Homeowners brace for higher heating costs this winter

Allegheny Township resident Miranda McDermott and her two children — Jameson, 2, and Willow, 11 months — near the family woodpile that usually serves as the primary heat source for the family. Their woodburner is broken, and the family is facing its highest heating bills ever this winter because they have to use electric space heaters.

Dell Cromie, president of Glassmere Fuel Service, photographed Thursday in West Deer.

Dust is seen in the head lamp of Valley Heating and Plumbing technician Michael Aikins as he replaces a filter in the heater at the home of customer Catherine Pinker in Leechburg on Tuesday.

Chad Warhold, owner of Warhold Mechanicals, stands for a photo outside his business in North Huntingdon on Thursday.

Allegheny Township resident Bill Ludwig plans to use his gas fireplace less this winter in an effort to reduce his natural gas bill.