Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature during the winter can be a struggle…for every day that you’re warm, you’re paying out the nose through it. Thankfully, there are some ways that you can be toasty on frigid days without breaking the bank. Here’s how.

1. You could actually service your furnace.

Look, your furnace has been sitting unused for about eight or nine months. It’s a good idea to get it serviced before the worst weather hits, that way you know it’s heating your house efficiently.

2. Slap some bubble wrap onto your windows.

It sounds crazy, but a cheap roll of bubble wrap from a local packing / shipping store could save you some dough this winter. The plastic lets sunlight in and keeps the cold out. Cut bubble wrap sheets to fit your windows, then spray a thin film of water on the glass. The water will make the plastic stick to your windows (without leaving any residue behind).

3. Yep, that’s right: turn your fans ON.

Well, your ceiling fan that is. Warm air rises, so by turning on a ceiling fan in reverse, you can create an updraft that pushes the warm air to the walls and back to the floor. (The blades should be moving clockwise.)

4. Make your radiator more efficient by using foil.

If you use radiators, you can make them more efficient by placing a panel of aluminum foil behind each unit (and against the wall). Instead of heating the wall, your unit will heat the foil, which will reflect the warmth back into the room.

5. Stop running your exhaust fans in the bathroom.

Sure, the fan will remove all of the steamy air and will prevent mold from forming, wallpaper from peeling, and all that. However, it will pull cold air into your living space…which you will then need to warm up with your heater.

6. Get rid of drafts the best you can.

You can keep warm air from escaping under the door by using foam tubing, DIY draft eliminators made from socks, rugs, large fuzzy dogs, and basically anything else you can leave in front of your door. Keep your home cozy!

7. Make your water heater all warm and toasty.

If you insulate your water heater, you could reduce heat loss (about $20 a month, according to the U.S. Department of Energy). Touch your water heater — if it feels warm, you could cover it. However, just check your heater’s manual to ensure it can be covered. Otherwise, you may burn your house down.

8. Don’t abuse your thermostat, guys.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for each degree you lower the temperature on the thermostat for a period of at least eight hours can cut your bill by 1 percent. So, if you don’t go hog wild with the heat, you should be able to save yourself some money.

9. Seal off weak areas with caulking or weather stripping.

Find a place that air could get in (windows, ducts, doors) and seal it off the best you can. The less you let cold air in and warm air out, the more money you’ll save.

These tips might seem like common sense…

(via Yahoo)

…but you won’t be scoffing at them when you see how much money you save this winter.