Don't Touch That Thermostat, Muskego

Despite warmer than normal temps in December, you know it won't last for long. Rather than pay more or start thermostat wars in your home, try a few or all of these tips to keep the money in your pocket, courtesy of WE Energies.

• Keep blankets handy or put on a sweater while watching TV or reading. Add warm slippers or socks to keep your feet warm.

• Pull drapes and shades at night to keep cold air out. Consider cellular shades for extra insulation.

• Wash windows. Clean windows allow more sunshine to warm a room.

• Retain more heat by closing off your fireplace flue when you're not using it. If you don't use your fireplace, consider stuffing it with insulation to keep heat from going up the chimney.

• Run a humidifier. Humid air feels warmer in winter.

• Retain humidity by keeping your bathroom fan off when showering and letting steam escape to nearby rooms. (Not advised for well-sealed homes.)

• Switch your ceiling fan to blow toward the ceiling. This mixes warm air and cooler air without causing the cooling effect of blowing air downward.

• Move furniture away from radiators, ducts and other heat sources.

• Apply weather-stripping around windows and doors to eliminate drafts. Add a door sweep and place rolled-up towels on windowsills.

• Place a heating pad under your feet while sitting at your desk.

• After you've finished cooking and turned off the oven, leave the door open to let heat into the room.

• Drink tea or other warm beverages. Cupping a hot mug warms cold hands, too.

• Heat only the rooms you're using by closing  doors and vents in unused or infrequently used rooms. This reduces the space being heated. However do not close more than 25 percent of your home's vents. This avoids potential damage to your heating system.