Julia Anderson
If your heating bill this winter looks exceptionally high, it’s not by accident. Experts predict that heating costs will be the highest they’ve been in a decade, which will put many people living on a limited income in a pinch.
How much higher could your heating costs be? According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), your heating costs could rise by 17 percent. That means the average home could see an increase in its winter heating costs of $177.
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What’s causing heating costs to increase so much? Several factors, including hot summer temperatures that made many households crank up their air conditioners. As a result, natural gas prices increased to a 14-year high. Add in natural gas production issues tied to COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, and it’s no surprise that staying warm this winter could become quite expensive.
How To Reduce Your Winter Heating Costs
Here are several ways to keep your heating bill as low as possible this winter.
Apply For LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households in need with their heating and cooling costs. While it won’t pay your entire energy bill, LIHEAP can cover those costly heating and cooling expenses, which could be a huge help in the summer and winter months. Beyond covering heating and cooling costs, LIHEAP also offers assistance with paying bills if you’re short on cash, plus repairs and replacements for appliances when needed.
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You will need to make below a certain income to qualify for LIHEAP, which will vary according to your household size. You could also qualify automatically if you already receive SSI, TANF, SNAP, or other government benefits. Go here to learn more about LIHEAP.
Close Vents In Unused Rooms
Do you have a guest room in your home or a place that’s only used for storage? Then you should close the vents in that room and shut the door, so you don’t waste energy trying to heat it.
Add Insulation To Your Attic Or Basement
If you haven’t been in your attic or basement for a while, it’s time to make a visit before winter hits. Look for any insulation that is blackened. This is a sign that air is traveling through and escaping your home, which will increase your heating and cooling costs.
While it will cost you cash to install extra insulation or hire a professional to do so, it will more than pay for itself by keeping warm (and cool) air in your home instead of letting it escape.
Bundle Up
Instead of running your heater at a high temperature, try bundling up with several layers to stay warm. Thick socks, sweatshirts, and blankets can keep you from freezing while keeping your heating bill low.
Buy A Small Space Heater
It can cost a ton of cash to heat your entire home. Instead of running your home’s heater to warm up spaces that may be unoccupied, consider buying a small space heater. You can get one for around $30 at a home goods store or on Amazon and place it near you to stay warm without busting your budget.
