11.6.2007 7:51 AM

Home Heating Bills to Rise as Oil Hits Record Prices

Expect to Pay Almost 11% More This Winter

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Photo: Joseph Gareri / Istock

By Dan Shapley

As oil prices continue to trade at record-high prices, with new records set seemingly every week, if not day, it should come as no surprise that the cost of heating homes this winter is expected to go up too.

"The average U.S. household will pay $986 in heating costs this winter, up 10.9% from the 2006-07 season and $9 higher than the original forecast made a month ago, according to the Energy Information Administration, the analytical arm of the Energy Department," USA Today reported.

For heating oil customers, a bad situation got even worse. Those who heat with heating oil are expected to pay a record $1,841 on average from October through March, up 25.6% from last year and $56 more than originally forecast. Heating oil bills are expected to be more than double those seen four years ago."

The good news: Winter is getting warmer, with the growing season stretching into the fall throughout the Northeast, and unusually warm weather blanketing the Northwest. That trend is expected to continue, as global warming continues to make winters less frigid — particularly at night.

The news is another reminder how important it is to make your home energy efficient. For simple tips, look to One Easy Thing for a daily tip, and keep your eyes on the Green Homes section for more ideas.

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