Natural gas is a great energy value, costing less than electricity and propane. And ORUD wants to help you save energy and money with 10 simple energy-saving tips.

• Install a programmable thermostat to conveniently and effectively control heating costs without sacrificing comfort. Lower the temperature setting at night and when you’re not home.
• Check your furnace filter frequently, and replace or clean it as needed. A dirty furnace filter can drive up the cost of heating your home.
• Add a humidifier – either on your furnace or as a separate unit. It can help control heating costs because moist air feels warmer.
• Adjust register openings to keep various rooms of your home at the desired temperature. Remember heat rises, so you may want to partially close upstairs registers.
• Use draperies, blinds, curtains or shutters on all windows to slow the loss of heat through the glass. Keep window coverings open on sunny days to let in the sun’s warmth. Close them to insulate against colder air at night.
• Rearrange furniture for winter, placing it next to inside walls and away from windows. Avoid blocking heating registers and air returns with furniture, draperies or carpet.
• Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly in cold weather. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a houseful of warm air.
• If you have ceiling fans, make sure the mountings are snug and tight. Use clear caulking to seal any leaks you may find, as even minor cracks around the base can let in lots of cold air.
• Purchase some inexpensive, pre-cut insulation gaskets and seal out the cold air entering your home through electrical switches and outlet plates, particularly those on outside walls.
• Closets and cabinets on outside walls can leak a great deal of cold air, so make sure the doors fit snugly and keep them tightly closed.