Heating
Along with cooling systems, heating accounts for more than half of the energy you use in your home. So it's probably your largest expense. It's also the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. But that also means that heating provides you a greater opportunity to do OneThings to save energy.
Heating for Less
When looking for ways to save energy in your heating system, you should think about your big heating equipment, as well as the supporting equipment, such as thermostats and ducts. You should also consider the possibility of adding supplementary sources of heating like space heaters.
Equipment
When it's time to replace an old furnace, boiler or wood stove, always choose a model with the highest energy efficiency rating. Even if your existing system works fine but is very old, switching to a newer, more efficient system could pay for itself in just a few years of use. If you have electric baseboard heat, you have one of the least efficient systems possible. If your budget allows, consider switching to a more efficient system. And always have your heating system cleaned or checked annually to be sure it's running at its peak efficiency.
If you're ambitious, look into solar heating systems for your home. There are many options available to provide supplemental heat from a free heat source that doesn't pollute.
Thermostats
Install programmable thermostats so you can consistently turn the heat down while you're away or asleep. Also, consider turning your thermostat down a few degrees all the time. You'll likely not notice the difference in comfort, but you can save a lot of energy.
Supplemental Sources
Consider using small space heaters and wood stoves to heat colder rooms rather than turning up your main system. Remember, traditional fireplaces are great for ambience, but don't use them for heating. They actually suck heated air out of your home and up the chimney. And they pollute the air.