With gas and energy costs rising while the U.S. economy is struggling, looking ahead to the winter months could be daunting for many Americans.

Interactive: Leaks That Waste Energy

Following these tips could help you save on energy bills as you heat your home during the chilly months.

Monitor Your Thermostat: Consider setting your thermostat to 68-72 degrees while you're home during the day, and then lowering it to 60-65 degrees at night. Also, try to remember to lower the temperature in your home when you're away, too. Lowering the temperature on a regular basis can save you a significant amount on your monthly energy bill.

Maintain Your Furnace: Changing your filter monthly allows the heating system to operate more smoothly. Also, check your system for duct leaks. Leaks can be incredibly expensive, as they could leak hundreds of dollars worthy of heat into your attic or crawl space.

Insulate: If you're paying for heat, make sure it stays where it's supposed to be. One way to ensure that is to make sure your ducts are properly insulated. Also, make sure you have plenty of insulation in your ceiling.

Check Your Windows: A large percentage of the heat in your home can be lost through the windows and doors. One way to minimize the leaking is to seal the windows. Windows can be sealed inexpensively by using plastic window film. Also, seal the window edges and cracks with caulk.