A recent national survey by IPSOS found -- unsuprisingly -- that people are worried about heating their homes this winter.

The survey, commissioned by Madison, Va.-based catalog retailer Plow & Hearth, also found that while tough economic times have Americans scaling back their spending, cost alone is not the only driving force behind better energy habits, said Kelly Lobanov, a company spokesperson, in an e-mail. (Like many retailers this time of year, Plow & Hearth offers some helpful products. Note fireplace reflector at right.)

The survey says:

• 45% of U.S. Homeowners are concerned about their ability to pay for heat this winter.
• 67% have taken steps to make their homes more energy efficient.
• 69% are lowering the thermostat.
• 69% are insulating windows and doors.
• 66% are purchasing products with the energy-star label.

Plow & Hearth photo

In a statement, Tim Hopkins, president of Plow & Hearth, said, "What is heartening is the trend toward improving energy efficiency in the home."

Some are more anxious than others:

• Homeowners living in the Northeast (58%) are the most concerned about heating bills.
• 44% of those living in the South are concerned.
• 43% in the West
• 39% in the Midwest