ATLANTA -- The U.S. Energy Department warned that home heating costs will be going up – but not here in Georgia. In fact, Consumer Advisor Clark Howard has some good news for us – and we could use some good news about our wallets these days. Clark says now is the perfect time to lock in your natural gas rate. It’s also the perfect time to get your house ready for winter.

When it comes to being energy efficient around the house, you have to make smart choices. For instance, energy efficient windows? Consumer author Greg Karp said it’ll take decades and decades to earn your money back.

VIDEO: Clark Howard Saves You Money This Winter

“If you’re replacing them for cosmetic reasons or some other reasons, that’s fine, go ahead and get energy efficient windows because you can make up the price difference. But between replacing perfectly good windows and energy efficient ones, it’s just not worthwhile from your pocketbook standpoint,” said Karp.

“But I’ll show you something that does pay back and is a no brainer,” said Clark. “Putting weather stripping around doors and windows. It’s extra cheap to do and you can even do it yourself.”

Clark also recommends you insulate your attic for a way to save money and get a quick payback. “Most of us don’t have nearly enough insulation in our attic and it’s cheap! You get a fast, fast, fast pay back,” said Clark.

Have a fireplace? Don’t expect it to keep you warm.

“Fireplaces are great for aesthetics and ambiance, but they’re not a great heat source,” said Karp. “They suck more heated air from the room and throw it up the chimney than they do give off in radiant heat, so it’s actually a net loss of heat when you’re running the fireplace.”

“Now my best plan to save this winter is to wear coats indoors, but my wife throws the flag on that,” said Clark. “So the second best alternative is to get the best deal on natural gas, which this month is from Walton EMC. Walton EMC will offer you a fixed price for a year for 99 cents a therm.”

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