If you're looking for some terrific news, you've come to the right place.

We all know last winter was rough. It wasn't necessarily a terrible winter as far as the weather was concerned, but it was when it came to our home heating bills. This year, we should see improvement, thanks to two different things.

Photo by Doris Morgan on Unsplash
Photo by Doris Morgan on Unsplash
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First off, we have El Niño to thank for the likelihood that natural gas prices will remain low for the upcoming winter. Late in the summer, Reuters reported the U.S. Climate Prediction Center expected a strong El Niño from December through February, the most expensive home heating months in Iowa and Wisconsin.

Earlier today, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) released a new El Niño advisory in which they said there's a 75 to 85 percent chance of a strong event from November through January. That is "generally associated with warmer-than-average winter temperature across the U.S.," according to Reuters.

Beyond that, the CPC says "El Niño is anticipated to continue through the Northern Hemisphere spring (with an 80% chance during March-May 2024)."

Morningstar reported yesterday that the Energy Information Administration said natural gas prices last year were $6.42. It's expecting them to be less than half that this year, at $2.61, and to be at $3.23 in 2024. You're not likely to see that drastic of a drop when your heating bill arrives, though. Still, you should be able to afford to leave the thermostat higher this winter.

A Man With Warm Clothing Feeling The Cold Inside House
LSOphoto
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The U.S. Energy Information Administration says they expect households that use natural gas for home heating to see a significant drop in cost compared to last winter. Obviously, that's only an estimate because you can never fully predict Mother Nature. However, the winter estimate of approximately $600 for the 46 percent of U.S. homes that use natural gas sounds a whole lot better than the average $760 that was spent last winter.

National cost estimates for all four types of main heat sources are below.

U.S. Energy Information Administration
U.S. Energy Information Administration
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A Winterization Checklist to Ready Your Home for the Cold

You can do the majority of these essential tasks on a weekend by yourself and most don’t require a lot of money to complete. Not up to the task? Hire someone handy to do it all. Whatever you decide, they're important winterization steps for all homeowners and by following them your home will be ready for winter and your family more comfortable. And, you’ll save a few bucks to boot. 

Gallery Credit: Paul Drake

Amazing Places to Stay During Your Fall/Winter Visit to Galena

Planning a weekend trip to Galena, Illinois this fall or winter? Check out some of these great Airbnbs that are available!

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

11 Awesome Iowa Cabins to Check Out This Fall & Winter

Looking to take a little staycation this fall or winter? There are some really cool cabins you can visit here in Iowa! Here are 11 of the highest-rated in the state on Airbnb:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

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