This winter season which begins October 1 and ends March 31, gas and oil heating bills are expected to increase. According to the Energy information Administration the average American household will pay $1,182, an increase of 19.8% from last year.
Americans who live in the Northeast and heat with oil will pay on average $2,725 this winter, an increase of 37.1% since last year. The national average price for heating with oil has increased more than 198% from 2003-2004 to 2008-2009.
Americans who live in the South who heat with propane will pay on average $1,578 this winter, an increase of 18.7% since the 2003-2004 winter season. The national average price for heating with propane has increased 100% from 2003-2004 to 2008-2009.
Americans who live in the West who heat with gas will pay on average $684 this winter, an increase of 23.8% since last year. The national average price for heating with natural gas has increased approximately 60% from 2003-2004 to 2008-2009.
Americans who live in the Midwest who heat with electricity will pay on average $1,051 this winter, an increase of 4.7% since last year. The national average price for heating with electricity has increased 34% from 2003-2004 to 2008-2009. Here are 5 tips to help reduce heating costs this year.
1. Annual check. Have annual checks on your heating system before the winter season begins. It is best to get a checkup during the summer months when business is slow.
2. Insulate. Insulate your attic and any others areas that are drafty such as your attic, ceilings, walls, crawl spaces, hot water pipes, furnaces, ducts, etc.
3. Automate. Install a programmable thermostat and keep your setting on 68% Fahrenheit or lower during the winter season. Lower the temperature setting while away from home and during the day. This can save 20% on your heating costs.
4. Seal drafts. Seal any drafts around windows, chimneys, pipes, light fixtures, doors or electrical outlets which can reduce your heating costs by 30%.
5. Use a wood burning or pellet burning stove to heat your home.
No comments:
Post a Comment