Outside of Denver being buried under dozens of feet of snow (hope you're all doing as well as you can out there!), staying warm this winter hasn't been much of a problem for much of the country. This mild winter can't last, however, so here are some tips on keeping your place warm when Old Man Winter rears his frosty head.>nbsp;

• Let there be light. Open shades and curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let in the sun. Be sure to close them, curtains especially, to add a bit more insulation. While you may not be home during the day to appreciate the mid-day warmth, your apartment should stay warm enough to reduce your heating costs during the day (you are turning your thermostat down before you leave for the day, aren't you?).
• Carpets aren't only for Aladdin. If you have bare floors (tile or hardwood, for example), use rugs to help them feel warmer in the morning and evening.
• Be a draft dodger. If you have a draft, block it. This is best done with weather stripping around leaky doors and windows, but check with your landlord or property manager before attempting anything like that. If that's not an option, even a blanket in front of the door helps reduce the drafts coming in from the bottom of a door.
• In space, no one can hear you shiver. If you spend the majority of your time in one or two rooms, consider the use of a space heater to warm that space instead of using the furnace to heat your whole apartment.
• Listen to your father. As dad used to always say, 'put on a sweater.' Wearing an extra layer of clothing can go a long way in keeping your body temperature up and your heating bill down. And don't forget that thick socks or slippers can help a lot with keeping you warm.
• Be more like Linus from Peanuts - Use a blanket. Why heat the whole place when you're sleeping? Plug in the electric blanket and you can have a most cozy bed, while your house remains at an affordable temperature during the night hours. A blanket with dual temperature controls is best if you share your bed. Nary a couple can agree on the 'right' temperature.
• Change is good. Have your furnace filter changed. A dirty filter makes the furnace have to work harder, decreasing it's efficiency and increasing your heating costs.
• You don't live in a barn. If you have a multi-room apartment, close the door to the unused rooms. And close the vent. If you don't use the room, there's no need to heat it.