Good tidings this week from the Energy Information Administration—and just in time for the arrival of winter: U.S. consumers will pay 2 percent less during the October 1, 2008, to March 31, 2009, heating season than they did in the 2007-2008 season.
The average $21 savings every household will see is not exactly a windfall. Still, the EIA's latest revised prediction is a lot better than its projection in August, when it forecast Americans would spend 20 percent more this heating season than last, or about a $200 increase.
The cheaper heating could take some of the sting out of winter's chill if not add a small boost to sagging retirement accounts.—Daniel DiClerico
Essential information: Discover easy ways to cut your heating bills this winter. And read our report on space heaters to find the best model for your home.
Saving money on energy is nice, but many homeowners could save themselves time and money by maintaining their furnace and air conditioning systems. Replacing an old inefficient furnace with a new high effiency furnace can save even more money in the long run.
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