Plummeting temperatures and single digit wind chills automatically turn thoughts to climbing energy bills. But even during a temperate winter that sports more spring-like days than blue-cold ones, energy conservation pays off both economically and ecologically.

Plus, homeowners enjoy the dividends of sound energy practices all year long.

"Anytime you tighten your house, you're going to get equal savings in the summer," noted Rebecca Blocker, environmental design specialist with the University Extension, University of Missouri, Lincoln University.

Some creative tips for keeping warm in the winter are cost free, colorful and easy. And they just may provide a much needed decorating boost.

Emphasize patterns and textures in the wintertime, Blocker recommended. Be creative with area rugs, wall hangings or anything that will warm cold spots on walls and floors, she advised.

"Patterns and fuzzy textures that create a busy environment can actually make us feel psychologically and physically warmer," Blocker said. Plus, warm colors -- reds, oranges, yellow and golds -- practically radiate warmth.

Furniture arrangement is another trick that adds warmth to the home without added expense. Blocker recommends grouping furniture away from outside walls. "Focus furniture around a heat source if you have one," she said. "If it is not practical to group furnishings, place bookcases, china cabinets and buffets on exterior walls to add some insulation."

Taking advantage of naturally occurring warmth is another easy energy-saving measure, noted Bob Robins, Southeast office and sales supervisor for Union Electric Co.

"When it's cold outside, either windy or the temperature is really low, make sure the shades and drapes are all closed on the non-sunny side of the house and at night," he said.

On the other hand, remembering to open the drapes on the sunny sides of the home allows the sunshine to work its magic.

Energywise fashions, too, can make a difference. Dark colors absorb heat, while light colors reflect heat. Layers of clothing produce pockets of insulating air that help to trap heat.

But mittens make it difficult to write the utility bill check, so attention to other energy conservation details is in order.

The University Extension puts the percentage of residential energy consumption at 70 percent for heating and cooling, while hot water heaters account for roughly 20 percent and lighting and appliances the remaining 10 percent.

Keep the home heating unit in good repair.

With figures like that, it just makes sense to take a close look at the home heating unit. Here, maintenance -- both by the homeowner and through an annual check-up by a qualified serviceman -- can be the key. Basic steps, like making sure the filters are clean, can be so important, Robins said. Dirt and dust block air flow and impede heat transfer.

Insulation of heating ducts, particularly if they run through unheated spaces like crawl spaces or attics, is another valuable tip, Blocker noted.

Lower the thermostat at night.

Just turning the thermostat down a few degrees at night will also save energy.

"If you're able to turn the thermostat down 5 degrees, from 70 to 65 at night, then in the morning when you turn it back up to 70, it's going to catch up in 30 to 40 minutes," Robins said.

Conduct a home energy audit.

Even if the home's heating unit is in top operating condition and a close eye is kept on temperature control, those positive measures lose impact if the home's heat is keeping the shrubbery warm.

The best way to combat heat loss is through a home energy audit or inspection to see where those cracks and holes are, Blocker explained.

Most people don't realize the amount of heat lost each winter through these almost invisible gaps, she said. "We need to remember heat will always try to go where it's colder. A house will actually try to lose heat in the winter and a great deal of the heat loss is not through loose windows or doors."

For instance, electrical outlets on exterior walls are sneaky spots where heat may be lost. "You should plug these with UL approved gaskets," Blocker said.

"Check anyplace where the floor or wall is penetrated. Caulk around where the cable TV enters, around outdoor faucets and pipes, air-conditioners and gas lines, electrical hookups or telephone wires," she said.

Installation of weatherstripping, interior plastic storm windows or homemade sill casings are other ways to put a plug in heat loss.

Insulate, insulate, insulate.

One of the key ways to keep energy consumption at a minimum is through proper home insulation, explained Robins. "We recommend a minimum of R-30 in an attic," he said, explaining that sidewall insulation should carry an R-value of 17 to 19.

"If you have an attic, be sure you insulate and weatherstrip the door from the attic side," Blocker recommended. Proper attic insulation also needs adequate ventilation.

An attic that is insufficiently ventilated will experience extreme heat build-up in the summer. In the winter, there will be frost on the rafters and roof areas as the air temperature changes from warm to cold. "The proper attic balance is when the temperature in your attic is close to the outside air temperature," Blocker said.

Take some of the steam out of hot.

Taking some of the sting out of the home's hot water will also take some of the punch out of the energy bill, experts say. Blocker recommends setting the hot water heater temperature at 120 degrees.

"Most come from the factory set at 140 or 160 degrees," she said. By lowering the thermostat, "you can save a lot of money and prevent possible burning," she said.

Water heater blankets and foam pipe insulation, too, can prove beneficial, Robins said.

CONSERVATION TIPS

Space heating and cooling tips:

-- During occupied hours, keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees during the winter and 78 degrees during the summer.

-- Close doors to unused rooms and storage spaces.

-- Keep windows shut tightly. A 1/8-inch gap around a window is equal to a 6-inch hole in the wall.

-- Weatherproof windows with inexpensive latex based or rope caulk. The payback period is between two and six months.

Hot Water Tips:

-- Be sure faucets are turned off all the way. One drop a second from a hot water faucet will use 200 gallons of hot water over a month.

-- Turn the water heater off if the house is to be unoccupied for three or more days.

-- Install flow reduction shower heads.

Appliance Tips:

Refrigerator

-- Set thermostat at normal temperature (between 38 degrees and 42 degrees).

-- Place all leftovers in covered containers before placing in the refrigerator.

Oven/Stove:

-- Use flat bottom pans to cover and fit the burner heating element.

-- Cover pans, except when frying, and use as little water as possible.

-- Never boil water in an open pan, boil in a covered pan or kettle.

-- Thaw frozen foods before cooking, unless the package specifies otherwise.

Dishwasher

-- Make sure there is a full load before using.

-- Rinse dishes with unheated tap water before placing in the dishwasher.

-- When using garbage disposal, flush food with cold water.

Lighting Tips:

-- Use the lowest watt bulbs necessary.

-- Clean all fixtures once every three months.