(ARA) - Colder temperatures mean turning up the heat, which also can mean a bigger utility bill. But there are several things you can do to make sure your house is warm and cozy this winter season, without adding to your bill.

An alternative heating source to the traditional coal or oil furnaces found in many homes is a wood stove, which can be a decorative feature in your house or cabin, or installed functionally in your utility room just like a traditional furnace.

Wood stoves not only reduce your electric bill, they also burn renewable resources cleanly, so you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature and feel good about your shrinking carbon footprint.

Popular, flexible and economical, wood stoves really only need to have a chimney properly installed to provide the best heating source for your home. They work best located on the main floor near the center of the house because then the heat can reach all corners of the building.

Wood stoves are quieter than traditional furnaces since they aren't blowing heated air through air ducts in the walls and ceiling.

In addition to savings on your electric bill, a wood burning stove from Northern Tool + Equipment can also qualify you for a 30-percent-off energy efficiency federal tax credit if purchased before December of 2010.

But if you are having difficulty choosing between the quality brands, great prices and a huge variety of heating capabilities for any size house, Northern Tool + Equipment allows you to compare five brands of stoves side by side so you can find the best option.

If you are interested in another multi-fuel stove option, like a corn or pellet stove, Northern Tool + Equipment also has plenty of information on all varieties.

Courtesy of ARAcontent