Most people notice that their energy bill increases during the winter months. However, Home Comfort Experts has some good news for you this year. You will probably be paying less for your energy bill this winter than you have in the past. Two factors combine to make this happy news deliverable. One – oil prices have dropped to a ten-year low. Two – winter weather is expected to be warmer this year. With both things happening in the same season, homeowners will notice their bills decreasing. Read on to see how much you can expect to save here in the northern Indiana/Michigan area.
Lower Oil Prices Mean Cheaper Heating Costs
Because oil prices have dipped significantly, you’ll see a few areas that are affected greatly. You’ll pay less at the pump when fueling your car, and you’ll pay less for heating your home as well. Depending on the fuel type your home uses, you can expect to save differing amounts. According to the Winter Fuels Outlook, homes being heated primarily with natural gas will total $578 this winter, a $64 decline from last winter’s average. Homes primarily using propane are expected to spend $1,437 this winter ($322 less). Homes being heated primarily with heating oil are expected to spend $1,392 ($459 less). Homes being heated primarily with electric heat will save the least, spending $930 ($30 less).
Warmer Winter Weather Helps Lower Heating Bills
Keep in mind that there are a number of factors that will affect how much money you spend on your heating bill this year. Some of those include your thermostat settings, heating equipment, and the weather conditions in your area. One of the reasons experts believe that heating costs will be lower this year than in previous years is because this year’s winter is warmer than normal:
- The Northeastern region is 13 percent warmer than normal.
- The Midwestern region is 11 percent warmer than normal.
- The Southern region is 8 percent warmer than normal.
- However, the western region, which had an unusually warm winter last year, is cooler than normal.
Other Tips for Lowering Your Heating Bill
Fuel expenditures for individual households are obviously dependent on the size and energy efficiency of your particular home and your heating equipment, thermostat settings, and local weather conditions. However, there are many other things you can do in order to keep the energy costs down. Below is a list of energy saving tips for lowering your home’s heating costs from the team at Home Comfort Experts:
- Tune Up Your Furnace – Regardless of whether you have a gas or electric furnace, it will need to be tuned up on a regular basis. Tuning up your furnace will help it work at peak efficiency so it will also use less energy.
- Change the Furnace Filter – Furnace filters typically need to be changed every one to three months. There are a number of benefits you can reap from changing the filter. Your furnace will work more efficiently if the filter is changed. Furthermore, changing the filter will improve indoor air quality.
- Seal Leaks and Cracks – It is estimated that the average family wastes about $350 per year because of air leaks. Find and seal up cracks around your home, to save on heating and cooling costs each year.
Related Read: Save Money by Sealing the Leaks in Your Home