There's nothing like coming home to a warm, cozy house on a cold and windy day. And while you may not be able to escape the frigid temperatures this winter, you can skirt around expensive heating bills and maximize your comfort levels with these tips.

Service your furnace

Your furnace is one of the biggest long-term investment pieces in your home. While hiring someone to come to clean and service your furnace may seem like an added expense, ensuring your furnace and heating system is running smoothly and efficiently will save you a lot of money in the long run.

An average gas furnace tune-up will set you back $150 to $300. If your furnace unit has any damaged components or needs additional cleaning, the cost will vary depending on the size and brand of the unit.

Cover your windows

Floor-length window coverings, especially black out curtains that trap sunlight, will help insulate your windows and block cold air from sweeping through. If you don’t want to sacrifice light, try using window film to add another layer of insulation. These thin films act as a shield, blocking heat as it tries to escape through the windows and reflecting it back inside.

Add a cozy touch with an electric fireplace

Don’t have a gas fireplace? Why not invest in an electric fireplace to help keep your living space warm. Not only do these pieces add a festive, welcoming feel throughout the winter, most new models are surprisingly energy efficient.

Use a humidifier

Believe it or not, moist air actually feels warmer than dry air, so using a humidifier may not only help to keep you warm, but will also allow you to lower your thermostat and save a few dollars. And it will also combat winter dryness!

Additional Measures

And here are a few other things you can do to help with those winter bills and make your home stays much more pleasant during those colder months:

1. Seal air leaks around windows and doors.

2. If you don’t already have one, install a programmable or smart thermostat to program the temperature for different times or control remotely.

3. Open the curtains or blinds during the day and close them at night to keep the heat in. 

4. Close doors in unoccupied rooms.

5. Change your furnace filters regularly.

6. If you have a ceiling fan, spin it clockwise on the lowest setting to help trapped heat move down. 

7. Ensure your vents are clear to allow the air to flow freely.

8. Wear warm clothes and use lots of blankets when resting.

9. Get cookin’! The warmth from the stove and oven will help warm your home.

10. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed when the coals are completely done burning, and use a draft stopper to cover the fireplace opening.

11. If you have an attic or crawl space, make sure it is well-insulated, which can save you an average of 15 percent on your heating bill.

With a little thought, you can stay toasty while saving money this winter. Happy saving!