Stay warm without going broke

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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- This summer we saw record high gas and oil prices. And this winter season is gearing up to be just as expensive. If you're sick of paying so much for your energy needs, here are some solutions.

The government is predicting record-high heating costs this winter. Your bills will be 20% higher than last year and this winter will be colder than usual according to Farmers' Almanac.

lf you use heating oil, you can expect an increase of 36% and if you use natural gas to heat your home, you're looking at an increase of almost 24% as a national average.

Last year at this time we never would have advised switching to natural gas if you heat your home with oil. But that's changing.

With oil prices climbing dramatically, switching could save you big bucks in the long run.

Now, making the conversion may cost you around $10,000. But you'll save about $1,000 off your energy bill every year by making the switch says Matt Dean of the Association For Energy Affordability.

And given the rising cost of oil, that could pay off in 8 years.

Plus your heating appliances, like your furnace or your boiler will run more efficiently on natural gas.

Get in touch with your utility company if you're considering the switch.

And if you've always wanted to go solar, but you're not sure about taking that step, consider investing in a solar water heater.

It costs a bit more than conventional heaters, about $5,000, but it can cut your utility bills by 50% to 80%.

Insulate your hot water pipes. These pipes are located off your water heater which is usually in the basement, where temperatures are cooler.

You can buy insulation at any home improvement store.

This insulation helps water stay warm when it gets cold in the basement. And it could drop your water bill by as much as 25%.

You should also check the filter on your furnace. That air filter should be replaced every six months says Dean. But most homeowners keep the filter in for a number of years.

If that filter is clogged, it could drop your furnace's efficiency by 20%.

A new air filter can cost about $20. Ask the person who maintains your furnace how you can purchase one of these filters.

Finally, replace all your lights with an energy efficient bulb. Each bulb can save you between $5 and $10 a year says Dean.