Carbondale Reporter

As winter temperatures begin to drop across Illinois, the energy required to heat homes is expected to rise, leading to increased heating bills. This presents a challenge for many working families already burdened by the cost of living. While there is no quick solution to drastically reduce energy costs, homeowners can optimize their heating systems with simple practices.

Last winter's mild temperatures meant many households did not experience significant increases in heating costs. However, this year's chillier forecast suggests that Americans, particularly in the Midwest, will likely pay more to stay warm. The United States Energy Information Administration's Annual Winter Energy Outlook indicates that retail energy prices will generally be lower on a per-unit basis than last year. Nevertheless, Midwesterners are projected to spend 2-11% more on home heating due to the cold weather outlook. Illinois is expected to see the fourth-highest increase in home heating costs nationwide according to Moneygeek.

Heating costs vary based on factors such as home size, insulation quality, and heating system efficiency. Addressing these factors may not be feasible for most homeowners. Fortunately, there are several cost-effective ways to enhance home efficiency and save on heating expenses this winter.