Many of us feel the pinch in both our bank accounts and wallets due to rising food prices and fluctuating energy and gas prices.

How can we keep warm and not break the bank? According to the Alliance to Save Energy, lowering your thermostat by one degree can save you 4 percent on heating costs. Heating costs could be cut by 8 percent if every American household turned down their thermostat just 2 degrees. America could save over $11.3 billion every year.

Americans could use the money saved by lowering thermostats to 2 degrees.

– Feed 11.6 millions families of four for four years -; or, the entire population of New York City or Chicago.

– For one year, fuel 8.4 millions cars

– Four years of expenses at a public or state college, including tuition and room and breakfast, for 237,000 students.

Portable heaters can be a great option if you are feeling chilled by the idea of lowering the thermostat. These heaters allow you to heat only the rooms you need, and not the entire house. Consumers can save hundreds of bucks annually by using portable heaters – a whole oil and gas bill for many homeowners. You can see the savings portable heaters make.

This winter log on www.honeywellheatsavings.comWhere interactive, and free! “savings calculator”It allows you to quickly and easily determine how much heating you could save. You will also find safety tips and other energy-savings information on the site.

Which portable heater is best for you? Decide which rooms you wish to heat. You can choose the best heater by determining the size of your rooms.

Next, you need to decide whether you want the room to be heated or for personal warmth. You can also decide where to place your heater, such as on the table or on a floor.

You can compare the various heaters available in the store – ceramic, baseboard fan-forced radiator, quartz/carbon, fan-forced, fan-forced, and fan-forced – to find the best portable heater for you.

Safety features should be checked. Safety features such as the Honeywell Safety Matters Program include a safety tip over switch, heat protection device, and SafeGuard Alert Badge to ensure the safety of your family.

Before using any household appliance, make sure you read the instructions and the owner’s manual.