With the mercury dropping, it's time to get out those extra blankets, and maybe even that fluffy comforter in preparation for the cold months ahead. And, along with the cooler clime, you can expect hefty heating bills.

Although cold floors, walls and attics result from winter, this season doesn't have to be the chilling experience that it has been in the past. Most of us are aware of the importance of insulation and how valuable it is in holding in heat and reducing energy waste. But there are several other important ways to improve energy-efficiency in your home that are inexpensive and easy.

Infiltration control is the term used to describe the process of reducing the passage of air between the inside and outside of the home. And there are several ways this can be accomplished: 1) gasketing electrical outlets, 2) weather-stripping, 3) foam sealant and 4) caulking.

Among the easier and less expensive is gasketing interior electrical outlets. To test just how much air passes through a wall (insulated or not), remove a receptacle or switch cover from an exterior wall. Light a candle and hold it next to the opening. In some cases, the force of the wind will actually blow the candle out - windy day or not.

Fire-safe, precut foam gaskets are available in packages of a dozen or more (depending on brand), and sell for less than $3. Simply unscrew the cover plate, slip on the gasket and replace the cover plate. Longer screws are not required, and the job takes less than two minutes per switch or plug. This should be done at every plug or switch location. Exterior walls are important, but so are interior ones. Many interior walls have penetrations for pipes and wire at the top and/or bottom that allow air to pass through.

Most homes have weather stripping at exterior doors and windows, but the rubber, plastic or cloth material that is used in their manufacture wears out. If the weather stripping is worn, cracked or brittle, repair or replacement is in order.

Many homes we see have weather stripping around the top and sides of the door, but don't have a proper seal at the bottom. As the home shifts from season to season, a gap can occur between the bottom of the door and the top of the threshold. Even if you currently have a weather seal device at the bottom of your exterior door(s), it's a good idea to check that the seal material is in good condition and that it fits tightly against the threshold.

If you have an attic, basement or subarea, it would be wise to foam-seal all penetrations between those areas and the interior of the home. Canned sealants are expensive ($5 to $7 per can) and cover only a small area. Even though manufactures say they can be reused, that is an unlikely event. Hence, if the plan is to foam-seal or foam-reseal, inspect the entire area to be sealed first, hang bright flags at each location and then begin the sealing process. Don't stop sealing until the can is empty.

Caulking at the exterior of the home also is important. Here, two objectives can be accomplished by one procedure: Air infiltration can be reduced and your home will be better prepared to withstand moisture damage from rain or snow.

Use a paintable exterior caulk that contains silicone around door and window trim, and at gaps in the exterior wall covering.

If you perform any of these tasks, your heating bill will go down, your home will be more comfortable and, best of all, you will be a major contributor in the war against waste. If you perform all of these tasks, you simply won't believe the difference.

Remember: Infiltration control should not be done in lieu of insulation, but should be done whether your home is insulated or not. Among the biggest energy wasters found in homes across America are drafty, energy-inefficient exterior doors. Poorly insulated or weather-stripped exterior doors result in uncomfortable living conditions and high utility bills.