Like many when you read this title, you are probably thinking it is a bit early for heating tips. Actually, the energy use for the air conditioner simply switches to heating the air. Conservation of both is vital and we need to get ready before a sudden change of weather. Know your plan of action before the time to implement action. You can make your income go farther this winter if you make a few simple changes.

1. Lower the thermostat two degrees from where you usually set it.

2. Turn the thermostat down to 60 or 65 degrees when you are sleeping. The Department of Energy estimates that you can save 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills just by a 10 to 15 percent adjustment during the eight hours you are sleeping.

3. Minimize the use bathroom and kitchen fans. In slightly less than one hour, a bathroom fan can suck the heated air out of an average sized house.

4. Close the fireplace damper when the fireplace is not in use. Close to eight percent of the heated air in your home can escape when the damper is open.

5. Put up drapes to add an extra layer of insulation. Close them at night to retain heat and open them on sunny days to let the heat in.

6. Reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Seal air leaks around windows and doors using caulk or weatherstripping.

8. Install storm windows. If that is too costly, invest in a plastic window insulating kit sold in hardware stores.

9. Keep your heating system in good repair and clean or replace the filter regularly.

10. Contact your utility company to schedule a home energy audit.