• Contacting your electric or gas utility to set up an equal payment plan to spread high winter bills over a 12-month period.
  
  
• Turning your thermostat down can save up to 3% for each degree of reduction.  A programmable thermostat that automatically reduces heat at night or while the house is unoccupied can lower heating bills by 5 to 10%.
  
  
• Asking for an energy audit by the utility that provides your heating.  Utilities are required to provide free energy audits.  They also provide incentives such as rebates or loans available to customers.
  
  
• Sealing gaps, leaks and small holes in ductwork account for as much as 25% of home heating loss.  You can get a tax credit of up to $250 for a well-designed and sealed duct system in your new home or for sealing existing ductwork.  Contractors doing the work must be certified by the Oregon Department of Energy, so call 1-800-221-8035.
  
  
• Updating low-efficiency furnaces and water heaters with higher-efficiency models.  All three natural gas companies offer a rebate for doing so. Customers of Northwest Natural must contact the Energy Trust of Oregon at 1-866-368-7878.  Premium efficiency furnaces can also qualify for a state tax credit from the Oregon Department of Energy.  Check qualifying equipment at www.oregon.gov/energy.
  
  
• Fully insulating your residence generally results in up to 30% savings on a heating bill.
  
  
• Clean or change the furnace filter once a month during the heating season.
  
  
• Bill payment assistance information is available from all gas utilities.

http://www.warmoregon.org