Whether you’re heating your South Jersey home with gas, electric or oil, one thing is for sure: The cost to keep your home warm will go up when the weather gets colder. While it’s pretty much inevitable that your heating bill will go up, you can still do some things to help control just how much you’ll pay.

There are plenty of ways to save money on this winter’s heating bill. Sure, some of these methods cost money, but, there are also many low-cost, or even free, things you can do to make an impact on your heating bill. Put them all together and they can add up to substantial savings.

Here are some tips to save money on this winter’s heating bill...

Work your windows

Windows may be great for viewing a beautiful, snowy day. But, they’re lousy for keeping that winter weather outside.

On average, windows take up around 20 percent of the wall space in a house. They also lose more heat than any other surface in your home. Even insulated outer walls don’t necessarily make up for the heat you’ll lose through windows.

A recent Energy Star study showed the impacts of different windows. You can save anywhere from $27 to $465 a season by upgrading from single-pane to double-pane or clear glass windows. This may be a cost up front, but will help you for years to come. 

Fortunately, there are also many inexpensive ways that don't involve replacements, to make your windows retain heat better in the wintertime. Shades are a good start, and the heavier the better. Open them in the afternoon so the glass magnifies the heat from the sunlight. Then, close them when it gets dark and chilly. That will help block any drafts coming in. You can also get cellular shades specifically made for insulation.

Other options include caulking or weatherstripping the window frames. Or, you can invest in draft blockers. These are cloth tubes with insulation in them that go at the bottom of a window and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can buy them for under $20 each, or save money and make your own if you're crafty.

Enhance your interior

Even inside your house, there are plenty of ways to save a few bucks on your bills without spending much.

For starters, remember to reverse your ceiling fan blades in the winter. It may seem like the last thing you'd want running this time of year are ceiling fans. But, they can actually conserve heat if you use them the right way.

The trick is to turn the blades from counterclockwise to clockwise in the fall and keep them at a low speed. There’s usually a switch on the assembly you can reach easily. Now, the blades will push the hot air that’s rising back down into the room.

Winter’s also a good time for rearranging furniture. Are couches, wall units or other big pieces blocking any vents? Make sure each vent has 18 inches of open space around it. That makes enough space for warm air to spread.

While you're moving things around, consider some light redecorating, too. Fleece and flannel blankets, for instance can go a long way.

Draping some heavy and aesthetically-pleasing blankets can serve a few purposes. They’ll also help keep you warm if you decide to lower your thermostat anywhere from three to ten degrees — a move that can save you up to 10 percent on your heating bill.

Make the most of your heater

Of course, conserving heat starts with your heat source. The best way to make sure you're saving money on your heating bill this winter is to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape. That means air isn't getting blocked somewhere in the system, and that heat isn't escaping.

You’ll use less energy, and pay less money when your heater is working efficiently. You can start yourself just by changing the air filter every four months. This ensures that dust and debris don't get into your system, whole air travels freely.

After that, it's a good idea to get an inspection before winter really rolls in. A certified technician can clean, lubricate and otherwise optimize your heater’s inner components. They'll also head off any potential problems that could cost you a lot at once.

If a part is worn down, it's more likely to break when the system is working hard. That could leave you in the dead of winter paying extra for emergency service. Nipping a problem like that in the bud can go a long way toward keeping your energy bills low until the first buds of spring appear.