National Fuel customers can expect a slight uptick in their natural gas bills in the coming months.
The utility estimates people will pay an average of $5.23 more per month from November to March than they did in the same timeframe this past year. This winter, customers can expect to pay an average of about $585.84 in total to heat their homes; that's up about $25 from last winter. Even still, heating bills are at historic lows, coming in at roughly half of what they cost just 10 years ago, according to National Fuel.
So what can you do to save money on your heating bill this winter?
National fuel suggests that you make sure you pay close attention to your outdoor gas meters, furnaces and vents. Specifically, you'll want to make sure vents are cleared of snow, ice and debris; this will help improve the performance and efficiency of your furnace.
You can also look into payment programs through National Fuel to ensure your monthly bills are even and predictable. For families that need extra assistance in paying their monthly bills, the federally-funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is available on a first-come, first-served basis. HEAP will open statewide in mid-November. You can click on the above like to the HEAP website or call 1-877-443-2743 to find out if you're eligible.
