squeezed by inflation, are being warned well ahead of winter to take steps to keep their home heating costs down this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects a slightly colder winter this year than last year, meaning heating fuel prices will likely rise as Americans use more energy.Recently, the U.S.
Energy Information Administration forecasted that many households across the U.S. are likely to spend more on energy this winter compared to recent years.
The EIA expects natural gas will rise by 28%, heating oil by 27%, electricity by 10%, and propane 5% from October–March."Higher forecast energy expenditures are the result of higher fuel prices, combined with higher heating demand because of a forecast of slightly colder weather than last winter," the EPA said in its report.
Consolidated Edison Inc., which provides energy for roughly 10 million people who live in New York City and Westchester County, started warning consumers as early as September "to take actions now that can help them manage costs this winter as market prices for electricity and natural gas are expected to be substantially higher."Even Warren Buffett-owned insurance company, Geico, previously issued a guide to help homeowners keep costs down.Here are some tips to help make a homeowners' usage more efficient: Geico previously warned consumers to be wary of taking scalding hot showers.