This article can be filed under the Do-It-Yourself section. There are several suggestions that can help you to reduce your heating bills. With heating costs increasing across the board any savings is appreciated.

Three Ways to Cut Your Winter Heating Bills

Dreading high energy bills this winter? Check out three simple things you can do to keep your monthly air conditioning and heating bills in check. These easy tips also work in the summer, offering year-round savings.

Use these suggestions to save on air conditioning repair, keep your heating bills down, and watch the savings stretch into the warmer months.

1. Inspect your air conditioning and heating unit. "Heating systems fail most often because they're neglected," Energy Star spokeswoman Maria Vargas told Smart Money. A failing HVAC system can increase a monthly bill by up to 20%. Every month after you hire a technician to examine your system, the savings add up. An inspector can tell you when it's time to buy and install a new HVAC system, saving you even more in the long run.

2. Make small changes throughout your home. Caulk and insulation can be a small expense with big results for your heating bill. Sealing off air leaks and replacing degrading insulation are both relatively simple do-it-yourself projects. The EPA notes that a well-sealed home is about 20% more energy efficient than one that isn't, meaning big money saved on your monthly bill.

3. Set Your Heating Unit Down One Degree. What's the easiest way to save about $180 yearly in energy bills? Set your HVAC system down one degree. The Alliance to Save Energy reports a 5% savings for every degree cooler during the winter, and those small changes add up to big savings. As an added bonus, requiring less work from your heating unit means it's more likely to last longer, keeping you toasty warm for seasons to come.

Looking to make a drastic cut in your monthly bill? If your HVAC system is getting old, a replacement can use new energy-efficient technology to dramatically lower your energy costs. Year-round energy savings is within your reach.

Sources: http://www.guidetohomeimprovement.com/heatac/servicearticle/three-ways-to-cut-your-winter-heating-bills.jsp