Keep your energy bill and your pollution output low this winter by taking a whole-house approach to heating.

Start with setting your thermostat as low as is comfortable. A programmable thermostat can help by adjusting the temperature according to your schedule--it can cut back heating at night, for instance, and turn it up again before you rise in the morning. It's also important to weatherize your home--caulk and weatherstrip any doors and windows that leak air. Make sure your equipment is properly maintained and cleaned, and that furnace filters are replaced regularly. Finally, insulation is inadequate in many homes. Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area.