There are a number of reasons why people can expect higher heating expenditures this winter. This increase in heating expenses is due primarily to the fact that prices for natural gas, electricity and propane are projected to be higher than last year according to the Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook, which was published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration in October 2013.
According to the EIA, //www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=13311, homes that use electricity for heating will see a 2% increase, those using propane will see about a 9% increase and those using natural gas will see an increase of approximately 13%. While these projected increases are due primarily to changes in energy prices, other factors, such as what region of the country you live in and the expected average winter temperature will affect heating prices.
In the 2012 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, about one-half of U.S. households use natural gas to heat their homes. With homeowners seeing a 13% increase in the cost of heating gas this year, it is more important than ever to make sure you have a quality heating system that is as energy efficient as possible. The importance of having a high efficiency heating system is something that has many homeowners looking to replace their current heating system.
While most homeowners are certainly interested in saving money, it is not uncommon for people to overlook the importance of energy efficient HVAC equipment. This is especially important when you consider these projected increases in heating costs. After all, a more efficient heater means lower energy costs which translate into additional savings for the homeowner.
One of the best ways to increase the energy efficiency of your heating system is to make sure that you start with quality equipment. A reliable high efficiency heating system can save a homeowner a significant amount of money over the lifespan of their heating equipment. Of course, even the most energy efficient heating systems require routine maintenance and adjustments to keep them operating at their peak of performance and efficiency.
An experienced heating contractor can provide professional maintenance plans and service to help ensure your equipment not only functions at its best, but that it can also able to help save you money by operating as energy efficiently as possible. These maintenance agreements cover many of the most important procedures that can help ensure your heating system is ready to handle the demands of keeping your home warm, while still providing energy efficient operation and savings.
Fortunately, even with the projected increases in heating costs, there are some effective ways that homeowners can help save energy and money. Whether you are interested in a new high efficiency furnace or you want to maximize the energy efficiency of your current heating system, a professional heating and cooling technician can provide an excellent way to reduce heating costs this winter.
