To some couples, nothing is more romantic than relaxing in front of a fireplace. Not only are fireplaces good for romance, though, but they are also great for heating your home. As long as you follow the necessary safety rules when using a fireplace to heat your home, it can be a very economical alternative to heating with a regular furnace. You could also make using the fireplace fun, especially if you have children. Creating supervised activities such as roasting marshmallows in the fireplace, is a wonderful form of entertainment--while simultaneously keeping everyone warm.

If your home doesn't contain the proper insulation and you feel cold drafts of air rushing in through cracks and other openings, you could be paying higher heating bills than necessary. Doors that aren't close enough to the floor also allow heat to escape, which is equivalent to throwing away money. Ensuring that your home is properly insulated is very important if you expect to save money on your bills. If you aren't confident in your own abilities, perhaps hiring a reasonably-priced contractor to install insulation in your home would be possible.

Sometimes lowering the amount of energy that your furnace uses can be as simple as replacing the filter regularly. If allowed to collect debris for months and years, your furnace can become clogged, which could cause it to operate improperly. Improper operation can mean that your furnace will either work harder, causing your heating bills to sky rocket, or not work at all, causing you to need your furnace repaired or replaced. Either problem can be potentially costly, when all you need to do to help your furnace remain in good working order is to simply change the filters every 90 days or so. Of course a simple filter isn't the only way to keep your furnace working efficiently, but it will certainly help more than you would expect.

If after putting all the tips to use you still find yourself having difficulty paying your winter utility bills, there is assistance available. Many nonprofit organizations offer aid through special funding that they receive in order to help those with trouble paying heating and other utilities. There is also the option of getting on the budget plan that most heating providers offer. By signing up for the budget plan, you'll make the same monthly payment year round, so you'll always know what to expect. Sometimes investing in a new, super energy efficient furnace is a good way to lower your heating bills, and although it may be a huge expense, it's a one-time cost, which can save you a great deal of money in the future. If you are simply a cold-natured person, then investing in some warm flannel sheets and pajamas, cozy slippers, and some extra blankets in order to stay warm instead of cranking up the heat can certainly make a big difference in your heating bill.