Reasons For The Changes In Heating Oil Prices

 

Homeowners and business owners 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. Essentially, there are different factors that cause changes in the price of heating oil. In this article, you will find some of the factors that cause the fluctuations in heating oil prices Brick NJ.

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Primary Factors That Impact Your Heating Oil Prices

Below, you will find some of the factors that influence what you pay for your heating oil from one season to the next.

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 of a gallon of oil. ¹ 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 2013/14 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 an oil shortage. It makes sense that heating oil from these distant sources will cost more due to logistical reasons.

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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 in 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, unlike heating oil, these alternatives have safety, efficiency, and affordability limitations.

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Conclusion

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.

For The Best Heating Oil Prices In Brick NJ, Call Point Bay Fuel

Point Bay Fuel offers reliable and trusted fuel oil deliveries in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey. We offer different oil delivery plans and financing options. This way, you can customize your fuel deliveries to meet your needs. You can expect us to deliver your heating oil on time, every time. Best of all, you can expect reasonable home heating oil prices.

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

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

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

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How To Prevent Accidental Heating Fires

Our home heating systems help keep us warm and comfy during the winter season. They are expected to be in perfect working condition at all times. However, it would help if you were wary about accidents that your heaters can cause. After all, heaters are among the most common reasons for residential fires.

Do not let your house be a statistic. Many of these accidents can be prevented if you exert effort and pay attention to the heating appliances you have in your home.

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How To Prevent Accidental Heating Fires

This article lists a few heating safety tips you can do to prevent heating fires in your home.

Schedule A Professional Furnace Inspection

Furnaces utilize heating oil, propane, or natural gas to generate warm air. This way, our homes remain warm and comfortable despite the cold weather outside. Furnaces are made of complex components. Therefore, it is no wonder that a lot can go wrong, especially if it does not receive professional HVAC maintenance annually.

Professional heating system tune-ups include a thorough check-up of the whole unit. Every inch of the system is cleaned to prevent clogs. All flammable materials around the system are also removed. An expert will ensure that you can use your heating system safely. Homeowners can also help by making sure that the filter is cleaned or replaced periodically.
Contact a professional HVAC company to conduct a heating system inspection and maintenance. For those in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey, do not hesitate to call and schedule an appointment with Point Bay Fuel today!

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

Get Your Chimney Cleaned

A fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to a home. However, it needs quite a bit of work to ensure that it remains in good shape. The chimney is prone to soot and dirt build-up. Even if you don’t use it often, it is still necessary to have it professionally cleaned. You can also use products that’ll help keep your chimney cleaner longer. This way, the smoke can escape upwards and not flow inside your house.

Assess The Unit For Any Damages

Chimneys should have airtight sides. However, it can develop cracks as time passes. It could be caused by various reasons, such as poor workmanship, worn-out materials, and water seepage. The air flowing through these cracks can blow the flames unexpectedly. The fire might get fanned to your living room instead of staying within the confines of the fireplace. Any nearby flammable materials can get caught on fire. It is best to have your chimney checked for any structural damage, especially if you have an old chimney.

Install A Screen Barrier

All flammable objects should be kept away from the fireplace at all times. As an add-on safety measure, you might want to consider installing a diffusion screen. This screen will act as a barrier between the fireplace and the room. It will allow you to see the flames from your preferred vantage point safely as it will keep sparks confined within the fireplace. This way, you will have peace of mind whenever you use your fireplace.

Look Into Space Heaters’ Safety Features

Whenever you are buying space heaters, make sure to look into their safety features. The space heater you purchase should have an emergency cut-off feature in case an accident happens. For instance, your pet or kids might knock the heater over. If this happens, the heater will switch off automatically so that it does not heat the carpets and cause a fire.

Homeowners should also use space heaters in the room while they are occupying it. The heaters should be placed on flat ground, and any nearby flammables should be removed. It is advisable to put it on concrete or tiled floors instead of carpeted ones. There should be a three-feet distance between the space heater and any object when it is turned on. Don’t forget to switch it off when you leave the room.

Clear The Laundry Room

Although you might not realize it, the laundry room can provide an opportunity for a fire to happen. The dryer is connected to a duct that provides warm air. It is also where lint can build-up as time passes. This lint accumulation can catch fire under certain conditions. Although the dryer is equipped with a feature that captures lint, some could still pass through. Make sure to include this duct in the regular cleaning schedule to ensure home safety.

Use Central Heating

Space heaters can have direct contact with the objects inside your home. This is part of the reason many fires start inside homes. If you switch to central heating, you only need to worry about one room, which you will need to fireproof to prevent fires. This might be a costly solution. However, it can be argued that the investment is worth it if you can save your whole house from catching fire.

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Get Your Water Heater Replaced

The water heater provides you with hot water during the winter months. It also keeps the pipes from freezing. Like any other equipment, it can succumb to wear and tear as well. Some of the issues you might experience include failed heating, mineral accumulation, and faulty thermostat readings. When a water heater experiences problems, a fire can develop. Consider replacing your old water heater or have a professional conduct the needed inspection and repairs.

 

Conclusion

Fires are one of the most dangerous accidents that could happen to your home. It is worth every penny to control everything you can in preventing it from happening. Seek professional assistance when needed so that you receive the best possible prevention efforts.

Contact Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Needs

Do you need excellent heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey? No worries. Call Point Bay Fuel. Our professionally certified and trained technicians conduct superior HVAC services, such as repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. All our techs are friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced to service any HVAC make and model accurately.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling service rates in the area. Our tune-up services help increase your comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your home utility costs. We can also help you replace your outdated HVAC system by recommending the best replacement unit for your home and budget. Your satisfaction is our priority, and all our services come with a guarantee. Book a service appointment with Point Bay Fuel today. We provide free, no-obligation, in-home estimates.
Call Now: (732) 349-5059 Read Our Testimonials

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Why Is My Furnace Leaking?

In a perfect setting, our machines and equipment do not need to be repaired or replaced. They would be in perfect working order for a very long time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. Modern furnaces are tough. However, just like any other machine, they will experience a problem somewhere down the line. For instance, your furnace might start leaking. A gas furnace leaking water will result in a stressful and uncomfortable home environment, especially if the cause is something serious.

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Reasons For Furnace Leaks

There are a couple of possible reasons for furnace leaks. This article will discuss what these are and the steps to take when you find your furnace leaking water.

Condensation Leak In Furnace

Many modern furnaces are highly efficient. Some are even equipped with two heat exchangers so that they can produce more heat. During the heating process, condensation is formed. These water droplets are drained through the pipes or floor drain. However, if the pipes are clogged or damaged, the water cannot drain properly. It will instead leak out of the furnace and pool around the base of your furnace.

Clogged Furnace Filter

The furnace filter ensures that your indoor air is clean. It does so by collecting the dirt, dust, and other debris in the air. It is recommended that you check the filters regularly as they can get clogged. When this happens, the indoor air quality will go down. Air cannot also flow properly. The latter will cause coils to freeze or pipes to clog. These issues will eventually lead to leaking. Therefore, it is essential to check your furnace filter periodically. Clean or replace it as needed so that this problem is prevented.

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HVAC Humidifier Leak

A humidifier generates moisture to keep the air from being dry and cause discomfort. Check to see if your home humidifier is connected to your heating system. If this is the cause, it might be the reason for the leak as your humidifier might have failed and is leaking into your heating system.

Air Conditioner Leak

If you use your A/C hand-in-hand with your heating system and there is a leak, it might be due to your AC. The water from your cooling system is drained and collected into the condensation pan. Once this becomes full, the water could trickle into your furnace. As the water is leaking from your furnace, you might mistake it as a furnace leak when, in fact, you have a leaking air conditioner.

Plumbing Leak

A plumbing system leak could have a negative impact on your heating unit. It is recommended that you check your plumbing system when you suspect a furnace leak. Your plumbing might be having some issues, such as a clogged or broken pipe. These can cause the drainage to back up, and a leak could appear at the base of your furnace. Make sure to contact a professional to resolve any plumbing issues you have.

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Heat Exchanger Leak

If you have checked all causes mentioned above and you still haven’t found the reason, you might have a leaking heat exchanger on your hands. Unfortunately, this can be an expensive and severe problem. The heat exchanger needs to be repaired, or you might have to buy a new furnace, depending on how serious the problem is. Discuss all possible solutions with your local trusted HVAC technician. This way, you can choose the best course of action to take.

Steps To Take When You Have A Furnace Leak

Call a professional furnace repair company and schedule a service appointment as soon as possible when you notice a leak from your furnace. Here are a few safety measures you can do while you wait for help to arrive:

• Shut off your furnace immediately. If you cannot locate the power button, switch it off through the breaker that supplies power to your heating unit.
• Make sure the furnace base is dry. You can use dry rags or a mop to absorb the water. Use a wet-dry vacuum if possible. This way, you prevent water from damaging your furnace and your home.
• Check the furnace filter, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned or replaced for a while. Clean washable HVAC filters, and replace disposable ones.

 

Why Hire A Professional Heating Technician

Repairing or replacing your HVAC unit should never be a DIY project. A furnace is a specialized machine made up of complex components. Most homeowners do not possess the necessary training, tools, and skills to conduct proper furnace repairs. You might damage your furnace more if you do not know what to do. If that happens, you’ll end up having to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to get the much-needed heating repairs and replacements.

Experts always recommend that a professional HVAC technician conduct a proper heating unit inspection. This way, all issues can be diagnosed and repaired correctly. Do not call a handyman. All repairs should only be performed by those with proper certification, license, and extensive training. If your furnace is experiencing problems, switch it off and contact a professional HVAC repair service company right away.

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Conclusion

Our furnaces are responsible for keeping our homes warm and comfortable during the cold season. Any problems it might have will not only cause inconvenience. It can also significantly affect your home’s comfort and efficiency. If there is a leaking problem with your furnace, it is best to have an HVAC expert check and repair it immediately.

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

If you are looking for excellent heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact Point Bay Fuel. Our professionally certified and trained technicians offer superior HVAC services, such as furnace repairs, AC maintenance, ductless installations, and boiler replacements. We have knowledgeable and experienced techs who are guaranteed to conduct accurate and fast HVAC services.

Point Bay Fuel has the most competitive heating and cooling service rates in the area. Our tune-up services help improve your home comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your HVAC costs. We can also recommend the most suitable and budget-friendly HVAC make and model for your home. Your satisfaction is important to us. All our services come with a guarantee. Give Point Bay Fuel a call to schedule a service appointment today. We offer free, no-obligation, in-home estimates.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059 Read Our Testimonials

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

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Why Are My Rooms Heating Unevenly?

According to the US DOE (Department of Energy), the ideal thermostat setting for winter is 68°C Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the HVAC system can still maintain enough heat to avoid freezing the pipes while maintaining a comfortable environment indoors. This prevents any risk of hypothermia or using too much energy. However, it is also critical for the heating system to be able to generate even and constant temperature in every room in the home. If you experience uneven heating in house, you are likely to try to fix the discomfort by adjusting the thermostat accordingly. This, inevitably, will lead to increased energy consumption and even more discomfort. However, it will not fix the uneven indoor temperatures.

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Causes For Uneven Heat Distribution Throughout Your House

There are several reasons why certain areas of your home are being heated unevenly. These are:

Incorrect Furnace Size

If your home furnace is too small, it will have to overcompensate to keep your home warm. This means that it will have to work harder to generate enough heat for a longer period of time. This overcompensation causes stress to the system and will not fix the problem with uneven heating.

An oversized system, on the other hand, will generate more heat than necessary, causing more discomfort. It will also trigger the thermostat to shut down far earlier than it should, which could cause the system to fail. This is also known as short cycling.

To prevent these problems from happening, choose a furnace that is the right size and capacity for your home. This will ensure comfort and even temperature inside your home. It will also help reduce heating costs, according to the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory).

Let’s take a look at how sizing matters. A furnace that has an output capacity of 30,000 BTUs can effectively heat a 1,000 sq. ft. home. But it does not end there. There are other factors other than the indoor area that determine the perfect furnace size for the home. To find your perfect match, your HVAC contractor will have to perform what is known as a Manual “J” Load calculation. This will help determine the correct furnace size for your requirements.

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Furnace Maintenance

The ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers) recommends a furnace that has a minimum of 78% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) to be able to perform optimally. If the system was not maintained regularly, its performance will drop significantly. Eventually, it will fail to produce heat to sufficiently keep your home comfortable. Timely maintenance will help identify and prevent potential problems in the HVAC system so these can be fixed before they worsen. Schedule an annual inspection with your trusted HVAC contractor. Just make sure that the work is done by a certified and licensed HVAC professional. Ideally, have your HVAC system serviced during early fall or before the cold season.

Uneven Heating Requirements

Hot air rises, which means that the rooms upstairs will likely be warmer than the rooms beneath. This means that rooms on the lower levels will need more heat. Uneven heating can also be blamed on the availability of just a single thermostat. An excellent solution for this would be using a zoning system so that every section or zone in your home is comfortable, thanks to the independent thermostats in each zone. This will allow you to set the preferred temperature in each section, which does not affect the temperature in other sections.

Air Leaks

Leaks in the rooms due to cracks, gaps, and openings allow cold air from outdoors to enter. This causes uneven temperatures indoors. Prior to the cold months, try to check doors, windows, the attic, basement, and other areas of the house to determine if there are any gaps or holes that will allow cold air in. In most cases, you could fix the problem yourself by sealing these spots using:

• caulk
• door sweeps
• foam tape
• weatherstrips
• window film
• insulated windows
• door snake
• IGUs (insulated glass units)

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Dirty Or Clogged HVAC Air Filters

Air filters trap dirt and other particulates from the air before it is distributed into the indoor spaces. Over time, air filters will become clogged with debris. This causes heated air to flow slowly because it cannot penetrate the filter as effectively. When air is obstructed, the furnace system cannot work efficiently, which results in a slow and uneven flow of air. As a result, rooms that are located away from the source of heat will feel cold. To fix this, simply make sure to check the HVAC air filter regularly (at least monthly) and have it replaced or cleaned periodically. This will keep the air filter clean and efficient, especially during the cold months.

Clogged Air Vents

Warm air is distributed through the air vents. If these are blocked, clogged, or closed, there will be an insufficient supply of heated air in the home. Worse, if the vents are blocked or completely closed, the pressure in your ventilation system can increase, which will, in turn increase the risk of a system breakdown. Make sure that the air vents are open, clean, and not blocked by any object.

Air Duct Leaks

If there are leaks in the air ducts, your HVAC system may not be able to deliver warm air efficiently, especially to the rooms that are far from the furnace. Holes, cracks, and damage to the air vents will cause air to leak. Some of the most common causes of these holes and cracks include:

• Deterioration of the structure because of old age
• Damage caused by rodents and other small animals
• Structural work damage
• Poor installation

To ensure that there are no air duct leaks, make sure to seal all holes and cracks with caulk and have all damages repaired.

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Thermostat Fan Settings

If your furnace fan is set on “auto”, it will distribute warm air only when the furnace generates heat, then stop when the furnace stops. Then it will begin the cycle anew. Due to the frequent starts and stops, you may experience uneven room temperatures. Plus, the fans could become susceptible to wear-and-tear.

You can prevent this by using the “on” setting for the fans. This will ensure continuous airflow indoors. Note, however, that keeping the fans on all the time will consume more energy, so your energy costs will likely go up. You could fix this by using a ceiling fan and setting the blades to turn in a clockwise direction at the lowest setting. This will help distribute the heat and save on electricity.

 

Conclusion

Uneven heating can cause discomfort and some inconveniences in your home. You may not always be able to fix the problem yourself or perhaps the problem is far more serious than you can manage, so it is important to call an HVAC professional to assist you. Trained HVAC technicians know the equipment well enough to provide you with the best and most appropriate solutions. This will help ensure that any problems are fixed and that serious issues are prevented.

Contact Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Needs

Point Bay Fuel offers reliable heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. We only hire top certified technicians who can provide you with first-rate HVAC services, repairs, installations, and replacements. All our technicians have the knowledge and skill to service your HVAC system properly.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees the cheapest heating and cooling service in the area. We offer maintenance services that can enhance your comfort and energy efficiency while saving you money. We can assist you to get an HVAC repair or replacement unit based on your specific budget. Our services are backed by a guarantee to make sure that our clients are satisfied with our work. To schedule an appointment, contact Point Bay Fuel today. We also offer free, in-home estimations.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059 Read Our Testimonials

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

The post Why Are My Rooms Heating Unevenly? appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.