Americans can expect their home heating costs to go up an average of 7.6% this winter compared to last year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) and reported by The Hill.
For those that heat their homes with electricity or natural gas, the price increases from last year are expected to be larger than the national average, at 10.2% and 8.4%, respectively. With exception to homeowners in the Northeast, homeowners in other regions of the country with electricity can expect to see their heat bills spike anywhere from 18% to as high as 21.4%.
According to a recent Consumer Price Index report, the cost of electricity is rising at double the rate of inflation, which could prove to be a contentious issue amongst consumers in the coming months. “In the last couple of years, different items that have gone up in price have become media concerns. They become very visible, people get very angry — and I think electric rates are heading in that direction,” according to NEADA’s Executive Director, Mark Wolfe.
As homeowners prepare for the winter, they can take proactive steps to reduce the burden of rising heating costs. The article notes that the Department of Energy recommends homeowners assess their home’s building envelope and look for ways to improve efficiencies that will keep their home more comfortable and reduce utility costs.
“The Department of Energy recommends a ‘whole-house system’ that treats the home as an interdependent system – insulation, air sealing, efficient appliances and other elements can reduce costs and increase comfort.”
When it comes to insulating and air sealing, spray foam is the only product on the market that does both. Its innovative properties keep conditioned air inside where it belongs, keeping your home more comfortable and reducing energy prices.
As the winter season approaches, homeowners should look to spray foam insulation as a common-sense solution to keep their home warm and save money while doing so.