Don’t get stuck with impossible insulation or a failing furnace. Instead, use these savvy ways to save energy and freeze out the frost by looking:

For every degree you set back your thermostat back, you’ll save 3% on heating costs. Try these easy ideas:

Under doors Place a rolled bath towel under a drafty door. Why? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, decreasing drafts can reduce your energy use by 5 to 30 percent.

On the ceiling Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to push warm air downward.

In the basement Clean your furnace filter once a month during the heating season for increased

airflow, and consider switching to a permanent filter, which traps around 88 percent of debris.

Online Free stuff? Sure! Some states offer energy-saver incentives, like free programmable thermostats and insulation upgrades. Visit

the Database of State Incentivesfor Renewables and Efficiency (dsireusa.org) for potential deals.

In the garage Mount snow tires on a spare set of used wheels. With increased traction, you will have better stopping power.

Around the house Rearrange furniture to make sure heating vents aren’t blocked.

In the attic Make sure you have at least 12 inches of insulation lining your attic to keep heat from escaping through the roof. Get out of the cold this season with these cheap winter vacations!

Sources: thedailygreen.com, MSN Real Estate, shekell.com, movingmavins.com, Family Handyman, House Smarts TV, bargaineering.com.

Photo: Eric Bean/Getty Images