Consumers nationwide will be paying more to stay warm this winter, according to the latest data from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA).
Although El Niño is expected to cause a warmer season overall, NEADA predicts U.S. households will spend an average of $1,030 to heat their homes this winter . That's an increase of about 8.7% over 2025 and more than 2.5 times the current rate of inflation.
Families that rely on heating oil will face the sharpest increase, the agency reported. They're expected to spend roughly $2,300 to heat their homes in the winter season, which runs from mid-November to mid-March.
That's an uptick of 31.3% year over year, largely driven by surging oil prices amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
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ShieldSilver plan covers HVAC, electrical, plumbing systems, while the ShieldGold plan adds laundry appliances. The ShieldPlatinum increases coverage limits and adds microwaves, ceiling fans, icemakers and roof leak repairs.
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How to save on heating this winter
Getting your house retrofitted for energy efficiency is the best way to save in the long run, but it can be very costly. Fortunately, there are more simple interventions that can cut energy costs.
1. Install a smart thermostat and smart plugs
A smart thermostat can lower energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature when you're asleep or away. The fourth-generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat creates an energy-saving routine based on your preferred temperatures and works seamlessly with Google Home, Apple Home, and other smart-home networks. It's designed to draw sufficient power from standard low-voltage wiring in most homes without requiring installing a common wire.
For a less expensive fix, you can use a smart plug to remotely control any device its plugged into, allowing you to save on energy by scheduling timers and turning off appliances when you're not using them. The Emporia Smart Plug is an economical option with easy setup. It measures power draw and and cumulative energy use and works directly with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant.
2. Zone your home
Another way to keep heating costs down is by zoning your home: Instead of heating the entire house, heat only the part you're in.
- Close vents or doors to unused rooms
- Use space heaters safely in one room
- Turn radiators on only in occupied rooms
- Install thermostats on different floors
3. Slay home energy vampires
Some appliances, like coffee machines and home entertainment systems, draw power even when not in use. Unplug these home energy "vampires" when you're not using them or install smart plugs to turn them off.
4. Avoid peak hours
When you use energy-consuming devices and appliances matters: Many energy companies charge different rates based on peak and off-peak hours. Turning on the heat a couple of hours before peak hours and turning it off after the higher rate kicks in can save you money.
5. Use a cash-back credit card
Paying your utility bills with a cash-back credit card can provide a statement credit you can put toward future bills. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases, while the Citi Double Cash® Card offers 2% cash back on purchases (1% when you buy and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.)
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is great if you want simplicity thanks to its flat-rate 2% unlimited cash rewards on purchases and $0 annual fee.
- High, unlimited flat-rate return on purchases
- Intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- Lower introductory balance transfer fee
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Charges a 3% foreign transaction fee
- Balance transfer fee increases to 5% of each transfer (minimum $5) after 120 days
- Limited redemption options unless you pair it with a Wells Fargo card that allows point transfers
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
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- Earn a $100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
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- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
What makes the Citi Double Cash® Card special is that it sits near the top of its class in several categories. It is an excellent option if you want flat-rate rewards, a balance transfer intro-APR or no annual fee.
- Balance transfers get a long intro APR
- Generous flat-rate cash-back rewards structure
- Earns transferable rewards
- No annual fee
- It has a foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR only applies to balance transfer
- Points transfer ratios are reduced compared to premium cards
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Balance transfer fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
6. Look into assistance for low-income households
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualified households with one-time financial assistance for heating and electricity bills, as well as emergency aid to prevent shut-offs.
The program is federally funded but managed at the state level. Eligibility is based on household size, income and other factors that vary by state. You can find contact information for your local Low-Income Energy Office here.
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