You want to stay warm during the winter, but your energy bill can rise up as a result. While your heating in your home is designed to keep your house at comfortable temperatures, it can be all too tempting to crank up that thermostat for an extra blast of warmth.

Here are four ways you can use less heat in your home while still staying war this winter so you can save money on your energy bills. These tips can be reversed for the summer so you use less cooling (and save energy) as well:

Choose a temperature and stick to it

The common temperature you should set your thermostat at for winter coziness at home is 72 degrees F in the day and 68 degrees F at night. If no one is home during the day, then turn the thermostat down a few degrees to save even more money. By keeping your thermostat at an even temperature all season long, you use waste less energy while still staying warm, which is comfortable for both your budget and your body.

Invest in down comforters

Down-filled comforters are designed to trap body heat inside the cozy blanket for added warmth and comfort. Invest in down comforters and a few down couch blankets as well so anyone who feels cold during the day can quickly warm up.

Down-filled comforters can be used well into spring and are a quick way to warm up when the temperatures drop suddenly but then begin to rise again so you aren't tempted to touch the thermostat.

Cover your windows

A lot of your home's energy is lost via your windows, so make sure your windows are covered with heavy drapery to keep drafts at bay. In a pinch, you can cover windows with large garbage bags to keep the cool air out if you do not have time to repair them. When the sun is warm don't be afraid to draw your curtains so the sun can come indoors and help warm cool places up.

Keep unused rooms shut tight

There is no sense in heating areas of the home no one is ever in. Close doors to rooms you rarely use, such as the home office, basement or even guest room. This way, you can trap heat where you really want it to be and avoid spending money on warming up square footage that doesn't need to have heat at all.

Contact a residential heating service for more information.