Control Your Thermostat: While it may be tempting to turn the temperature up on the thermostat on those chilly winter days, don’t forget to turn it down when you leave for the day. A furnace or boiler that constantly has to run may be more likely to experience premature wear and tear or it may break down entirely – leaving you and your family in the cold. It may be a smart idea for you to think about investing in a programmable thermostat so you don't need to worry about turning down/off the device when you are away.