From the desk of  Henry Haley

Sharply Higher Heating Bills Forecast For Michigan This Winter
Government sees 'dramatic increases' of up to 70% in energy costs

If you think gasoline prices are high, wait until you get your heating bills this winter!

The cost of heating oil is expected to jump at least 30 percent over last year. The Energy Information Administration (EIA), www.eia.doe.gov, reported last month that spot prices of natural gas at most market locations in the lower 48 states were 66 to 94 percent higher than last year's levels.  

Many people with large houses, too little insulation, inefficient furnaces and/or low fixed incomes are going to have trouble with heating bills this winter. 

After Hurricane Katrina, the agency said consumers can expect to pay 71% more for natural gas, 17% more for electricity, 31% more for heating oil and 40% more for propane than they did last winter.  

The big price hikes for natural gas are expected in the east north central region, which encompasses Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.  In part, the estimate is based on the belief that this winter will be colder than last winter.

"Dramatic increases in domestic energy costs, assisted by everything from tight world oil markets to blistering summer heat to the ravages of Hurricane Katrina, have made for an exasperating summer for many consumers and have set the stage for a potentially expensive winter heating season beginning a month or two from now," the agency said in its latest short-term energy outlook. 

The Energy Information Administration defines the winter heating season as October through March.

What Can You Do?

You can’t stop the high energy prices from coming, but you can defend yourself against them in several ways. 

1)     Have your furnace cleaned and checked by a licensed mechanical contractor. Haley Mechanical is offering a special pre-winter rate on their professional Furnace Clean & Check. Click here for your special coupon more information.

2)     Install a programmable thermostat to control your home’s heating and cooling cycle. You lose money when your furnace is heating your home while you are at work. Program the temperature to a cooler setting when you are away can save you a great deal on heating costs. Find more information here.

3)     Replace your dirty furnace filters. Clogged filters cause your furnace to run less efficiently. Taking the time to perform this simple maintenance procedure can improve your furnace’s performance significantly. Contact Haley Mechanical for help with the proper filters.

4)     Replace your old, inefficient furnace. Many homeowners pay little attention to the condition of this crucial piece of equipment until it is too late. Have one our qualified technicians perform a Clean & Check to see if the benefits of a new furnace out weigh the cost. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Don’t Put It Off Until Tomorrow!

The cold weather will not wait for you act; don’t put off your furnace maintenance until it is too late.  With heating prices expected to rise up to 70%, you could be losing money up your chimney next week.

More Information

Please browse these important pages that will help you save money on your energy needs. Feel free to forward them to your friends and family or print them out and distribute them to others.

Home Energy Basics - Understanding the basics of your home comfort issues is the best place to start.

Home Energy Usage - Did you know that typically 44% of your energy bills go to heating and cooling costs?

Heating and Cooling Tips - Sometimes it's the little things that make the difference.

13 SEER Regulation Changes - The government has mandated changes to the efficiency ratings for air conditioners. See how it could effect you!