"We’ve consulted energy experts, builders, utility consultants and savvy homeowners to come up with 50 ways to cut your heat bill. Some are simple. Some require you to pick up some inexpensive items. All of the tips will help you keep your home or apartment warm and comfortable without breaking the bank."

" Make sure tree branches and other barriers are pruned or removed to give your home more exposure."

" Mail chutes, water faucets and the spot around the dryer vent could all be sending heat and dollars outside. Be sure to secure the obvious openings."

" Have a friend stand outside and shine a high-powered flashlight around the exterior. Any light leaks you see inside translate to heat leaks that should be sealed. The process may look strange, but it’ll save you money."

" Locking your windows helps keep intruders from getting in and it’s also the best way to ensure a tight seal to prevent heat from getting out."

" Seal any visible cracks with the weather stripping or cloth. Newspapers will do if you are on a tight budget."

" If you have older, single pane windows, uses plastic film kits that create the effect of an interior storm window."

" If you don’t want to invest in a full caulking gun, it’s available in aerosol cans, ropes and squeeze tubes at many hardware stores."

" Many perform them for free at low cost and bring in sophisticated equipment that can pinpoint problem areas."

"A dust-free home is not only easy on the eyes, but it also saves you money."

" Make sure vents aren’t obstructed by furniture and draperies and regularly clean them. Dust build-up on your heat registers and radiators interferes with the flow of heat."

" Ceiling fans can help you circulate warm air when it’s cold out. Check for the reverse switch to push warm air down where you want it."

" If there’s a gap, roll up a small rug and place it across the bottom of the doorway."

" Close the vents and registers in unused rooms, but be careful about rooms with water pipes passing under them. They could freeze if the temperatures dip too low."

" Unplug them, close the vents and put a special cover on them to complete the seal."

" Heat rises to your attic and so will your heating bill if you ignore the leaks. A simple seal around the trap door can translate into big savings."

"Basement floors, crawl spaces and your garage can actually waste more heat than drafty doors or windows."

" Set your heat to start a half hour before you come home and when you arrive the chill should be out of the house."

" It can be tweaked to avoid any sluggishness. Also ask them about a steady state efficiency test, so you know it’s running smoothly and safely."

" That’s when you should negotiate fuel contracts for the entire season. Negotiations can be done with other energy sources, like if you get gas from Con Edison."

"Use a sweater and an extra blanket and set the thermostat at 68 degrees during
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