Did you know that the average American household spent almost $1,900 on home energy costs in 2005? That is almost $160 per month. With the natural gas prices soaring throughout the year, Americans spent approximately $600 more than in 2004. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nationwide natural gas prices delivered to the home averaged $16.49 per thousand cubic feet which is a rise of 41 percent from earlier in the year. This season???s cost is actually twice that of the price from the 2001-2002 winter costs. Expectations for 2006 are even higher. So what can you do about it?
- Since heating and cooling costs account for half of your overall bill, consider simple household repairs like weather stripping, proper insulation and programmable thermostats.
- In most cases, for each degree you lower your temperature in winter, you can save 5 percent of your total bill.
- Have you checked out your energy company???s energy audit programs? Many utilities are now doing free (or nominal cost) audits to show you how you can be saving money each month on your bill.
