Wise use of energy can also help reduce utility bills. Here are some ways to save:

• Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
• Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
• Cover windows with insulated drapes, shades, or shutters to help slow heat loss through the glass. (Plastic and bubble wrap work well too!)
• Bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.

For more energy-saving ideas visit www.nstaronline.com.

Do you have an energy-saving tip to share? Send it to editor@harvardpress.com.