It's the first day of winter, and as we get the chills we crank up the heat and up go the bills. But it doesn't have to be that way even with gas and electricity shortages and escalating energy costs. Here's how smart homeowners save (when Old Man Winter rants and raves) without drastically changing their lifestyle. First, turn off everything you're not using and unplug any idle electronic equipment (even TVs and VCRs that are off draw a small amount of electricity). Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescence, set heating at 68 degrees and use programmable thermostats for maximum on/off control and energy-efficiency. Opening drapes on sunny days helps to warm rooms. Change furnace filters often (monthly is best). Also, caulk or weatherstrip windows, doors and pipes or anywhere else air can leak in or out of your house. Then when Old Man Winter comes a-calling, your energy costs will still be a-falling. And that's the On The House tip for today.