.

Draft stoppers for under the door are easy to make. Cut a piece of sturdy material 8 to 10 inches longer than the door is wide and at least 12 inches wide. Fill it like a taco with dry corn, rice, beans, sawdust or sand, then bring the sides up and sew them together firmly. Gather the ends, leaving a few inches, and tie string or yarn or (go ahead, get fancy) ribbon around it.

Windows are notorious for letting in cold air, so make it a priority to put up storm windows or plastic sheeting over them if possible. First, though, check the frames to make sure they fit well and caulk wherever necessary. If there's a gap in the sash where two windows fit together, caulk or stuff it with rags before covering with storm windows or plastic.

Even if you have good windows, window glass will let in the cold-there's just no way around it. The best protection is to cover that glass with something that will keep in the heat. Window "quilts" are popular, but you can make do with a simple piece of heavy material cut to fit the window frame. Hold it in place with Velcro or tape at night. It really will make a difference.

No need to heat unused areas. Keep closets, pantries and storage areas closed off. Same goes for bedrooms and other rooms which are not in constant use. Open the doors an hour or so before bedtime; and be sure to check inside cabinets for gaps or cracks. These areas are often overlooked.

Insulate electrical receptacles and switches. You can buy foam forms to put in them, but you can just cut pieces of Styrofoam to fit.

Part of keeping warm is thinking you are! To make a room seem warm, use thick textured materials for accents like Afghans, area rugs and pillow covers. Make use of warm colors like reds and golds and arrange the furniture so that people sit closer together. This all contributes to a feeling of warmth-and that's what it's all about.

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