The latter is true if your home is poorly winterized, since 50 percent of a home's energy needs are credited to heating and cooling costs. By following a few important tips, homeowners can cut down on a home's energy needs during cold weather months to stay warm and save money at the same time.

* Seal air leaks to stop drafts. Kick off your home winterizing project by checking for air leaks. The average home has holes, cracks and gaps that allow as much air leakage as an open window. Running a furnace at higher levels in the middle of winter to compensate for air leaks wastes both energy and money.

First, replace drafty windows and doors. Look for windows and doors that have the Energy Star label. Energy Star windows and doors can help reduce heating costs by 15 percent. One company that has both windows and doors that are Energy Star-qualified is Jeld-Wen. They are designed to limit heat loss during the winter and ultimately save you money.

Also, repair holes or cracks in the attic or basement, and around plumbing and electrical outlets. Caulk, spray foam and weather stripping are the most common materials used to seal these areas and stop drafts.

* Add insulation to save money. Insulation helps a home retain heat during the winter. A lack of insulation forces a home's furnace to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Insulation works best when air leaks are properly sealed.

Replacing or adding insulation to the attic is the easiest way to obtain the largest cost savings. Evaluate how much and what type of insulation is in your home's attic, then verify the recommended insulation level for your geographical location (visit www.energystar.gov). The most common types of insulation are fiberglass, cellulose, rigid foam, rock wool and spray foam.

During the winter, frozen pipes are an unfortunate and costly event. Prevent this occurrence by using heat tape, which is a specialty tape that contains a material that heats up when the tape is wrapped around the pipes.

* Don't ignore what's over your head. The roof can be another potential winterizing hazard if you ignore it. Loose or worn shingles and cracked chimney bricks can lead to water damage and air leaks. It's a good idea to hire a professional roofing inspector every two to three years to perform a detailed inspection of your home's roof and chimney and issue a two-year certification of their condition.

The more thoroughly you prepare in advance, the better your chances of staying warm and cozy this winter. For more information on how to winterize your home, visit Energy Star at www.energystar.gov and Jeld-Wen at www.jeld-wen.com.