LANSING - Historically, the price of natural gas is lower than it was 10 years ago. As the weather gets cold, residents increase their use of natural gas to keep their homes warm. An increased use of natural gas doesn't me you have to pay a huge increase in your heating bill.

Consumers Energy shared so advice on how residents can keep warm without going broke.

One major this is to get your furnace checked every year to make sure it's running properly. It can save you from paying more than you need to during the colder months.

Next, make sure any door or window drafts taken care of, no matter how small they may seem. That will help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

Check to make sure you don't have furniture or belongings blocking your air vents to allow the warm air to circulate through your home.

Spokesperson for Consumer Energy Brian Wheeler explained that the one of the most come mistakes residents make is thinking they have to spend a lot of money to save money on their heating bills.

Wheeler said, "Sometimes it's just really those simple little things that if you do enough of them it could added up. Uh we see routinely we see lots of situations where people take those energy efficiency steps, they can save their uh, reduce their bills by 10 percent or even 20 percent."

If you're unsure of what kind of efficiency steps should be taken in you home then it's recommended you contact your energy provider.

Wheeler explain Consumers Energy will come and do a walk though of you home to help determine what will work best in heating your home and save you some money in the long run.