Ohioans should expect to pay more for their heat this winter, particularly if they use natural gas.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration is predicting the cost of heating homes to rise by 54% due to an anticipated cold season, and an increase in fuel costs.
In particular, natural gas prices are expected to skyrocket by 30% and electricity costs are expected to jump by 6%. Natural gas users could expect to pay an average of $746 this winter, while those who get heat from electric sources, could pay up to $1,268 this winter.
The rise could make this winter the most expensive for natural gas-heated homes since 2008-09.
Why are heating costs going to be higher?
The reason for the anticipated cost increases is due to the surge in prices for energy commodities. Natural gas has reached its highest price since 2014, and has increased by nearly 90% in just one year, according to CNCBC.
And in Europe, a strong demand and limited supply chain has shot natural gas prices up by more than 350% this year.
The price of heating oil, meanwhile, has doubled in the last 12 months.
NOAA 2021 Winter Outlook: Ohio Valley predicted to see wetter-than-average conditions
Temperature will also play a factor in how high heating bills could be. Federal forecasters are anticipating wetter-than-average conditions for the Ohio Valley, according to the 2021 Winter Outlook.
The Old Farmer's Almanac predicted in August that this winter will be cold and snowy for Kentucky, Indiana, and most of southern and central Ohio.
Tips to keep your heating costs down
Duke Energy suggests a few tips to lower energy costs this winter:
- Upgrade your attic insulation and repair ductwork that could be leaking air.
- Inspect the areas around your windows and doors for cracks or other gaps, and fill in any cracks you find with caulk.
- Use a power strip as a central "turn off" point for electronics, video games and computers when not in use.
- Set your heating thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting when you are at home in the winter and at 62 degrees when you are away.
- A ceiling fan could improve comfort if the fan has a switch to allow you to reverse the motor.
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