According to CNN, we're looking at significantly higher heating costs this winter. In the upper Midwest, that could mean a 61.1% increase in natural gas, and a 40.7% increase in heating oil. Apparently this comes from a slightly colder than usual winter prediction and, more importantly, continuing fallout from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita which disrupted energy production down south. I have heard (on NPR, I think) that Michigan in particular won't be so bad, because all of the natural gas was bought before the hurricanes hit - but even then, they were still talking about a 40% increase in cost.
So why I am wishful for radiant heating? well first of all, because it is more efficient than any ducted air system. It puts heat where the people are, on the floor, rather than forcing the air in and having it inevitably rise to the top. Also, radiant floors use hot water, and you can heat water by natural gas or electricity. Used to be that electricity was an incredibly expensive way to heat your house, but that's becoming less the case. After all, people who use electricity for heat are looking at a mere 5% cost increase this winter.
But what to do for us poor souls who have a house with natural gas heating? the usual, I suppose: dress warmer, turn the temperature down, and get a programmable thermostat that can make the house colder when you aren't there or are sleeping. There are other techniques of course, but none of them are cheap - add insulation to the house, install more energy efficient windows, etc. But in the short tern there will be little to do but suck it up and hope that you don't go broke keeping yourself warm. Not a good place to be. I hope the emergency heat & warmth funds are ready for the influx of applicants.
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