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Lowering your heating bill goes beyond reaching for a sweater—even for hardy New Englanders. Cutting costs comes down to saving energy, and Stephanie Vanderbilt, co-owner of Beverly-based Coastal Windows & Exteriors, has a few recommendations for doing so without spending big on new windows or heating systems.

Here, find five tips to keep your house warm and cost-effective all season long.

1. Uncover your vents, then clean them.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget to lift the covers off your vents. After opening them, they deserve a good cleaning. Ensure they’re unblocked and free of debris. “Otherwise, your furnace will be working to push out warm air that will never reach its destination,” says Vanderbilt.

Read the full article here.