In some areas, a heavy frost is already decorating the ground. There is great concern around the country about middle-class families being able to heat their homes this winter season. With the cost of heating oil and the raising of minimum delivery amounts by many oil companies, $800 monthly heating bills are something many consumers can not cope with.

There are ways to conserve the heat in your home and help keep your bills lower, by not needing as much oil as often. Here are 8 ways to slash your heating bills and make them more manageable this upcoming winter season.

1. Clean Your Furnace - It is essential to saving money! If your heating unit is dirty and clogged, it will not function properly. It may cost a some money for a professional cleaning but it is worth it. Without clean filters and proper maintenance, you might as well open your window and start throwing out your cash. Improperly functioning or leaky units can increase your bills by 25%.

2. Insulate Your Home - This too is an additional upfront cost, but it is an action that will save you money for years down the line. The attic, if not already insulated, should be a top priority. Since heat rises, all of your hard-earned money can be floating out through your roof. Rolls of insulation are not very expensive and can be found at any home improvement store. All you need to do is measure the square footage of the attic space and take the numbers to the store with you. The insulation you buy should be greater than R-13 and no higher than R-30. You do not need to hire a professional for the job either. But make sure you use gloves and a face mask to work with the insulation.

3. Repair the Leaks- Do a thorough check of windows and around doors for drafts. Any such leak is letting your precious heat out. If you can’t replace windows or do more major repairs, put heavy towels or even plastic around the windows during the coldest months to keep the heat in. You can also put weather stripping around your doors and buy foam insulation to fill in the other cracks around the home. You’ll be surprised at how many cracks you can actually end up finding around the home.

4. Keep the Thermostat Lower - By adjusting the thermostat to just a few degrees to the low side, you can save a lot of money. Don’t freeze yourself out but there is nothing wrong with cuddling up under a throw blanket to stay toasty. If you work during the day and no one is in the house, remember to turn down the thermostat each morning and then turn it back up in the evenings when the sun goes down.

5. Close Off Unused Rooms - Many times there are spaces in the house people never venture. In those rooms, close off the vents and keep the doors shut to keep the needed heat out. There is no point in heating unused rooms and you can end up shaving a lot of money off your monthly bill.

6. Use the Drapes - During the daylight hours, keep your drapes open to let the sun naturally heat the interior of your house. In the evenings, close them up to acts as an extra insulator against losing heat.

7. Turn Down the Hot Water Heater - Turning the hot water temperature down by just 10 degrees (no lower that 120 degrees can help save money throughout the month but still allow for warm showers.

8. Remain Aware - Instead of fretting over the rising cost of heating oil, spend more time being aware of your living habits. Close the doors as soon as you come in and prevent the precious heat from escaping simply from laziness. Get to work well before the cold weather comes when weatherproofing and winterizing your home. Once the cold strikes, you may be highly unmotivated to get the jobs done. Plus, you’ll already be starting off the season already losing money.