Dr. Frances Graham, extension housing specialist at Mississippi State University, said up to 33 percent of heat in homes is lost through uninsulated ceilings. Proper insulation is a key factor for minimizing heating bills during the winter.
Cold air can seep into a house through unsealed spaces.
The housing specialist also recommended weather stripping around doors and windows to close gaps. Set thermostats on the lowest comfortable temperature during the cooler seasons. Graham said to decrease the setting on the thermostat by about 10 degrees before leaving town for a few days, and do not turn it up suddenly when arriving home again. Also remember to change filters once a month. Clean filters help maintain clean air and provide a more efficient system.