According to ACCUWeather and the U.S. Energy Information Administration, this year’s winter is set to be colder and longer than past winters (especially if you live east of the Rocky Mountains). In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the Northeast will be 17% colder than it was last year, although the colder temperatures may be slow to start.
With colder temperatures in the forecast, homeowners will be turning to their heaters on a more regular basis during the winter months. According to the EIA’s Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook, heating oil users will use the most energy (a 38% increase) while electricity users will use the least (a 5% increase) compared to last year. Propane users and natural gas users are predicted for similar increases, at 26% and 22% respectively.
Even though all types of homeowners will be using more energy this year, only natural gas users (about half of all Americans), will have to cope with higher prices. The cost of natural gas is predicted to be 11% higher than last winter, making it at its highest since the winter of 2010-2011.
In an article by npr.org, Jeff Brady says, “Your overall bill will depend on where you live. The agency reports that an entire winter’s worth of natural gas heating for the average home will be $635. In the Northeast it will be nearly $900 [because] pipeline bottlenecks have pushed up prices in the region.”
If you’re in need of a new natural gas heater, talk to one of our heating experts today. We can help you choose an energy efficient model to save you as much as possible this winter.
