Reasons For The Changes In Heating Oil Prices

If you have ever used fuel oil to heat your home then you probably know that heating oil prices do not remain the same price all year round. What you pay one heating season can be completely different the following season. Heating oil prices are constantly going up and down.

As a consumer, you might want answers as to why this is so. There are many reasons for this. There are different factors that cause the changes in the price of heating oil. In this article, you will find some of the factors that cause these fluctuations.

 

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Price Of Crude Oil

There is a strong connection between the price of crude oil in the international market and the price of heating oil. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) states that the price of crude oil is a huge factor in the price of heating oil. From the winter of 2006/7 through the winter of 2016/17 crude oil accounted for approximately 55% of the price a gallon of oil. This is one reason why crude oil prices will always affect fuel oil prices. Other factors that affect the price of crude oil include crude oil supply from oil producing countries and industrial demand from countries that use oil to power their industries. Political developments in oil producing countries also have a significant impact on crude oil prices.

Weather

Heating oil prices usually go up when the weather is extremely cold. The winter of 2014/14 was one of the coldest winters in recent history. During this winter, heating oil prices rose by seven cents per gallon. In addition, severe weather conditions like hurricanes and tropical storms cause the price of fuel oil to rise. One reason is that a tropical storm brings low temperatures and this leads to an increase in the demand for heating oil.

Closely connected to this is the fact that severe weather makes it difficult for oil suppliers to deliver products to customers. In some cases, suppliers may run out of oil supplies. This will lead to scarcity and the scarcity will lead to very high prices for both crude oil and heating oil. The EIA says that fuel oil suppliers in some parts of the US might have to buy from Europe or elsewhere if they experience oil shortage. It makes sense that heating oil from these distant sources will cost more due to logistical reasons.

Government Policies

The price of oil is affected by government policies. This means that the price may rise or fall depending on the policy implemented by regulatory agencies. For instance, if refineries expect a decline in the demand for fuel, the prices may rise because the refineries are likely to scale down production. If policy changes take place in the warm summer months, prices may fall because the refineries have huge inventories at this time.

Your location has an impact on the price you pay for heating oil. If you live in an area with many suppliers of this product, you will pay less for heating oil. On the other hand, if you live an area with relatively few suppliers of heating oil, you will pay more for the product. You are also likely to pay less for heating oil if you live near a refinery or a major oil producing company. In effect, the price of heating oil is affected by location or proximity to the product.

 

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Alternative Heating Options

The alternatives to heating oil also cause fluctuations in the price of this product. Alternatives to heating oil include electricity, fireplaces, natural gas and kerosene. However, these alternatives have safety, efficiency and affordability limitations.

Heating Oil Prices Brick NJ

Some of the factors that cause fluctuations in the price of heating oil are weather, crude oil prices, heating options and changes in policy and regulations.

Point Bay Fuel offers reliable and trusted fuel oil deliveries. Not only do we delivery high quality fuel in a friendly and professional manner but we can also maintain your heating system. This will ensure that it performs efficiently this winter. By using our affordable fuel delivery and our heating system maintenance services, you can reduce your energy costs this winter. Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.

 

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We service Allenwood NJ 08720, Brick NJ 08723, Brielle NJ 08730, Island Heights NJ 08732, Lakewood NJ 08701, Lavallette NJ 08735, Manasquan NJ 08736, Mantoloking NJ 08738, Normandy Beach NJ 08739, Pine Beach NJ 08741, Point Pleasant Beach NJ 08742, Sea Girt NJ 08750, Seaside Heights NJ 08751, Toms River NJ 08753, and surrounding areas.

Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

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How To Budget For Your Winter Heating Oil Costs

Every homeowner likes saving money on home heating costs when the winter months arrive. Certain costs are directly connected to supply and demand. This means that you will not be able to do much to change factors like these. However, there are other things that people, including yourself, can do to reduce your home heating costs. For instance, there are strategies that you can use that will give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much fuel you’ll need for a comfortable winter. Fuel prices often fluctuate quite a bit. This gives homeowners the incentive to find the most trusted and reliable home heating oil companies near me. To truly find the best prices for heating oil, Point Bay Fuel is on hand to offer reliable and affordable fuel oil deliveries.

When you’re able to find the best prices for heating oil…

you can cut your home heating costs and stay true to your winter budget. This article will cover the top ways to budget for heating oil this winter. We’ll also share a few tips for improving energy efficiency that will help you further limit your spending.

 

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How To Budget For Heating Oil

Number Of Gallons Used Each Hour

On average, the typical oil burning furnace burns between 0.92 and 1.7 gallons of fuel each hour. Depending upon the type and age of a furnace, some models might use less or more of the estimated average. Due to this fact, setting a feasible benchmark makes it possible for homeowners to accurately calculate the amount of fuel that their furnaces will burn.

The Manufacturer’s Plate

The easiest way to find this information is to shine a flashlight on the manufacturer’s plate. It will either be on the burner nozzle or on the burner itself. This metal tag will provide the capacity specifications as gallons used per hour. This will allow you to estimate how much fuel you’re going to need once the outdoor temperatures drop.

Energy Bills

To arrive at a more specific estimate…

property owners should round up as many energy bills as they can. Go as far back to find your energy use from prior months and years. The more bills that you can round up, the more accurate your estimate will be.

Next, study the quantities of oil that was used in the past. For instance, if you’ve collected 12 months of energy bills, then simply divide the total annual usage by 12. This will help you find out what your monthly average was for that year.

Studying The Weather

The weather industry uses the phrase “heating-degree day”. This is basically any day on which outside temperatures fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is very helpful to have a rough estimate of the number of days that will require heat throughout the year.

The Farmer’s Almanac and other weather forecasting companies maintain weather statistics over time. Homeowners can use these to estimate their fuel use in the future. It’s also possible to get other info from sources like these. This includes predictions for unusual weather patterns for a specific year.

As an example, you might want to know whether or not certain times are known for having consistently mild weather. You can even find out whether temperatures have plummeted to especially low levels during specific months over the course of several, consecutive years. Tracking weather patterns can help homeowners get ready for extended weather seasons.

 

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Tips For Saving Money

Beyond estimating how much fuel your household will require, you can also take advantage of these energy efficiency tips. They will help you save money and allow you to optimize your fuel use.

Replace Old, Outdated Furnaces

Experts suggest replacing heating systems that are 20 years old or older. Having modern furnaces installed can help homeowners save as much as 15 percent to 20 percent on fuel. Moreover, even if you happen to have relatively new furnace, be sure to schedule yearly tune-ups for this system. It is best to do this before the cold season begins.

 

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Invest In A Programmable Thermostat

It’s a good idea for homeowners to talk to their heating company about having programmable thermostats installed. These devices can pay for themselves within just one year of installation by helping people lower their home heating costs.

Add Insulation

While it might be common knowledge, a lot of homeowners still have yet to properly insulate their homes. People should check to ensure that there’s sufficient insulation in their:

• Exterior walls
• Flooring with underlying cold spaces
• Ceilings that allow drafts to flow in
• Attics

 

Heating Oil Near Me Beachwood NJ

Estimating your fuel costs is hardly an exact science. You can, however, use the tips above to both save money and conserve important resources. Also, when looking for heating oil companies near me, be sure to contact Point Bay Fuel. We offer highly affordable local fuel oil prices and skilled heating oil deliveries. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

 

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We service Bayville NJ 08721, Beachwood NJ 08722, Forked River NJ 08731, Island Heights NJ 08732, Lanoka Harbor NJ 08734, Ocean Gate NJ 08740, Pine Beach NJ 08741, Seaside Heights NJ 08751, Seaside Park NJ 08752, Toms River NJ 08753, and surrounding areas.

Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

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Tips On Improving Indoor Air Quality For Asthmatics

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America poses some indoor air quality facts on a frequent basis. These facts claim that there is an exposure to substances that trigger asthma on a daily basis for most individuals in the United States. This is because they spend the majority of their time indoors.

Even though it is not realistic to eliminate those triggers entirely, there are various ways to reduce them. Thankfully, an HVAC system can help eliminate things that trigger asthma indoors, such as pet dander, mildew, mold and dust. Point Bay Fuel offers high quality HVAC services that can help individuals suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses. When you are looking for indoor air pollution solutions, we are your source!

Your HVAC system’s condition has a direct effect on your home’s indoor air quality. Toms River, NJ residents, can significantly increase the quality of their air when using a cooling and heating system.

When you improve the quality of your home’s air…

you can also help reduce asthmatic triggers, and therefore help those who live in your home. By removing these triggers, there is a reduction in potential asthma attacks, allergies and other respiratory symptoms. In this article, we will discuss some ways to improve your indoor air quality.

 

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Filtration

Air filters reduce the number of airborne particles in your home, thus improving the quality of the air that you and your loved ones breath. These indoor airborne pollutants include pollen, cockroach droppings, pet dander, dust mites, mold, and other allergens. Fortunately, the standard filtration, found in most modern HVAC systems, can help eliminate these triggers.

However, if you or your loved ones suffer from allergies or asthma, you should do the following…

Ask your HVAC contractor to install a HEPA filter in place of your standard HVAC filter. A HEPA filter is a high-efficiency particulate air filter. When it is determined that a standard filtration system is not adequate for your needs, this is a good option. Various filters are associated with different air-quality standards inside a home. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health states that HEPA filters eliminate approximately 99.9 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns or bigger. For this reason, it makes perfect sense to use such filters in dwellings where individuals suffer from respiratory problems. Additional options available on today’s market include secondary filtration systems and individual room filters.

UV Light Treatment

UV lamps are another option that may be effective in eliminating biological contaminants. This is because they produce UV-C rays, which can kill bacteria, mold and other substances. Therefore, such lights help eliminate additional triggers for asthma and allergens from your home. When your HVAC system and UV lamps work together, you achieve healthier air. The UV-C rays effects the air that passes through the system when UV lamps are placed inside ductwork. Such lamps also help to sterilize the HVAC system, ultimately helping to prevent asthma attacks and allergies.

Humidity

Many people who suffer from asthma have a problem with humidity. This may be due to the fact that humidity enhances the growth of mold, dust mites and mildew, all of which are asthma triggers. These are the primary culprits of indoor air pollution sources. In addition, it can exacerbate other types of respiratory issues.

However, for some asthmatics, dry air is also a trigger. Therefore you should maintain the humidity level in your dwelling at a comfortable level, rather than at one extreme or the other.

Generally speaking, the humidity level inside tends to be lower in the winter and higher in the summer. There are certain strategies you can utilize to maintain indoor moisture levels including the installation of a variable speed HVAC furnace. You may also choose to install a dehumidifier and a humidifier for summer and winter seasons, respectively. Modern HVAC systems typically have control mechanisms for humidity that help regulate it within your dwelling. Obviously, this is helpful for those with respiratory problems or asthma and will give you a higher level of indoor air quality standards.

Vacuuming And Cleaning

To remove allergens and airborne particles on a regular basis, you should vacuum and clean frequently. If not, these particles will collect within your HVAC system and recirculate throughout your dwelling. Always use a vacuum with HEPA filter.

Regular Maintenance

It is important to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. Only a qualified HVAC technician should maintain your system. Speak to them about upgrades or any necessary repairs.

As part of a regular evaluation for your system, the technician should also clean the unit to prevent pollutants from building up inside. This is an excellent way to improve indoor air quality. An extra benefit of this activity is the fact that your energy costs will decrease. The unit does not have to work as hard as it does when it is not properly maintained.

 

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Indoor Air Quality Toms River NJ

Pet dander, dust mites, cockroach droppings, mold, and other airborne particles can potentially trigger asthma attacks. Fortunately, a proper HVAC system can help decrease these pollutants and improved indoor air quality of your home. To enjoy best results, combine the use of humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and UV lamps with an updated HVAC system.

Point Bay Fuel offers professional HVAC services. This includes AC and heater maintenance, repairs, and installations. All of our contractors are NATE certified which means that they have the knowledge and skills to properly service your system. Their experience gives them the ability to improve your indoor air quality while enhancing your system’s energy efficiency. Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.

 

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We service Bayville NJ 08721, Beachwood NJ 08722, Brick NJ 08723, Island Heights NJ 08732, Lanoka Harbor NJ 08734, Lavallette NJ 08735, Mantoloking NJ 08738, Normandy Beach NJ 08739, Ocean Gate NJ 08740, Pine Beach NJ 08741, Seaside Heights NJ 08751, Seaside Park NJ 08752, Toms River NJ 08753, and surrounding areas.

 

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Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

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Home Heating Oil Winner: Toms River NJ

Congratulations to Ilona R. from Toms River, NJ. Ilona was the lucky winner of our Home Heating Oil Giveaway Sweepstakes! She will be receiving her oil delivery just in time for the upcoming winter season.

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Prepare Your Home In The Fall, Before Winter Arrives

You want to protect your home from the cold winter temperatures, but you want to do it before winter arrives. The perfect time to take action is in the fall. In autumn, the conditions are mild and you won’t have to rush. Sure, it’s never fun to work on the fall to-do list, but you will be thankful you did when winter does finally arrive.

Preparing for the autumn…

includes both indoor and outdoor tasks, including a heater tune-up. Brick, New Jersey residents will want to prepare now, well before winter is here. Here at Point Bay Fuel, we can help you prepare with the heating system maintenance services we offer. This will ensure your home is warm when you need it to be the most.

In the rest of this article, we’ll discuss some of the tasks you should do before the cold temperatures arrive.

 

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Preparing Ahead Of Winter

Now is the perfect time to start doing…

any additional work on your home. By doing it now, you will enjoy the luxury of being able to take your time, which is not the case if you do things in the winter. With that said, you can do the following:

General Cleanup

Do a general cleanup around the home this autumn. Instead of only doing a spring cleaning, do a fall cleaning too. By doing a cleanup twice per year, you won’t have much of a mess to take care of each time. Besides that, you’ll have far more space for the stuff you need during the cold winter months.

Locate Leaks And Seal Them Up

Your heating system works harder than it has to when air leaks are present. Your heater uses more energy to keep your home heated, and this means higher utility bills. Locate air leaks and seal them up right away. Look around your doors and windows because this is where they are commonly found. Cracks along the walls can sometimes have air leaks too. By doing this, you can save as much as 10% in your monthly energy bills.

Clean The Gutters

Gutters catch debris and leaves, which can cause clogs. This means they won’t drain out snow and water as effectively as they should. This can result in flooding and gutter damage. Clean your gutters and remove leaves and other debris that can cause clogs.

Inspect Your Roof

Inspect your roof in the fall and look for signs of leaks, cracks and holes. If you find any, fix them. If there are bald spots, then buy new shingles to cover them up and seal even the smallest of holes because if you don’t, they will get bigger. They will also get harder and more expensive to fix.

Freeze-Proof Your Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures that are exposed can freeze during the winter. Water expands and eventually become ice during extremely cold temperatures. This can cause pipes to burst. You want to find exposed plumbing fixtures that are located outdoors and freeze-proof them. Drain the line and cover faucets with styrofoam products. This will protect them from freezing up during winter.

Clean Your Humidifier

Clean your humidifier this autumn because…

this will ensure it will work properly. Inspect all of its elements and clean them if they are dirty. The best way to clean it is to use a detergent solution. Afterwards, rinse off the detergent with water. If there are mineral deposits that won’t come off, then use a brush with very hard bristles to scrape it off. A humidifier that functions properly will prevent wood from cracking.

Get A Tune-up For Your Heating System

The fall is the perfect time to schedule a tune-up on your heating system.

A tune-up will keep your system is running efficiently. It can solve many issues, such as noise, unreliability and inefficiency. Such problems can be caused by dirty ducts and faulty thermostats to name a few. If there is an underlying issue, the professionals will find them, fix them, and give you advice on how to take care of your system. Remember, it’s much cheaper to fix problems as soon as you find them instead of repairing them later on. Schedule an appointment with a professional and they will more than happy to perform a heater tune-up.

 

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Heater Tune-Up Brick NJ

Do not be like many homeowners and skip a tune-up due to furnace tune-up cost. The price of a tune-up is worth it because minor issues can be found and fixed quickly. If you ignore issues, they will only grow into more expensive and complex problems. A tune-up will ensure your heating system is ready for the winter and can play a role in reducing heating costs. Contact Point Bay Fuel today to schedule a tune-up on your heating system.

Point Bay Fuel offers HVAC services and fuel delivery. This includes heater maintenance, repairs, and installations. It is important to schedule a heater tune-up before the wintry weather arrives. This way, you will ensure that your system can do its job of keeping your home warm even when it is cold outside. Our NATE certified technicians can use their skills and experience to improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.

 

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We service Allenwood NJ 08720, Brick NJ 08723, Brielle NJ 08730, Island Heights NJ 08732, Lakewood NJ 08701, Lavallette NJ 08735, Manasquan NJ 08736, Mantoloking NJ 08738, Normandy Beach NJ 08739, Pine Beach NJ 08741, Point Pleasant Beach NJ 08742, Sea Girt NJ 08750, Seaside Heights NJ 08751, Toms River NJ 08753, and surrounding areas.

Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

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Now Is The Time To Schedule A Heater Tune-up

Now that summer is over and autumn has arrived, it is going to start to get cool outside. If you haven’t had your heater inspected and tuned up yet, now is the best time to do so. It is necessary to have your heater maintained every year.

If you schedule your tune-up now…

you will be able to beat the rush of people scheduling inspections. Also, you can have it done at a time that is convenient for you. Since you are scheduling it before the busy season, the HVAC tech won’t be pressed for time and they will be able to take their time while doing the job. This is good for the health of your heater. In this article, we will discuss why now it the time to schedule an appointment and what the benefits are of maintaining your furnace.

 

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Why Should You Get Your Heater Inspected Early?

It is a good idea to have your heater tuned up as early in the season as possible. There are several reasons that this should be done before winter.

• Avoid Potential Problems: In order for your family to be comfortable in the winter, your heater needs to be working properly. When the heater is being worked on, the heat will need to be turned off. If there is a problem, a repair can take days. This means that you won’t have any heat in the home during this time. If you have your heater checked before it gets cold outside, the issue can be handled when you don’t need heat.
• High Availability: Although HVAC professionals do their best to be available at convenient times during the winter, it isn’t a guarantee. In some cases, you might need to wait days and even weeks before you can get someone to come out to your home. Without a tune-up, your heater won’t work as efficiently as it should, and it can make it cold in the home and it can cost you a good deal of money.
• Peace of Mind: When you have your heater tuned up early, you will have peace of mind that you will have heat when the weather gets cold. When you aren’t worrying about your heater breaking down, you can focus on more important things.

What Does A Heater Tune-up Include?

What an HVAC professional will do during a tune-up depends on the brand of your heater, how efficiently it runs, and how old it is. A professional HVAC service will provide a variety of services. The typical services on the checklist include:

• An inspection of the thermostat to make sure that it is working properly and that it can turn on your heater when the weather gets cold.
• Lubrication of all the moving parts so that they work together the way that they should.
• A thorough check of the tubes for gas leaks and air leaks.
• Checking that there are no wires that are out of place and tightening any loose wires.
• Inspect the refrigerant fluid levels and changing the cylinder if it is necessary.
• Cleaning or replacing a dirty air filter.
• Removing any debris from the condenser coils and making sure that they can circulate the air properly.

 

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Maintenance Is Better Than A Cure

There are some homeowners who underestimate the importance…

of regular HVAC maintenance. Regular maintenance will increase the lifespan of your system. If there is a problem and it is caught early, it won’t turn into a major problem. This will save you a great deal of money. When a heater or HVAC system is maintained properly, it uses less power to function properly. This will save you money on your energy bills. There are several reasons that you should have your heater or HVAC system maintained every year and no reasons why you shouldn’t.

 

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Preparing Your Hone For The Winter

 

Heater Tune-Up Toms River NJ

Many homeowners neglect to have a heater inspection because they don’t want to pay the furnace tune-up cost. Paying for a tune-up is much cheaper than paying for an expensive breakdown later. When your heater is functioning properly, it will save a significant amount of money on your energy bills each month. To schedule a heater or HVAC tune-up, you should contact Point Bay Fuel.

Point Bay Fuel offers expert heating and cooling services. This includes HVAC maintenance, repairs, and installations. It is important to schedule a heater tune-up before the cold weather arrives. This way you will ensure that your system is ready to keep you nice and warm throughout the winter. Let our NATE certified technicians use their skills and experience to service your heater. Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.

 

Schedule An Appointment

 

We service Bayville NJ 08721, Beachwood NJ 08722, Brick NJ 08723, Island Heights NJ 08732, Lanoka Harbor NJ 08734, Lavallette NJ 08735, Mantoloking NJ 08738, Normandy Beach NJ 08739, Ocean Gate NJ 08740, Pine Beach NJ 08741, Seaside Heights NJ 08751, Seaside Park NJ 08752, Toms River NJ 08753, and surrounding areas.

Point Bay Fuel is an authorized dealer for American Standard heaters. Although we service and have experience with all makes and models of HVAC equipment, American Standard has given us this designation due to our high stands of service. We have demonstrated excellent customer service skills along with an extensive amount of knowledge in our industry. When hiring us, you can count on receiving professional, courteous, and affordable services. American Standard systems are known for being reliable and energy efficient. To learn more about American Standard heating systems, click the button below.

 

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Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

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