Keep Warm During Winter Heating Crisis
As we roll into the fall season, many CT homes are getting ready for the coming winter months. But fueling up your heating-oil tanks could be a problem this year, because of rising gas prices, possible cold snaps, and market uncertainty. Many homeowners wonder if they should energize their CT home heating or hold out hope for autumn price drops. Is CT on the edge of a winter heating crisis?
Winter Heating El Nino Concerns
El Nino events are part of a natural climate cycle that comes around every two to seven years. During El Nino periods, warming ocean water raises temperatures of the atmosphere. This warm air travels and spreads warm ocean water eastward. This leads to heating during winter months, which ordinarily means lower bills from CT electric companies.
However, NOAA has announced that this year’s el nino is the strongest they’ve seen since 1950. So not only are temperatures likely to be a lot higher than normal, this can lead to more disruptions of the polar vortex.
When this happens, CT may see sudden cold snaps or snowstorms that could raise winter heating demand.
High CT Natural Gas Prices
More importantly, heating oil costs have been hiked up with prices rising to $5 to $6 a gallon. To put it in comparison, it was just last month when prices hovered near $4.80 a gallon. This means homeowners could see their winter heating bills rise by hundreds of dollars, especially during severe weather.
In fact, heating bills are projected to be 8% to 9% higher this year than last! The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) projects suggest that US homes will spend over $1000 on winter heating this year. In other words, even with a milder winter, some CT families could see high bills because heating oil is that expensive!
What Can CT Homeowners Do?
Thankfully, there are things you can do to cut down winter heating costs.
If you are lower income or have a vulnerable household, start by applying for CEAP benefits.
Second, use less energy whenever you can. Start by dialing down the thermostat 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day (like when you’re sleeping or at work). Obviously, you shouldn’t turn things down lower than would be comfortable, but blankets can help keep you cozy.
Finally, weatherizing your home can help keep the cool air out and the warm air in. These projects include:
- Caulk Your Windows 30% – 40% of home energy loss occurs through leaky windows.
- Weatherstrip Outside Doors Proper weatherstripping can massively cut down on energy waste
- Add More Attic Insulation Adding more insulation to your attic slows heat loss. Attics in CT should have at least an R-49 (14″) thickness.
- Insulate Water Pipes Extended cold snaps could freeze and burst exposed water pipes in crawl spaces.
Contact CT WAP to find financial assistance information about weatherizing lower income households.
CT Homes And Winter Heating Crisis
Current forecasts predict a warmer than usual winter season. But el nino conditions could lead to frequent or severe cold snaps this winter. This could mean an expensive winter for many CT energy customers. So while it’s warm out, start preparing now.
You can also cut costs if you shop for cheap electricity rates at https://www.ctenergyratings.com. You can also count on us for news and tips that could affect your bills.