Have you noticed a spike in the cost of your heating bills? Orange and Rockland Utilities is estimating that a typical Orange County or Rockland County resident will see gas heating bills rise more than 20% from January into February, due to low temperatures.

Gas and electric prices initially jumped in January due to extreme temperatures, often reaching below zero.  High gas prices, combined with using more gas are factors in the rising cost. Most power plants use gas as fuel, driving up the cost of electricity. Electric customers can expect a 5.4% increase in their February bill.

So, what can you do to prevent going broke from your heating bills? Click here to read our suggested punch list. In addition to those tips, and perhaps more important, getting a Home Energy Assessment could save you hundreds of dollars on your energy bills over time.

Home Energy Assessments, in addition to measuring your home’s energy performance, provide important health and safety tests to ensure major combustion appliances (furnace, boiler, water heater, stove) are operating properly. For most New York homeowners, the assessment is free (or low cost) and can save you up to 40% on your electric and fuel bills.

Want to learn more? Check out our YouTube video on Home Energy Assessments, as well as some additional information here.