One of our biggest household expenditures is heating, especially during the winter months when our gas and electric bills can be crippling. However, there is plenty we can do to save money, increase efficiency of our heating and help the environment along the way.

From recycling waste paper in log makers to installing solar panels there are numerous ways to that you can all save money, stay warm and protect the environment this winter, here's my top ten ideas:

10 Insulation is one of the most important aspects when it comes to heating our homes. No matter how could your heating system is if all that warmth disappears through the roof you might as well throw money away. Ensuring a loft is properly lagged is not expensive and can save a fortune on your bills.

9 Keep doors shut especially if rooms are not used keep the doors closed.

8 Turn the heating off in rooms that are not used is another simple step. Having a radiator on full blast in the spare room is just wasteful if nobody goes in there.

7 Use draught excluders on exterior doors especially if they are ill fitting.

6 Turn the thermostat down, turning the heating down a notch or two will save money without you probably noticing any difference.

5 Place an extra layer of clothes on. Of course none of us want to walk around our homes in our overcoats but wearing a cardigan will allow you turn the thermostat down a little more without you feeling colder.

4 Ensure your boiler is properly maintained. A faulty boiler will be wasteful and cost a lot more in heating keeping your boiler well-serviced will ensure its running at maximum efficiency.

3 Think about alternate methods of heating and hot water. Solar panels and solar water heating doesn't have to be expensive and can pay for it self relatively quickly.

2 Why not burn waste material, using a wood-burning fireplace is not necessarily bad for the environment especially if you use recycled material and devices like logmakers that will pack it really tight and ensure it burns slowly. Log stores will also ensure logs produced in the log maker stay dry.

1 Energy saving gadgets are relatively inexpensive and can bring a surprising amount of savings. These vary from power socket stand-by savers to various solar powered gadgets.

About the Author:

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in eco-friendly products ideas and innovations. Please contact us if you are interested in recycling, eco gifts a log maker or a log store