Cold days and even colder nights can have you reaching to turn up your thermostat; but there are ways to keep you warm without turning up the heater.

Tom Gauntt with Pacific Power says there are simple things to do, like covering drafty windows with plastic sheeting and try to block drafty doors.

But the simplest money saver:  "If you can remember to lower the thermostat when you're gone or asleep, then you'll be able to make more effective use of when you do need to turn it up to keep nice and cozy, you will have saved that energy from making sure to turn it down at night. So you just kind of maximize the energy that you do use."

Gauntt says also to only wash full loads of laundry and use cold water as much as possible; also only wash full loads in the dishwasher.

You can get more tips at:   www.pacificpower.net.