[JeanLynn81]

If you barely made the heating bill last winter, you may not make it this winter. Heating bills could increase anywhere from 10-50% depending on where you live. In the US, this jump in price is double what it was 4 winters ago! I just don't know how they can expect us to withstand the rising prices.

Guess its time to seal up all the windows and doors, and have indoor bonfires (j/k). Honestly I don't think we'll make it if they jump too high. Thankfully I have an electric space heater for my room. But hey...that raises the electric bill. *sigh*

What are some ways you plan to conserve heat this winter? Best to start planning ahead!

[Alejandros Mommy]

Last year our gas bill was about 60-70$...but we have a gas stove as well...do you get state subsidy? Our provincial Gov't subsidizes everyones gas due to the inceases...up here you just can't live without warmth.

[mcmama]

There are some years when it is best to have oil heat, and some years when it is not. This past winter, if you had your tank filled BEFORE prices got way out of hand, you did alright. Plus, it was not that cold for much of the winter in many places in the USA.

I have natural gas, and I am just happy to move to northern florida, for the more generally temperate climate. That will happen in 2008 for me.

Now, does anyone have experience with solar panels? Propane generators? These are the newer alternatives, and honestly, if I were having a house newly built I would be doing these - as it is, if the house I buy does not have them I may well consider adding them, especially the generator.

In parts of the country which are hurricane/roof damage prone, does it make sense to install solar panels? Do they have to be on the roof, or can they be installed elsewhere? Do they blow away in a hurricane?

[ZanneA]

I almost bought a house this year (but PA real esate prices are just ridiculous this year) and that is the only thing I like about my apartment complex, they pay for your heat. Winter is when everyone wants to come visit me *j.k*

[Alejandros Mommy]

Here in wher in live. In Calgary there is a whole community they have made that is pro environment...they have thermo heating...which is this. It is very nice and its cheaper then the solar power. We also have wind power in our province...we are slowly getting away from fossil fules

[LeanyBean]

I knowI wouldn't survive financially over the winter months if I did not have a Budget Billing plan. I pay the same every month year round. I build up an incredible credit over the warm months and then I end up using up all my credit during the winter months but as long as I am making my monthly set amount they cannot turn me off. I have all my utility bills set up that way. My phone bill is the only one that varies and that is only due to long distance calls. I always have my heat set to 67 or 68 degrees during the daytime and 64-65 on the overnight over the colder months. I'll turn my furnace and thermastat off during the summer months. Also, most utility companies have low-income sectors that can help out with the high winter bills. Of course then there is state and federal government help. In the area where I am there is an organization called Semcac. They do a first come, first serve for heating cost help.

So my list of cost saving ideas is as folllows:

1. Budget Billing - set this up on as many utility bills as possible. Practically all companies have the ability to set up but some restrictions may apply. Call that 24 hr 800 customer service #. This is what they are there for.
2. Adjust thermastst to a lower temp - Even a couple of degrees makes a big difference. Isn't this the reason we have those warm toasty clothes in our closets? The same holds true for air conditioning. By setting the a/c to 78 degrees instead of 72 degrees it will cut your energy usage and cost in half.
3. Look into as many programs for cost savings as you possibly can - I've cut my bills by nearly 70% one winter by doing this.