As the temperature goes down, our heating bills are expected to go up. The amount you pay this year for natural gas and oil heat could be much higher than last year.

This forecast comes from an agency in the U.S. Energy Department. And it's based on the assumption that temperatures in the Northeast this winter will be near normal, compared with a mild winter last year.

While natural gas prices are relatively low, home heating oil prices are expected to be an all-time high. The government forecast says oil heat customers could spend as much as $2,400 to stay warm this winter. That's compared with under a thousand dollars for the typical home using natural gas.

Natural gas customer LaShawn Cason lives with his wife and daughter on Mohawk Street in Rochester. "It's bad when you've got to decide when to turn the heat on. Even on chilly nights you won't want to turn the heat up, especially this time of year, because you know what's coming with the bills."

The Rochester Home Builders’ Association says it’s been getting a lot of emails and phone calls asking about Homearama. They say they hate to disappoint, but the stars just didn’t align right this year.

Homearama normally attracts about 25,000 visitors during its run. People come to step inside their dream homes to see the latest in decorating ideas, furniture and landscaping as well as the latest in home technology. The last time a Homearama was held was August 2010.

Rick Herman, Rochester Home Builders’ Association Executive Vice President, said, “People don’t understand that it takes a lot to build a Homearama home.”

Rochester Home Builders’ Association Executive Vice President Rick Herman says Homearama showcases the best of the best. But there can be challenges in selling the homes.

Herman said, “They come in at all the price point, all within the same town, all on the same street.

The Home and Garden show is in town this weekend at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Friday morning, Rick Herman joined us live on News10NBC Today to preview what's new at this year's show. Press play on the video player to see our interview.

Get all the details here