Carbondale Reporter

As winter temperatures drop in Illinois, heating costs are expected to rise. Many families face the challenge of managing increased energy bills during these colder months. Although there is no quick solution to significantly reduce energy expenses, homeowners can optimize their heating systems by adopting simple practices.

Last winter's mild temperatures led to stable home heating costs for many households. However, with this year's forecast predicting a colder season, Americans, particularly those in the Midwest, may see an increase in heating expenses. The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that Midwesterners could spend 2-11% more on home heating due to the cold weather. Illinois is expected to experience the fourth-highest year-over-year increase in home heating costs nationwide according to Moneygeek.

Heating costs depend on various factors such as home size, insulation quality, and efficiency of the heating system. While addressing these aspects may not be feasible for everyone, there are cost-effective ways to improve a home's efficiency and save on heating.

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