Heating bills could be more than 50% higher this winter: CLICK HERE for utility bill assistance options

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Heating bills could be as much as 54% higher this winter compared to last winter across the U.S., according to the Associated Press.

The AP says that’s due to rising heating oil and natural gas prices, industry-wide. Their article also addresses inflation as a factor.

Colorado Springs Utilities says, now is the time to winterize your home to make it as energy efficient as possible for the cold months. Here are some tips from experts:

Replace drafty windows and doors
Re-caulk windows and doors
Add weather stripping
Replace air filters regularly
Schedule a furnace inspection. Faulty furnaces can cause unnecessary energy use. Many industry websites say an average furnace lasts 15 to 30 years.
Switch to a smart thermostat. They allow you to schedule times for temperature changes, and control your home temperature anywhere from your phone. CSU offers rebates for their customers who make this switch. “Not only do you get money back from the thermostat, but it will save you in the long run,” said CSU spokesperson Danielle Nieves Oller.
Manage your temperature wisely. Oller added, “it is up to your individual comfort level, but definitively make sure that you’ve got it set lower when you are away, and when no one is home. You don’t need to be heating the house unnecessarily.” She added the recommendation to lower the temperature when you’re sleeping.
This tip is not about heating bills, but to avoid a different winter utility headache, blow out your sprinkler system if you have not already. Nieves Oller said, “make sure there’s not water in the pipes that can freeze and cause a burst.”

These programs can help qualifying people who are concerned about being able to pay their utility bill this winter. Click on the name of each program to see it’s application page:

LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program)
COPE for Colorado Springs Utilities customers financially impacted by a personal crisis.
HEAP (Home Efficiency Assistance Program) is for Qualifying CSU customers who would like to have energy efficiency experts come review their home and suggest helpful repairs that are paid for by the program.

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