Household Heating Costs Predicted to be Lower in 2016
Good news for homeowners here in Kansas City and across the country – heating costs are expected to drop compared to the past two winters. In most regions, the decline can be attributed to the combination of warmer weather and lower fuel prices. This doesn’t necessarily give you the license to run your furnace on high all winter, but it will definitely help you save a few bucks this winter, and we all know every penny saved helps. Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling outlines everything you need to know about this good news.
How Much You Can Expect to Save on Your Heating Bills
Most regions of the country are expected to have warmer weather this winter. The Midwest is predicted to be about 11% warmer than last winter. This huge jump in temperatures paired with dropping fuel costs makes for some big savings for homeowners this winter.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Winter Fuels Outlook, average household expenditures for homes heating primarily with natural gas will total $578 this winter. That’s about $64 less than last winter. Homes primarily using propane are expected to spend $1,437 this winter ($322 less). Homes heating primarily with heating oil are expected to spend $1,392 ($459 less).
Homes heating primarily with electric heat are expected to spend $930 ($30 less). While the price tag seems much more bearable than last winter, individual fuel expenditures are highly dependent on the size and energy efficiency of individual homes and their heating equipment, and thermostat settings.
Related Read: Space Heater Safety Tips
How to Maximize Heat Savings
Luckily, nearly every homeowner in the Kansas City area will see savings, but why not maximize yours? Implement these smart heating practices to see the biggest jump in energy savings this winter. Here’s what we recommend:
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Use a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers the temperature in your home during times you’re away at work or school.
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Make sure your furnace filter is clean so your system can work as efficiently as possible.
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Make sure you had a furnace tune-up. If you skipped your fall tune-up, it’s not too late to reap the benefits of a winter tune-up.
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Make sure to seal up any cracks or leaks in windows or doors. Caulking is a cheap and easy way to do it yourself.
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Make sure the flue to your fireplace is closed when not in use to prevent warm air from escaping.
If you’re experiencing high heating bills despite the normal trend, you may have a broken furnace system. If this sounds like you, call the heating experts at Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling today at 913-837-2000. We have options available to either repair your furnace or install a new, high-efficiency Lennox system.