EUGENE. Ore -- There are some steps that can be taken to be more cost-conscious this winter as temperatures are dropping into the low 40's overnight and everyone is turning up the heating in their homes.

Converting your home heating system to a more energy efficient heat pump system makes a big difference. Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) offers a $650 rebate and a $4000 zero-interest loan to start if you decide to use a heat pump.

Matt Lutter, a customer solutions specialist at EWEB, said that converting your home could save you up to 50 percent on your heating bills this winter.

"In addition to the loans and rebates, we just provide support to people engaging in that project, whether it's answering questions on what to do, what the next steps are, or actually doing inspections to make sure they get what they pay for," Lutter said.

There are other things to be done to keep costs down without converting to a heat pump system. 

The three main factors to consider are space, time and temperature. 

Heating fewer rooms in your home will reduce the amount of energy you use. You can limit the amount of time you have the heaters on, and of course, keep the temperatures low.

According to Lutter, every degree you drop your heat will save you three percent on your next heat bill. 

EWEB will be hosting an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night to discuss more ways you can save money and prepare your home for this upcoming winter.