It’s cold this morning in Boston, and even the glow from the weekend’s St. Patrick’s festivities won’t keep away the chill. But most homeowners don’t need to consult a thermometer to know it’s been a cold winter. They’re already feeling it in their wallets.

This morning, the Boston Globe reported that households across New England have spent about 20% more on heating this year.

“Spending on natural gas service, spending on electricity, spending on home heating oil has definitely gone up,” said Chris G. Christopher Jr., director of consumer economics at the Lexington forecasting firm IHS Global Insight. “That makes people more cautious after they pay their bills.”

We’re hearing similar things from our friends in Baltimore, Chicago, and Indianapolis. And Home Depot and Lowe’s are reporting slower sales due to the winter weather. Retailers can’t wait for the thaw to ramp up business again, and we’re sure that our DIYer friends out there feel the same about getting to their home improvement projects when spring rolls around.

Has your heating bill increased this winter? And are you making plans to change that?