INDIANA – As cooler weather settles across the Hoosier State, a new study reveals that Indiana residents will spend an average of $130.25 per month on home heating this winter, bringing the total estimated seasonal cost to $781.51 per household between October 2026 and March 2027.
The findings come from a recent analysis by the electricity comparison website Power Choice Texas, which evaluated data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) to project heating costs across the contiguous United States.
How Indiana Compares Nationally
Indiana’s projected winter heating expenses sit 20.8% above the national average, landing the state at 15th highest in the country for overall heating costs. Nationwide, the typical American household is expected to spend a total of $646.80 over the six-month heating season, averaging $107.80 per month.
Despite ranking in the upper half of the country, Hoosier homeowners will see some relief compared to last year. Indiana’s projected heating costs for the 2026–27 season are 5% lower than the previous winter (October 2025 to March 2026), when residents shelled out an average of $137.13 per month for a seasonal total of $822.81.
Across the country, New England states dominate the top of the cost list due to heavy reliance on heating oil, higher natural gas prices, and cold regional climates. Rhode Island leads the nation with a projected seasonal heating bill of $1,524.93 ($254.15 monthly), followed closely by New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, and Maine.
Managing Winter Energy Costs
While energy prices remain a concern for many households, the nationwide average heating cost is projected to drop by 1.2% this season, with nearly half of all states experiencing a decrease compared to last year.
To help combat winter utility bills, energy experts recommend a few simple efficiency strategies:
- Adjust the Thermostat: Lowering your thermostat by 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day can reduce annual heating bills by up to 10% by slowing down how quickly your home loses heat.
- Utilize Smart Thermostats: Program automatic setbacks for times when you are away from home or sleeping to minimize unnecessary energy consumption.
