When Can We Anticipate Home Heating Prices to Subside?

With winter weather settling in, homeowners in the U.S. are dealing with the problem of home heating costs. Recent years have seen a notable rise in energy costs, leaving many looking for answers and relief. Uncover what has an impact on home heating prices, the recent trends we’ve seen and strategies to keep your utility bills in check.

Types of Home Heating Fuel

A number of fuels are used to keep homes warm and cozy in the United States:

• Natural gas heats 48% of American homes.
• Heating oil serves 5% of homes.
• Propane fuels another 5%.

• Electricity warms 40% of U.S. homes. Fossil fuels are still the primary source for creating electricity despite the surge in interest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. 

What Factors Impact the Price of Fossil Fuels?

Based on the above information, it’s evident that fossil fuels heat a large majority of North American households. Supply and demand is the biggest factor causing price fluctuations. An increase in supply—triggered by greater production and storage rates—generally lowers prices, while a surge in demand—triggered by harsh weather, a flourishing economy and rising rates for alternative fuels—can cause prices to skyrocket.

Exactly How Much Has the Cost of Natural Gas Risen?

Domestic natural gas production outpaced consumption starting in 2017, leading to a broad price decline throughout 2018. Unfortunately, demand has increased significantly recently across all sectors, causing natural gas prices to attain heights not seen in over a decade.

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

Numerous factors led to the volatile rise and uncertainty of natural gas prices last year. In early 2022, processing hiccups caused by freeze-offs and a substantial draw from natural gas reserves nudged prices up. Robust liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe and elsewhere, coupled with a spike in domestic demand caused by cold weather, stretched the price range even further.

In the spring of 2022, prices roared past $9/MMBtu, only to fall by 40% following the fire and subsequent stoppage at the Freeport LNG export terminal. This incident drastically cut U.S. LNG exports and redirected more natural gas to storage. However, as the summer heat faded, prices climbed yet again, peaking in late August.

Shifting into the fall, an uptick in natural gas production and higher-than-average injections into storage saw prices retreat closer to the five-year average. However, as temperatures decreased, the demand for heating caused prices to ascend once more.

When Will Fuel Rates Cool Down?

The variations in natural gas prices highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing home heating fuel rates. As we look forward to the rest of the 2023-24 heating season, the market’s past behavior offers insights into future price changes and the prospect of cost-saving opportunities.

As of late 2023, prices have fallen from their previous highs due to robust production and fairly mild temperatures. Although demand is still steady, forecasters are predicting prices around $3.44/MMBtu this winter, providing some respite for individuals as we move through the heating season.

Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill

No matter how you heat your home or what prices are like, you can take several practical steps to increase energy efficiency and cut your heating costs. Here are a few 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 drawing them closed at night to insulate your windows.
• Increase your attic insulation to stop heat from rising out of your home.
• Invest in a smart thermostat that learns your routines and saves you money.
• Lower the temperature on your thermostat when you’re away to avoid overheating an empty house.
• Put on warmer clothes inside the home so you aren’t forced to crank up the thermostat.
• Make an appointment for yearly furnace maintenance to keep your heating system in top shape.
• Set up a whole-house humidifier. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so you feel more comfortable at a lower temperature.

Keep Cozy and Warm in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Nothing is more important to the Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing team than your comfort and happiness in your home. Our work can also help reduce home heating costs, which is good news for your pocketbook. With ACE-certified technicians at the helm, you can expect quick, long-lasting answers to all your comfort needs. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee means that if you’re not completely happy with our services, you can count on us to make things right.

As a company that prides itself on innovation, customer engagement and community participation, 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.