Hold onto your hats. As people get into this summer the outlook for heating fuel costs for next winter will at least double from the winter just past.
Now that is going to really crimp a lot of people's style.
We live in a relatively small two story house and we occasionally have seen heating bills in one month over $300. We keep the thermostat at around 64 degrees and wear lots of layers.
The math for someone with oil heat in a similar or larger house for next winter is going to be harsh. Electric heat is even worse.
If you don't have them, look into the double paned, argon insulated replacement windows. At least replace a few in the most lived in rooms. Make sure the installer insulates any related cavities with foam or fiberglass. Caulk the crap out of them if necessary.
We want to move, but if we are unable to do so this year, out of necessity we will get a pellet stove.
Yahoo: Heating oil sticker shock to hit New England
Retail heating oil prices have risen to more than $4.50 a gallon, nearly double what they were last year at this time. Some oil dealers have delayed rolling out their payment plans for next winter as the world oil markets continue their wild ride.I would not count on the prices tumbling down. Yes, its possible but the dollar is still weak and the economic downturn is not over.
Consumers -- already on edge with rising gasoline and food prices -- will probably be outraged when they calculate their oil bills for next winter, said Jamie Py, president of the Maine Oil Dealers Association.
"There'll be sticker shock," Py said. "Nobody knows what the price will do. It could go up or the bubble could burst and it could come crashing back down."
3 comments:
Yep, Nat. gas prices here in NJ up 18% and just starting the climb. What to do? Cut back other things is all most of us are left with. I want to first get rid of my old cars. Then eventually move to a warmer climate or build an energy efficient home. But, both require huge capital investments and at 60 yrs. old with 2 kids in College thats not an easy call.
I'm turning 55 and my wife is turning 50.
We want to build a small solar house, that's our dream goal, get off the grid. We are tied to the area till she retires.
Two kids in college wow, if you are paying all or some of it that's a lot.
There's someone on my block with three kids in college. And they are paying complete tuition to private schools.
The car that has my interest is the 2009 Honda Fit. They are going to release the hybrid in 2009. Its a compact car. Cheaper than a Prius.
Honda Fit Hybrid
Sounds like a buy. I like Hondas. Had an Accord for 14 yrs. best car I ever had. The Nissan SUV we now have replaced it. Even in 2001 I hated buying the damn thing. Knew then it was an albatross. My Dodge Caravan is 11 yrs old this yr.and at the end of its life. So this yr. or next looks like a time for a change car wise. House wise is more problematic.
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