Enter a typical American home on any given cold, wintry day and you will likely see families dressed in warm, outdoor-type clothing.  One would think the family members were preparing to leave home and go sledding, ice skating or any number of activities associated with winter.  Upon closer observation, however, it becomes evident that no such excursion is planned.  Families are simply donning sweatshirts and wool socks in an effort to stay warm inside homes where thermostats are being turned lower and lower as heating bills rise higher and higher.