Here's the one big thing you can do to save on your heating bill this winter

As the weather sets in, an age-old argument is heating up in homes across the country: What's the best way to set the thermostat?

Whether you resist turning on the heat until you have donned long underwear and two sweaters or constantly adjust the thermostat settings for optimum comfort, you can't escape the fact that heating is likely one of the biggest expenses in your home.

If you're serious about heating your home efficiently, look beyond your thermostat dial and ask yourself if your system meets your needs.

Natural gas heating is an effective way to keep your home consistently warm this winter.

Combined with these simple energy-saving tips, you can heat your home with natural gas affordably and effectively without bickering about your home's thermostat strategy.

Simple energy-saving tips for heating your home this winter

• Learn where your furnace filter is and clean or replace it regularly.
• Lower your thermostat by two or three degrees, especially at night or when you're out of the house.
• Keep your vents and baseboards clean and clear of carpets and furniture.
• Close the damper on your fireplace to prevent heat from escaping.
• Open curtains when the sun is out and close them at night.

Even if your thermostat strategy is objectively correct, there's plenty more you can do to heat your home efficiently this winter. From the larger adjustments, like switching to natural gas, to the small, such as not heating rooms you rarely use, you can stay nice and cozy without breaking the bank.