Home Heating Bills Will Increase

Home Heating Bills Will Increase

No matter how you heat your house, this year will cost you more than last, according to a government report issued recently.

Americans will spend $977 to heat their homes this year, averaging for all fuels across all sections of the country, according to the Energy Information Administration.

That's nearly 10 percent higher than the $889 spent last year and the highest amount ever, not adjusted for inflation.  The previous record was $948 in 2005-2006, according to EIA.

Those heating with oil can expect to pay $319 more this year compared to last.  Natural gas users, accounting for more than half of U.S. households, can expect to pay 10 percent, or $78 more this winter.

In addition to citing higher fuel prices, EIA said this winter is projected to be 4 percent colder than last - although still about 2 percent warmer than the 30-year average. Colder temperatures this winter compared to last account for some of the rise in heating costs.