Lower temperatures and higher energy costs offer HVAC contractors the perfect recipe for a busy winter season. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is reporting that more than 90 percent of homes in the U.S. will receive higher heating bills this winter season, in comparison to last winter, as heating fuel prices continue to surge.

When compared to last winter, the EIA projects natural gas heating costs to rise 13 percent this season. If the temperature averages 10 percent colder than normal, those costs could increase as much as 25 percent.