This winter, U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $995 on home heating, an increase of $84 from last year, driven by colder weather, rising electricity costs, and increased demand from AI data centers, with electric heating costs potentially reaching $1,233 and natural gas heating around $704.
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that most households in the US will pay less for home heating this winter, with natural gas prices expected to be significantly lower compared to last year. The EIA attributes this to a drop in natural gas prices and a milder winter forecasted for many regions. However, costs for propane and heating oil may remain flat or increase. Factors such as extreme weather events and the impact of El Niño could affect heating costs. To save on energy costs, individuals can adjust thermostat settings, improve energy efficiency through insulation and sealing, and consider high-efficiency electric heating options or solar panels.