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Chilly winter weather is synonymous with cozy sweaters, hot cocoa -- and steep energy bills. It's no surprise that running the heating system on high nonstop pushes monthly costs sky high. But there's no reason to go broke staying warm. Here are 15 energy-efficient tips that should make heating bills less burdensome.

Take the heat down a notch. Each degree lower on the thermostat for a period of at least eight hours -- when everyone is asleep or at work -- can cut the heating bill by 1 percent, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Energy. This doesn't mean freezing at night. Just throw on warmer pajamas or snuggle under an extra blanket.

Install a programmable thermostat. Anyone afraid they won't remember to turn down the heat before leaving the house or going to bed should consider installing a programmable thermostat. These nifty devices control the indoor temperature 24/7 and will generate the most savings if no one messes with the settings when they feel chilly. Grab a sweater instead.

Reduce drafts. Realize savings up to 30 percent on energy bills by covering up drafty windows and doors and sealing air leaks, according to the Department of Energy. A rolled-up towel is an easy and cheap way to stop a draft. Seal small spaces open to the outdoors with a scrap of fabric or an old necktie filled with sand. Cover up windows with insulating plastic to keep heat in.

Install storm doors and windows. This is a more permanent way to cut down on drafts that enter the house through inefficient doors and windows. The home improvement site ImproveNet lays out the costs and the pros and cons of this project, and asserts it can boost a home's energy efficiency by 45 percent.

Change furnace filters. Dirty furnace filters can restrict airflow, making the heating system work harder, which in turn can boost heating bills. Filters should be cleaned or replaced monthly during the cold season. Keeping tabs on the furnace filter also can pare medical bills. The more efficient the filter, the more allergens and debris it catches, thus preventing these irritants from circulating in the air.