Utility Costs
Deborah Laemmerhirt 203-994-4297 homesinconnecticutforsale.com
What are out utilities costs going to be this winter? Some on this depends on how well insulated our home are and also what our thermostat setting are set at!
Utility costs - Winter utility bills will likely rise for homeowners using natural gas, propane or electricity, and drop for homeowners with fuel oil furnaces, according to the federal government's Winter Fuels Outlook.
Here's how much the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts you'll pay for fuel this winter:
Natural gas:
- $11.33 per 1,000 cubic feet
- 13% higher than last winter.
- Average bill $679
Electricity:
Heating oil:
- $3.63 per gallon
- 2% lower than last winter
- Average bill $2,046
Propane:
- Cost per gallon: N/A
- 9% higher than last winter
- Average bill $1,666
About half of U.S. households use natural gas. If you're among them, a 13% bump in natural gas prices might seem high. But overall, natural gas is still cheaper than it has been over the past five years.
How much you pay to heat your home is heavily influenced by winter temperatures and your home's insulation. Another factor is of course your thermostat setting and the types and seals around doors and windows. We burn wood for most of our heat and also for hot water so our saving on oil is tremendous - although I know most are not able to heat this way.
The Energy Information Administration predicts this winter will be about as cold as last winter, unless you live in the Northeast where it's going to be 3 percent colder or the West where it's going to be 3 percent warmer. I'm not looking to the 3% colder!
