Experts predict heating costs will rise this winter. What to know about the price jumps

(Gray News) - Americans will be paying more this winter in order to heat their homes, a new report says.

Heating costs will rise 8.7% overall, according to new projections from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. CNN reported this is more than double the rate of inflation.

Households that use oil to heat their homes will face the highest jump as the U.S. war with Iran drives up energy prices. Their bills are expected to be more than 30% higher than last year’s.

According to the association, customers who heat their homes with electricity could see a 9% jump. The forecasted number for propane users is just behind that number.

Natural gas consumers have the lowest predicted increase of 5.8%.

About 4% of households nationwide use heating oil, which is more common in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Nearly 90% of U.S. households use either electric or natural gas to heat their homes.

The association says the price hikes would be even worse if El Niño weren’t poised to bring a warmer winter.

According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, the costs of winter heating have gone up about 24% over the past five years.