With winter just two weeks away and temperatures already hovering around freezing, Mainers are starting to crank up the heat.
As the frigid days arrive, heating costs are always a big concern in the state.
According to a weekly heating fuel price survey conducted by the Governor’s Energy Office, the current statewide average cash price for No. 2 heating oil is $2.04 a gallon, up two cents from the week before. The average statewide kerosene and propane prices also increased two cents from the week before, now at $2.56 and $2.31 per gallon
The Consumer Energy Alliance says homes and businesses can save on heating costs by using some “tried-and-true” energy savings tips, which include:
- Turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° when you’re asleep or out, which saves about 10% annually in heating costs
- Opening curtains on south-facing windows to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home
- Keeping your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning
- Using ceiling fans to circulate warm air. Reversing your ceiling fan clockwise helps move warmer pooled air near the ceiling back into the living space
- Keeping doors closed to rooms not in use, especially those with an exterior wall, which makes home heating more efficient