As winter sets in, Senator Kemp Hannon reminds you of the many ways you can save money by saving energy during the cold weather. For more energy conservation tips, visit The Public Service Commission's website at www.dps.state.ny.us/brochures.html or LIPA's website at www.lipower.org.

Find out if you qualify for assistance to weatherize your home. Weatherization funds are used to assist low-income persons, particularly the elderly, handicapped and families with young children; and to reduce national energy consumption, while minimizing the impact of higher fuel costs on low income families. Visit the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal's website at http://www.dher.state.ny.us/ocd/units/esb/ocdesb0.htm or call the department's regional office at 212-480-7452.

Get weekly updates and summary information of home heating oil, motor gasoline, propane and kerosene; heating degree day information energy prices, home heating oil prices and other fuel process at www.nyserda.org/prices.html.

* For every degree you set back your thermostat, you can save 1 to 3 percent on your annual heating bill.

* Turn down the thermostat when you leave the house for two or more hours. It takes less energy to warm a cool house than to maintain a higher temperature all day and night.

* An automatic setback thermostat can cut heating costs by raising and lowering the temperature at preset times.

* Since dry air makes you feel colder than moist air at the same temperature, place shallow pans of water on radiator tops or use a room humidifier. By maintaining you home's humidity level, you will be able to lower your thermostat setting, save money and maintain your comfort level.

* Check for insulation in your attic, walls, ceilings and floors - and install more if possible.

* Inexpensive weatherstripping around doors and windows can stop cold drafts.

* Replace cracked windows and when possible install storm windows. Storm windows and doors are big energy and money savers. They can reduce heating costs by as much as 15 percent. Double glazed, thermopane windows and even clear plastic across windows can minimize heat escape.

* Close your curtains at night to keep warm air inside, but do let sunlight in during the day by opening curtains and blinds over the windows that face the sun.

* Turn off lights in empty rooms.

* Shut off heat to unused rooms.

* Keeping lights and fixtures clean can improve energy efficiency by up to 15 percent. In addition, make sure that the elements of your heating system (radiators, vents, registers and pipes) are clean and well-maintained.

* Look for ENERGY STAR products when shopping for appliances to assure the most energy efficient products. To find out more about ENERGY STAR products, visit the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Get Smart site at www.getenergysmart.org.

* There are two good reasons to have your furnace checked for efficiency by a qualified contractor and perhaps have an older, less efficient unit replaced.

1. According to the US Department of Energy, increasing system efficiency can result in significant savings on your heating bill. For example, increasing your heating system's efficiency from 65 percent to 85 percent can save you almost 25 percent on fuel costs.

2. For tax years 2001 and 2002, New York State offers a personal income tax credit of up to $500 for the replacement of existing residential fuel oil tanks. For more information on the tax credit, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance's website at www.tax.state.ny.us or call 1-800-CALL-TAX. For more information about the tax credit, visit the Empire State Petroleum Association's website www.espa.net/rebate/