When Can We Anticipate Home Heating Prices to Subside?

With winter weather intensifying, homeowners in the U.S. are experiencing the challenge of home heating costs. Recent years have seen a notable rise in energy prices, leaving many looking for answers and relief. Uncover what affects home heating prices, the recent trends we’ve seen and strategies to keep your utility bills in check.

Varieties of Home Heating Fuel

A number of fuels are used to heat homes in the United States:

• Natural gas heats 48% of American homes.
• Heating oil heats 5% of homes.
• Propane accounts for another 5%.

• Electricity warms 40% of U.S. homes. Fossil fuels continue to be the most used source for generating electricity in spite of the surge in interest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. 

What Factors Impact the Rates of Fossil Fuels?

According to the above information, it’s evident that fossil fuels heat a vast majority of North American households. Supply and demand is the most significant factor driving price fluctuations. An increase in supply—triggered by higher production and storage rates—generally lowers prices, while a surge in demand—triggered by extreme weather, a thriving economy and rising rates for alternative fuels—can cause prices to skyrocket.

Exactly How Much Has the Price of Natural Gas Gone Up?

Domestic natural gas production outpaced consumption starting in 2017, leading to an overall price decline throughout 2018. But, demand has surged recently across all sectors, causing natural gas prices to achieve heights not seen in more than decade.

In 2022, the average wholesale cost of U.S. natural gas reached its highest point since 2008, hitting an average of $6.45 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). This surge represented a significant leap of more than 53% from the previous year, marking it as one of the biggest annual increases on record.

A number of factors added to the unpredictable rise and lack of stability of natural gas prices last year. In early 2022, processing hiccups caused by freeze-offs and a large draw from natural gas reserves nudged prices upward. Robust liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe and other countries, combined with a surge in domestic demand due to cold weather, stretched the price range even further.

In the spring of 2022, prices soared past $9/MMBtu, only to tumble by 40% following the fire and subsequent shutdown at the Freeport LNG export terminal. This incident considerably cut U.S. LNG exports and redirected more natural gas to storage. But, as the summer heat eased, prices climbed once more, hitting a high point in late August.

Moving into the fall, an increase in natural gas production and higher-than-average injections into storage saw prices fall closer to the five-year average. However, as temperatures fell, the demand for heating caused prices to go up once more.

When Will Prices Calm Down?

The fluctuations in natural gas prices highlight the intricate interplay of factors influencing home heating prices. As we look ahead to the rest of the 2023-24 heating season, the market’s past behavior offers insights into future price trends and the possibility of cost-saving measures.

As of late 2023, prices have decreased from their previous highs because of robust production and fairly mild temperatures. Although demand continues to be steady, forecasters suggest prices around $3.44/MMBtu this winter, giving some respite for individuals as we move through the heating season.

Tips to Reduce Your Heating Bill

No matter how you heat your home or what prices are like, you can take several practical steps to boost energy efficiency and lower your heating expenses. Here are a couple of strategies:

• Seal drafty windows and doors with caulk and weatherstripping.
• Use curtains to your advantage, opening them during the day for free light and heat and then closing them at night to insulate your windows.
• Increase your attic insulation to prevent heat from rising out of your home.
• Invest in a smart thermostat that learns your habits and helps you save money.
• Dial down the temperature on your thermostat when you’re not home so you aren’t heating an empty house.
• Wear warmer clothes inside your residence so you aren’t forced to crank up the thermostat.
• Schedule yearly furnace maintenance to keep your heating system in top shape.
• Install a whole-house humidifier. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so you feel more comfy at a lower temperature.

Make Your Home Warm in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Nothing is of greater importance to the Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing team than your comfort and safety. Our heating solutions can also help lower home heating costs, which is good news for your wallet. With ACE-certified technicians at the helm, you can expect quality, durable solutions to all your comfort needs. The assurance of a 100% satisfaction guarantee means that if you’re not totally happy with our services, we promise to make things right.

As a company that prides itself on innovation, customer engagement and community involvement, you can trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to make a positive difference in your life and enjoyment of your residence. For more insights into heating prices in the U.S. or personalized tips to help reduce your utility bills, get a hold of the professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Call 866-397-3787 today to learn more.