CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - People are turning up the heat as frigid temperatures impact our region heralding the definitive return of winter. Heating uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home. With the lowest of winter temperatures still on the way you are most likely going to be turning it up. Senator Adam Gomez sworn into Mass. State Senate for third term According to the Department of Energy, heating accounts for about 29% of your total utility bill. In Massachusetts, the average household spends around $820 on natural gas during a winter season, making it the most affordable heating option compared to heating oil at nearly $1,800, or propane at nearly $1,500. However, there are ways you can conserve energy and stay warm while simultaneously saving money. "You wanna make sure your windows are closed, locked, sealed," explained Bob Parent, the Assistant Manager at the Rocky's Ace Hardware in Agawam. "There's plastic wrap you can put over the top of them, you can make sure that there's no drafts around your doors, weather stripping." Parent stresses the important of sealing windows and door leaks. He says you can do that with draft blockers, towels or plastic film. Other preparations to take are checking your systems air filters for dust and dirt every month. Replace them if they are dirty. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm. Another thing to consider is insulating your hot water system. Putting foam sleeves around water pipes that are next to exterior walls reduce the risk of pipes freezing when temperatures dip. "Anything you do to prevent heat loss is gonna help out the electric bill and energy bill," added Parent. You can also consider scheduling a heating system checkup for professional servicing. A heating systems that is running efficiently should save you money. Find 22News on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram; send your news tips to [email protected].