How Much Have Home Heating Costs Increased in Ohio?

Most experts agree that Ohio residents should expect a heating cost increase in early 2024. The good news is that prices will likely drop later in the year. In the meantime, homeowners who find themselves with higher utility bills can lessen the impact of more expensive heating in Ohio, including by replacing their older, less efficient heating equipment with new energy-efficient units that help offset any increases.

Energy rates in Ohio rose substantially in 2023, with several factors contributing to the trend. This article explores why energy costs in Ohio have risen, what to expect moving forward, and, most importantly, what you can do today to save money on your energy bills.

Take steps to minimize the impact of rising heating costs on your utility bill by scheduling an appointment at (440) 248-2110. 

Rising Heating Costs in Ohio

A recent study ranked Cleveland, OH, as the second most expensive city for home heating. The persistent rise in heating bills can be attributed to multiple factors, including:

• Increased energy consumption: Just as in 2023, the demand for natural gas and electricity continues to climb. 
• Escalating supply prices: Heating costs historically go through periodic price spikes. Higher prices in 2024 are primarily due to an increased tightening in petroleum markets.

Fortunately, homeowners have various options to lower their heating costs.

Keep Heating Costs Low With Efficient Systems

Until prices stabilize or fall, Ohio residents can help keep utility bills down with some simple steps, including replacing their older boilers or furnaces with energy-efficient models. Other cost-saving measures include:

• Avoid overworking your heating system: One of the easiest ways to decrease your furnace’s or boiler’s daily running time is using the sun’s heat to warm your home. Keep south-facing window draperies and blinds open when the sun’s out and close them at night to reduce drafts and chills. Ensure, too, that nothing is blocking air returns, registers, baseboards, or radiators.
• Minimize drafts: Replace screens with storm windows and seal leaks in the attic and around doors and windows. Insulated solutions like window film can also keep drafts to a minimum. Fireplace dampers should remain closed when not in use.
• Clean or replace furnace and boiler filters: Dirty filters block airflow, causing a heating system to work harder and less efficiently. Clean and replace filters at least every three months. Routine heating maintenance services also ensure your system operates efficiently and effectively.
• Reverse ceiling fan rotation: If you use ceiling fans during the winter months, make sure the blades rotate clockwise and at the lowest speed to ensure cold air is pulled up and warm air is pushed down toward living spaces. Combined with setting your thermostat at a lower temperature, this tip alone could save you up to 15% on your heating bills!
• Keep the thermostat set to 68 degrees: ENERGY STAR® recommends keeping your home’s interior temperature at 68 degrees when people are present and awake. Turning the temperature down by 7 to 10 degrees when everyone’s asleep could save you even more. However, the thermostat should never be set below 55 degrees, as it could cause your pipes to freeze.

Ohio residents who struggle to pay their heating bills have several forms of relief available to them. The Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and other utility assistance programs help people pay their energy bills on time, extend payment plans, and budget for energy expenses.

Choose P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling for Heating Services

When you want to get the highest efficiency out of your home’s heating system, P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling can help. Our heating repair, maintenance, and installation services keep your Cleveland, Solon, or house in the surrounding area comfortably warm without hurting your wallet! We offer affordable, high-quality systems and convenient financing options. 

And be sure to talk to one of our experts about whether you qualify for the many state and federal rebates and incentives that can further reduce the cost of upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system.