Horseheads, NY (WENY)-- Cooler air is arriving, which means that heating units are turning on across the Twin Tiers. And some of those units use natural gas.

However, gas prices are on the increase. So how can you insulate your home better this winter to lower those costs?

According to Dirk Wheeler, a sales associate with the Do-It Center in Horseheads, there are multiple ways to lower your costs.

"You want to look at your home to make sure it is properly insulated," Wheeler says. "That's insulation in the walls and attics and basements. And you want to make sure any windows or doors that you have are doubled-paned if possible."

He also mentions that switching to a different energy source could also save you money in the long term. 

"A lot of times you can do first of, is to switch from your current energy source," he explained. "A lot of energy companies will install more efficient equipment if you say go from heating oil to say propane or natural gas and you can sometimes pick up a rebate in the process."

And if you want on install new insulation on the weekend? Wheeler says that it can be done. 

"Depending on the type you want to get, you can either get rolled insulation or blown in, either one is not that difficult, and its definitely cost effective, it pays for itself in a shorter amount of time." he stated.

But even with these cost-cutting measures, you still need to be aware of the dangers around natural gas, and what precautions to take.

"If you are using natural gas, or propane, something along those lines, its generally safer, but you are going to want your heating system, whatever it is, inspected and tested by a professional at least once a year, and do regular maintenance on it," He says. " And you want to make sure you have working smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide alarms in the home. Those will help you if you do have a problem if the system is not functioning properly."

Wheeler wanted to add that if you are thinking about changing your furnace, that you have a professional install it, to avoid having any potential problems that might arise if you were installing it yourself.