Most heating systems last 10 to 20 years, according to the National Home Builders Association.

"HVAC [heating, ventilating, and air conditioning] systems have an average lifespan of 10 years. It's 15 to 20 years for furnaces, and 16 years for properly maintained heat pumps," said Tom Merriott, general manager of ARS/Rescue Rooter, a heating and a/c service firm.

"Replacing your old system with a new, high-efficiency one can potentially pay for itself in the long run, as it may reduce your heating costs by 30 to 50 percent," he said.

Here are some suggestions from ARS/Rescue Rooter to get your heating and plumbing systems working at their best and lasting longer:

Ups and downs: The settings on your thermostat can help you save energy and money. One easy way to begin saving energy is by installing a programmable thermostat, and then programming your thermostat to heat up or cool down during the day and night. Make sure the change is no more than 10 degrees at a time.

Dripp-ity doo da: Leaky faucets can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. With a steady drip of one drop per second, your faucet could be wasting 10 gallons of water each week.

A good way to tell if you have a leaky faucet is to read your water meter. Then, do not use any water for the next two hours and read the meter again. If the meter shows a difference from the first reading to the second, you probably have a leak. Be sure to turn off your ice-maker as to not skew the results.

Window of opportunity: A tightly sealed house helps reduce energy loss. Replacing old windows is an ideal way to save money as the weather gets cooler.

A less expensive option is to install window insulation kits, which will limit cold air from entering your home and help keep heat from escaping.

"Also, don't overlook your electrical outlets. Home improvement stores sell electrical outlet sealers to reduce energy loss from your outlets located on exterior walls," he said. "Be sure to follow the directions carefully and turn off the power before you begin installation."

The lowdown: Low-flow fixtures can greatly reduce your water usage. A great way to conserve water is by installing aerating, low-flow fixtures. Low-flow plumbing fixtures, including faucets, showerheads and toilets, save significant amounts of water when compared to conventional fixtures.

Keep it clean: Air filters are a must for a well-maintained, properly functioning heating system. Dirty air filters negatively affect air quality and can cause problems for family members with allergies and asthma.

Replacing air filters monthly is ideal for proper system maintenance and especially important in the winter months when more time is spent inside. A dirty air filter makes your system work hard, wasting energy and decreasing its lifespan.

Also, to maximize air flow and distribution, do not block air vents, intakes or radiators with furniture or drapes that can restrict proper distribution of heat.

The heat's on: Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid HVAC issues. The best defense against heating or air conditioning problems is to make sure your system is maintained year-round.

A professional inspection should include examining the heat exchanger, burners, gas and draft pressure, flame and igniter operation and overall safety of gas systems.

Audit the attic: A properly insulated attic is an easy way to maintain the comfort level in your home. If you don't have enough insulation, you can waste energy by allowing warm air in your home to escape though the ceiling.

The average family does about 400 loads of laundry a year, according to This Old House magazine. Do you feel a chill every time you go in that laundry room these days? That's because the dryer vent has an exhaust duct that opens outside allowing cold air to sneak in.

Installing a dryer vent seal will keep the vent shut unless the dryer is in use. Vent seals are a simple do-it-yourself project. They can be purchased from any hardware store or home center.

As Old Man Winter's deep freeze approaches, here are some more winterizing tips from Lou Manfredini, (WGN radio's "Mr. Fix-It") and Seal Chicago (supplier of Dynacrete products for wood and concrete treatments):

• Doors and windows. Properly sealing every door and window in your home with caulk, weatherstripping and/or shrink wrap can save you 10 percent on your heating bill.

• Fireplace. Inspect your fireplace with a flashlight for cracks or broken seals. Fill-in any gaps with fireproof caulk and use an inexpensive fireplace plug purchased from any home center or hardware store.

"Make sure you close the flue when you're not using the fireplace. You'd be surprised by how often homeowners simply forget," said Ted Gimza, general manager of Seal Chicago. "Leaving the flue open can raise energy consumption by 30 percent."

• Floor. Do you ever feel a draft at your feet? Sometimes there is a gap left between hard floors and baseboards. Fill in the gaps with latex caulk.

• Decks, gazebos, terraces. Decks, patios and driveways are hit hard by snow and freezing rain. By properly sealing before winter, homeowners can protect their decks from damage and costly annual repairs.

• Driveways. The cost of cement is expected to rise 20 percent within the next three years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. During rough Chicago winters, snow, rain and freezing temperatures cause concrete to expand, contract and crack. Dynacrete seeps up to 6 inches into concrete before hardening, leaving no place for moisture, says Seal Chicago.