Peak Oil is You

Donate Bitcoins ;-) or Paypal :-)

Page added on December 11, 2021

Inflation could mean a big heating bill this winter

This winter could be especially cold and expensive.

But there are a few ways to keep your wallet full and your family warm.

People who heat their homes with natural gas, propane, electricity and heating oil are all in for a bigger bill come winter if they aren’t careful.

Nearly half of U.S. households who heat primarily with natural gas are projected to spend 30% more than they did last winter on average, according to the Winter Fuels Outlook 2021 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The 41% who heat with electricity are slated to spend 6% more.

The smaller portions who heat mostly with propane or heating oil — 5% and 4% of households, respectively — could see even bigger leaps in cost. Propane users will spend 54% more this winter, while heating oil users could see bills go up 43%, according to the report.

Inflation is the culprit. Energy prices are up 33.3% on the year, according to the November consumer price index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fuel oil is nearly 60% more expensive than last year, electricity is up 6.5%, and natural gas increased more than 25%.

Those increases could wreak havoc on household budgets if families aren’t prepared.

“It’s important for homeowners, renters and businesses alike to keep costs down as best they can, especially as we head into these colder winter months,” said Kelly Speakes-Backman, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

There are a few things people can do to help keep heating costs low this winter.

One is to check your windows for any leaks, something you can do on your own or with the help of a home energy audit, in which a professional will come and assess the energy efficiency of your home and make suggestions for updates.

“Windows do represent a really significant portion of that energy bill,” said Steve Hoffins, vice president of marketing U.S. windows at Cornerstone Building Brands. “Depending on the climate and the size of the house and everything else, it could be 15% to 20% of your heat that actually goes out through the windows.”

You can combat leaking windows by sealing them with removable caulk, films or even spray foam, he said. A permanent fix may be updating your home with new, energy-efficient windows, which could save you hundreds of dollars per year in utilities, depending on the size of your house, Hoffins said.

You can also do things such as lower your water heater temperature, make sure the damper on your fireplace, if you have one, is closed when there isn’t a fire burning and even turn your thermostat down a few degrees at night.

Some utility companies, such as electricity and gas, may give you a grade that compares your energy use with that of your neighbors, said Speakes-Backman. If you notice that you’re always using more energy than those around you, it may be time to pay for a home energy audit. In some states, utility companies may even offer the service for free, so it’s a good idea to check.

“Figure out what are the first and cheapest ways you can make a difference and then look at some of the longer-term fixes,” said Speakes-Backman.

In addition to temporary fixes, renters should check their lease and speak with their landlords to see what changes they’re allowed to make, said Speakes-Backman.

Renters can also ask their landlord to tune up the heating system. They can make sure that air vents or radiators aren’t blocked by furniture and remove any window air conditioner units they use in the summer.

Plan for the future

This winter could be warmer than last year, which may mean people use less heat. And, some states regulate utilities, which means that prices can’t be increased without approval.

In addition, natural gas futures have plummeted roughly 40% from their October high due to forecasts of warmer weather.

But that doesn’t mean that consumers can breathe easy — the price of natural gas is still up more than 50% on the year.

Those who are looking to make permanent upgrades to their homes should look to resources such as the Energy Star home upgrade and weatherization programs that are available for many low-income households across the U.S.

An Energy Star home upgrade will address more than just heating and help people have a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home. The average household can save $500 per year if they undergo such an upgrade, according to the U.S. EPA.

Federal tax credit and utility rebates are available for many energy-efficient upgrades that can help offset costs, according to the EPA.

“There are also utility-run programs in certain parts of the country that allow low-income families to access energy-saving upgrades at no up-front cost to them,” the agency said.

CNBC

89 Comments on "Inflation could mean a big heating bill this winter"

hfeee de5543 on Sun, 1st Jun 2025 5:46 pm

Se você se deparar com esta mensagem buscando comprar uma carteira de motorista registrada sem os exames então estamos aqui para ajudá-lo, basta clicar no link abaixo para falar com um agente. o agente irá orientá-lo sobre como obter a carteira de motorista
https://documentosrapido.com/

hgcfg fft5565h on Sun, 1st Jun 2025 5:46 pm

Achetez un permis de conduire réel et enregistré sur notre site Web sans passer d’examens ni passer le test pratique. tout ce dont nous avons besoin, ce sont vos données et elles seront enregistrées dans le système dans les huit prochains jours. Le permis de conduire doit subir la même procédure d’enregistrement que ceux délivrés dans les auto-écoles,
https://acheterpermis-conduire.com/

hfeee de5543 on Sun, 1st Jun 2025 5:49 pm

Wenn Sie auf diese Nachricht stoßen und versuchen, einen registrierten Führerschein ohne Prüfungen zu kaufen, dann sind wir für Sie da. Klicken Sie einfach auf den Link unten, um mit einem Agenten zu sprechen. Der Agent wird Sie dabei unterstützen, den Führerschein zu erhalten
https://fuhrerscheinkf.com/

제트벳 가입코드 on Tue, 3rd Jun 2025 1:54 am

Thanks for the nice blog. D. https://www.zzbetjuso.com

룰라벳 가입코드 on Tue, 3rd Jun 2025 1:55 am

It was very useful for me. D https://www.lulabetjuso.com

bes bian on Wed, 2nd Jul 2025 8:44 am

https://nusipirktivairuotojopazymėjima.com

delde on Sat, 5th Jul 2025 10:14 am

https://nusipirktivairuotojopazymėjima.com

delde on Sat, 5th Jul 2025 10:16 am

Lithuania

hfee ee5543 on Thu, 24th Jul 2025 7:21 am

paul jind on Thu, 24th Jul 2025 7:21 am

Als u dit bericht tegenkomt waarin u probeert een geregistreerd rijbewijs te kopen zonder de examens, dan staan wij voor u klaar. Klik eenvoudig op de onderstaande link om met een agent te praten. de agent zal u begeleiden bij het verkrijgen van het rijbewijs
https://echtrijbewijskopen.com/

vferer443 on Thu, 24th Jul 2025 7:36 am

Kup prawdziwe, zarejestrowane prawo jazdy na naszej stronie internetowej bez zdawania testów lub egzaminu praktycznego. Potrzebujemy tylko Twoich danych, które zostaną wprowadzone do systemu w ciągu najbliższych ośmiu dni. Prawo jazdy musi przejść taką samą procedurę rejestracji, jak te wydawane w szkołach jazdy,
https://polskieprawojazdy.com/

hfee ee5543 on Thu, 24th Jul 2025 8:14 am

Ae you based in the uk and yet you have difficulties obtaining your driver licence then contact us today and get a registered driver licence within eight days with no exams required
https://fastdocumentsonline.com/

paul jin on Thu, 24th Jul 2025 8:14 am

jhgdr tyt666 on Thu, 24th Jul 2025 8:16 am

fbh5t5 on Fri, 8th Aug 2025 6:15 pm

kup prawo jazdy on Fri, 5th Sep 2025 11:13 am

Prawo jazdy i zarejestruj się na naszej stronie internetowej bez konieczności zdawania egzaminu ani testu praktycznego. Potrzebujemy tylko Twoich danych, które zostaną zarejestrowane w systemie w ciągu najbliższych ośmiu dni. Prawo jazdy musi przejść tę samą procedurę rejestracji, co prawo jazdy wydane w szkołach nauki jazdy.
https://kupprawojazdy.com/

kopa korkort on Fri, 5th Sep 2025 11:16 am

Kjøp ekte og registrert førerkort fra nettsiden vår uten å skrive eksamen eller ta praksisprøven. alt vi trenger er opplysningene dine, og de vil bli registrert i systemet innen de neste åtte dagene. kjøp førerkort belgia, kjøp førerkort belgia, kjøp førerkort i nederland, førerkort b belgia, kjøp førerkort med registrering.
https://kopaktakorkort.com/

nay on Mon, 15th Sep 2025 5:47 am

We pride ourselves as Australia’s most reliable firewood supplier, offering quality firewood, speedy delivery, and great service together with a smile.

https://firewoodforsaleau.com/
https://seasonedfirewood.com.au/

bong on Tue, 16th Sep 2025 1:39 am

We’re committed to bringing warmth to your home with our top-quality firewood, fast delivery, and exceptional customer service.

https://firewoodforsaleau.com/
https://seasonedfirewood.com.au/

fris on Tue, 16th Sep 2025 4:08 am

Our team works hard to provide the finest services, prompt delivery, and outstanding customer care, all with a smile.

https://cybercracksentinels.com/

matys on Thu, 18th Sep 2025 12:39 am

Trust us for all your firewood needs – quality products, speedy delivery, and a service team that’s always happy to help.

https://seasonedfirewood.com.au/

vfere dor443 on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 5:51 pm

jughfgdre4 on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 5:51 pm

vfere dor443 on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 5:52 pm

fande on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 5:52 pm

jhgdr dtyt666 on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 5:52 pm

jhgdrt dyt666 on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 5:52 pm

Se ti imbatti in questo messaggio che cerca di acquistare una patente di guida registrata senza gli esami, allora siamo qui per te, fai semplicemente clic sul collegamento in basso per parlare con un agente. l’agente ti guiderà su come ottenere la patente di guida
https://compropatente.com/

jhgdrt dyt666 on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 5:53 pm

jhgdr dtyt666 on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 5:53 pm

fande on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 5:56 pm

zarejestrowane prawo jazdy na naszej stronie internetowej bez zdawania testów lub egzaminu praktycznego. Potrzebujemy tylko Twoich danych, które zostaną wprowadzone do systemu w ciągu najbliższych ośmiu dni. Prawo jazdy musi przejść taką samą procedurę rejestracji, jak te wydawane w szkołach jazdy,
https://mojeprawojazdycek.com/

naty on Sat, 20th Sep 2025 11:50 pm

We pride ourselves as Australia’s most reliable firewood supplier, offering quality firewood, speedy delivery, and great service all with a smile.

https://firewoodforsaleau.com/

naty on Fri, 26th Sep 2025 12:55 am

Absolutely fantastic service! Ordered a load of firewood for the winter and it was delivered promptly and in excellent condition. The wood was dry and high-quality, perfect for getting the fire going. Highly recommend for convenience and reliability. Five stars isn’t enough – I’d give them ten stars if I could! Thanks for keeping us warm this winter

https://firewoodforsaleau.com/

Zerula rosa on Tue, 14th Oct 2025 9:05 pm

https://comprarepatenteb.com/

Zfosa on Tue, 14th Oct 2025 9:05 pm

https://rijbewijskopenc.com/

comprare la patente b on Sun, 11th Jan 2026 1:35 pm

e legale comprare la patente, comprare una patente napoli, patente originale, comprare patente c, acquisto patente b, comprare patente prezzo, compro patente, acquistare patente b napoli, dove posso comprare la patente b, compra patente online, comprare patente b online, comprare la patente a napoli, dove si può comprare la patente, quanto costa comprare la patente, comprare patente di guida, comprare patente senza esame, patente comprata prezzo, come comprare patente b napoli, comprare patente a, patente online comprare, quanto costa la patente a napoli, comprare patente Nautica, patente da comprare . Comprare patente registrata presso Motorizzazione civile (DMV)?

kupić prawo jazdy b on Sun, 11th Jan 2026 4:05 pm

gdzie można kupic prawo jazdy z wpisem do rejestru, kupić prawo jazdy, legalne prawo jazdy do kupienia, kupię prawo jazdy, jak załatwić prawo jazdy, bez egzaminu, jak kupić prawo jazdy, czy można kupić prawo jazdy, legalne prawo jazdy do kupienia 2025, pomogę zdać egzamin na prawo jazdy, prawo jazdy bez egzaminu, gdzie kupić prawo jazdy bez egzaminu, gdzie kupić prawo jazdy na lewo, jak kupić prawo jazdy w niemczech, gdzie kupic prawo jazdy legalnie, kupić prawo jazdy b, pomogę zdać egzamin na prawo jazdy, gdzie można kupić prawo jazdy z wpisem do rejestru forum, prawo jazdy płatne przy odbiorze, prawo jazdy czechy kupno, w jakim kraju można kupić prawo jazdy, pomogę załatwić prawo jazdy w uk, sprzedam prawo jazdy z wpisem bez zaliczek, jak kupić prawo jazdy w uk, ile kosztuje prawo jazdy na lewo?,

Comprar carnet de conducir on Wed, 28th Jan 2026 9:49 am

https://comprarcarnetdeconducira.com

kup prawo jazdy kat b on Wed, 4th Feb 2026 10:36 pm

http://kupprawojazdyb.com

Comprare carnet de conducir b on Wed, 4th Feb 2026 10:37 pm

https://comprarcarnetdeconducira.com

Inflation could mean a big heating bill this winter

Plan for the future

Leave a Reply Cancel reply