According to the US Energy Information Administration at http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=13311 , over 104,400,000 US homes are predicted to incur higher heating expenditures this winter (from 1st October 2013 to 31st March 2014), compared to last winter. Primarily, this due to bigger projected costs for residential propane, electricity and natural gas. About one-half of U.S. households use natural gas. EIA estimates that average household expenditure for these homes will total $679.00 this winter. This represents a thirteen percent increase compared to last winter, although it is four percent below the five winters prior to that (October 2007 to March 2012). Homes heated mainly with propane are predicted to spend roughly $1,666.00 (nine percent more than the previous winter), homes that use heating oil are predicted to spend $2,046.00 (two percent less), whilst homes with electric heating are predicted to spend $909.00 (two percent more).
Changes in energy prices are responsible for the majority of the variations in predicted heating costs, compared to the previous winter. Predicted temperatures are near to those experienced last winter nationwide, however heating requirements and average temperatures vary in different regions of America, with the Northeast predicted to be roughly three percent cooler, and the West predicted to be roughly three percent warmer than the previous winter. Furthermore, the fuel type varies significantly by area, which results in regional discrepancies in total expenditure.
Your cooling and heating system functions by controlling the difference between indoor and outdoor temperature. If you can lower the temperature difference, by turning up your thermostat by ten degrees, or by switching it off while you go on holiday or go to bed on an evening, you will save cash. This is because the system does not need to work so hard to cool or heat your home and fight against the temperature outdoors. Think about installing a programmable thermostat. This way, you can automatically control the temperature, depending on criteria you specify, like time of day.
Many people wrongly believe that adjusting their thermostat up or down a few degrees can cool or heat their home quicker. This is a huge, energy wasting fallacy. The reality is that the thermostat does not work any harder when it is set below or above your normal temperature. Rather, it just operates for longer to cool your house to the point where you are uncomfortable. Aside from programmable thermostats, you could regulate the temperature in your house by investing in some curtains or blinds to block sunlight from coming in. The greater the amount of direct sunlight entering your home, the hotter your house becomes. Thus, the harder your cooling and heating system needs to work to compensate.
The importance of having a high efficiency heating system can not be overstated. A more efficient heater means lower energy costs. To get a more efficient cooling and heating system, either depend on standard HVAC maintenance, or substitute your older system for a new, more economical system. Otherwise, do not forget to switch off the air conditioning in your house before going to bed, or when you leave. This way, during the summer, you will save as much money as possible, without sacrificing your comfort.