Other Ways to Save

In addition to joining the Fuel Buyers Group, here are some other ways to lower your home energy costs.

NYPIRG’s Fuel Buyers Group brings a collaborative, nonprofit perspective to the home energy marketplace – helping consumers save money while simultaneously helping to improve the environment. The Fuel Buyers Group negotiates with trusted, local home heating providers using the collective purchasing power of our members to get them a lower price. We offer deep discounts on home heating oil and kerosene in nearly every corner of New York State and discounts on other heating products and services in many areas as well.

Through this group buying model, we have saved thousands of New Yorkers millions of dollars since the program began in 1979. Directly lowering your heating bills remains our top priority, but there are many things that you can do to save even more. As consumer and environmental advocates, we are always on the lookout for new ways to reduce energy use and energy costs for our members. The following information was compiled to share some of those ideas with you. There are also valuable outside resources and information on keeping your heating system and home operating efficiently and safely. From ceiling fans to budget plans, and from heat pumps to the gas pump – there is something here that everyone can do to start saving even more today!

Saving Through Efficiency – Making the Most of Your Energy Dollars

Your Thermostat — Saving Money by Degrees

Smart thermostats are a great option for anyone with a traditional heating system, but you can save a lot of money (especially in an expensive season like this one) with your old-school thermostat, too. According to the U.S. Department of Energy and other independent research, you can save 1-3% of your total heating bill for each degree you turn your thermostat down. With prices soaring this year, the average homeowner in New York State could save hundreds of dollars by cutting the heat from, for example, 73 to 69 degrees. If you choose to make a change, do not crank it down all at once. Try a one-degree reduction every couple of days until you find a temperature that balances your comfort and your budget. The same is true in reverse when it comes to the air conditioner and your summer electricity bill.

Sealing Leaky Ducts

For homes with forced air heating, your ductwork is responsible for carrying warm air from the furnace to every corner of your home. If your ducts have improper or loose connections, leaks, or holes, it can really cost you. In many cases, up to 30% of heated or cooled air is lost before it reaches the rooms it is headed for. Stop the hot air from escaping your duct system (and the money from escaping your wallet) by making sure that ductwork is properly sealed.

Making Use of Zoned Heating and Cooling

Multi-zone heating is one of the biggest cost savers available. In fact, studies have shown that homes with properly regulated heating zones use 30% less fuel than comparable single-zone homes. These systems allow you to heat or cool only the parts of the house that you are using. You can also set your preferences to automatically move the temperature with you throughout the day and night.

Making the Most of Your Fans

When temperatures are mild, fans are the way to go. A little breeze can go a long way to make your home more comfortable – and ceiling, floor, and window fans are generally very efficient, using little electricity even if they are on all day. Ceiling fans can be especially helpful, even in winter. Many people have never touched (or even noticed) the little up and down switches on their ceiling fans. Those tiny switches, which control the direction of the fan blades, can have a big impact on heating and cooling bills. In cold weather, the blades should turn clockwise, forcing warm air that wants to rise down and around the room. In warmer months, the blades should be spinning counter-clockwise, creating a steady breeze to help keep the room cool. In the summer, you can reduce cooling costs and increase comfort by using your fans and air conditioning together. Ceiling fans or floor fans (but not window fans) help create a wind chill effect, letting you achieve the same level of comfort while setting the AC thermostat a little higher.

Avoiding Summer Heat Gain

Almost 50% of summer heat gain is from your windows. In fact, covering windows during the hottest parts of the day can reduce your air conditioner’s workload by 25% – saving you hundreds of dollars. Another great way to reduce heat gain is to avoid heat and moisture generating chores during the hottest part of the day. Things like laundry, dishwashing by hand or machine, and cooking, can increase the temperature in your house and the cost of your electric bill.

Boosting Your Heating and Cooling with a Heat Pump

Many homes have spaces that are hard or even impossible for traditional HVAC systems to reach. If that is the case, a mini-split heat pump can be an efficient, effective, and affordable option. They can keep you warm in winter, cool in summer, and in some cases even replace your existing heating system. Best of all, they use no fossil fuels – which is great for the planet and your wallet! Find out more about this affordable state-of-the-art energy solution by visiting the NYS Clean Heat website. Need help finding an installer? If you live on Long Island, the Fuel Buyers Group can connect you with a vetted home services company that will give you exclusive member credits for installation and service.

Tune-Up and Cleaning

The best way to keep your heating system in efficient and safe working order is to be sure to have your heating system tuned and cleaned annually. Many energy suppliers offer a free annual check, or cover one with a service contract. The benefits of getting an annual tune-up and cleaning include:

Efficiency: Keeping your system free of dust and grime ensures that your furnace runs as efficiently as possible – saving you a lot of money.
Consistency: If your furnace is clean and operating efficiently, you will not need to worry about losing heat when you need it most.
Prevention: Catching any problems now will avoid costly emergency repair calls in the winter.

And do not forget the AC! An air conditioner that is running at peak efficiency can make a big difference on your electricity bills, which have been nearly as bad for many consumers as heating bills. Easy maintenance such as routinely replacing or cleaning air filters can lower your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15%. In many parts of the state, the Fuel Buyers Group can refer you to a trusted and vetted NYPIRG energy partner that can handle all of your AC installation and service needs. Let us know where you live and what your AC needs are, and we can discuss what is available in your area.

The HEAP Clean and Tune Benefit can help pay for your annual checkup. Every year, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides New Yorkers – including many of our members – with much needed money to help pay for energy deliveries. But did you know that they also provide money to keep your furnace in good shape? The HEAP Clean and Tune benefit offers eligible homeowners energy efficiency services such as cleaning of primary heating equipment, chimney cleaning, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, and even minor repairs. The benefit maxes out at $400 per household and is based on the actual cost of the work that is needed and performed.

Managing Home Energy Costs

Automatic Delivery

Avoid the added expense of emergency deliveries and costly system restarts by getting on, or staying on, an automatic delivery schedule with your supplier. We can help you with the process if you need to make a change. When supplies are low and the temperature drops, it often becomes difficult for local delivery terminals to keep up with demand. Being on automatic delivery insulates from short supply by making sure that your tank does not get low in the first place. The smaller, more frequent deliveries that you will get are also a lot easier on your wallet than paying for hundreds gallons all at once.

Budget Plans for Level Billing

Lowering your energy use is good for the planet, and it saves you money. But no matter how much you reduce your usage, the bills keep coming! The Fuel Buyers Group recommends that all of our customers consider a budget, or level billing plan, to help spread out the cost of heating your home and protect you from huge bills in the winter. Many customers have found themselves with two deliveries during a cold snap – and a bill for hundreds of gallons. We require all of our suppliers to give our members 30 days to pay (much longer than the industry average), but time definitely flies when there is a thousand-dollar bill to pay. Instead, your supplier can estimate your annual usage, multiply by the projected price per gallon, and set a monthly billing amount. It might feel strange to pay a heating bill in July, but you will be protecting yourself from an unwelcome burden this winter. Natural gas and electric utilities and many ESCOs offer similar plans as well.

Finding Out What Assistance You Are Eligible For

There was a time not so long ago when the biggest obstacle to greening your energy use was that so little reliable information was available and so few products existed. Now, for many consumers, the problem is just the opposite! With all of the incentives, grants, loans, new products, and constantly changing recommendations, it is hard to know where to begin. NYSERDA’s New York Energy Advisor Website helps cut through to what is available to eligible New Yorkers now to start saving energy and lowering bills. The website is designed to be a one-stop shop that asks you a few easy questions and then directs you to financial resources available through the state and your local utility.

Saving on Gasoline

The Fuel Buyers Group is dedicated to helping you heat and cool your home more efficiently, but another big source of consumer pain is the gas pump. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) Has compiled the following list of tips to save you money at the gas pump and on the road:

At the Pump

WAIT until your gas gauge reads ¼ tank before filling up in warmer weather. Your vehicle gets better gas mileage with a lighter load, and keeping the tank full can waste money.
CHOOSE the lowest octane recommended for your car.
COMPARE the price advertised on the gas station’s sign and on the pump to make sure that they are the same. If not, ask which price is the one you would actually be paying.
DOUBLE CHECK that the price per gallon remains the same throughout the entire time you are pumping. Be aware if the price per gallon changes or the number turns back or advances quickly.
MAKE SURE that the gas pump reads $0 before you begin fueling and stops running when you finish pumping, so you know you are only paying for the gas being dispensed into your vehicle.
KNOW the size of your gas tank and how many gallons of gasoline it holds so you can make sure that you are getting what you are paying for at the pump.
ASK your gas station if they have different prices for payment in cash or credit. Some stations offer gas at several cents less per gallon if you pay in cash.
USE a gas price tracking app to compare prices at local gas stations, and try to use a station that is on your route so you are not driving extra miles. Driving out of your way to save money at the pump may not save you anything.
AVOID filling up right before a holiday or weekend when gas prices tend to be higher.
WATCH OUT for scams. Scam artists prey on desperate consumers during difficult economic times or when certain commodities become difficult to obtain or ultra-expensive. Approach alleged fuel saving programs, devices, or chemicals with skepticism. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

On the Road

CUT BACK on needless driving around. Make lists of errands, and try to have them all in similar locations.
MAINTAIN your vehicle in good condition. Your vehicle will get better gas mileage if you have the oil changed and tire pressure checked regularly. Get a tune-up from a certified mechanic.
CLEAN out your vehicle and carry only what is necessary. Extra weight in your car lowers your gas mileage. Consider removing roof racks and towing devices mounted on the outside of the vehicle when not in use.
CHANGE your driving habits. Your vehicle will get better gas mileage if you do not accelerate fast or overuse your brakes, commonly referred to as “riding your brakes.” To save gas, stay at or under the speed limit, and drive at a consistent rate of speed. Consider using cruise control when practicable, and do not idle your car in a parking lot or driveway.
CONSULT maps, internet directions, or a GPS system to ensure you are taking the most efficient route and reduce the likelihood of getting lost and driving unnecessary miles.

The Health and Safety of Your Home Energy Systems

Service Contracts

Many of the suppliers we recommend require that all customers have a service contract. Even if your supplier does not require it, skipping the contract can have costly consequences. Although older systems are, of course, at the greatest risk, any heating system can break down. Some customers are scared off by the price tag – some contracts can run to hundreds of dollars based on your individual needs – but even run of the mill problems can surpass that on labor alone. Many contracts have generous parts coverage as well, and having a contract can move you to the front of the line when something goes wrong.

Tune-Up and Cleaning

Efficiency: Keeping your system free of dust and grime ensures that your furnace runs as efficiently as possible – saving you a lot of money.
Consistency: If your furnace is clean and operating efficiently, you will not need to worry about losing heat when you need it most.
Prevention: Catching any problems now will avoid costly emergency repair calls in the winter.

Space Heater Safety

As the temperature drops and the cost of fuel remains high, many of us will turn to space heaters to take the edge off. While not typically cost effective, small space heaters can make a big difference in comfort in a drafty room. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous if used improperly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are responsible for more than 25,000 house fires every year. If you are in the market for a new space heater, the following safety features can help eliminate risk:

Tilt switch: Shuts the unit down if it is not in an upright position.
Automatic overheat shutoff: Automatically shuts down the unit in case of overheating.
Thermostat: Allows you to choose a target temperature rather than just running constantly.
Safety grille: A plastic cover that keeps the face of the heater cooler to the touch.

When using a space heater, be sure to follow all of the instructions and warning labels for your specific unit, and make sure that there is no visible damage to the unit (such as a frayed cord).

Always place the heater on a hard, flat surface.
Never put your heater in a high traffic area.
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable surfaces and objects.
Avoid leaving a space heater unattended, especially for long periods of time.
Do not plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips, and always unplug them when not in use.

Fuel Tank Leaks

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) receives hundreds of reports of leaks every heating season. Leaks can start out tiny but quickly grow into a BIG problem. Aside from the damage to your home and the environment, cleaning up a spill often costs thousands of dollars. To make matters even worse, fuel tank spills are rarely covered by homeowners’ insurance! Please take few minutes to review the following checklist from the DEC:

For above-ground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:

Bent, rusty, or wobbly tank legs, or a tank located on an unstable foundation
Signs of rust, weeps, wet spots, or many dents on the tank's surface
Drips or any signs of leaks around the oil filter or valves
Fuel oil lines not covered in a protective casing, even if under concrete
Overhanging eaves where snow and ice could fall onto the tank
Stains on the ground, or a strong oil odor around the tank
Browning, dying, or loss of vegetation around the tank
Silent overfill whistle while the tank is being filled (Ask a fuel delivery person.)
Fully or partially blocked tank vent from snow, ice, or insect nests
Signs of spills around the fill pipe or vent pipe
Improperly sized vent pipes (Ask a fuel delivery person.)
Cracked, stuck, or frozen fuel level gauges, or signs of fuel around them

For underground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:

Water in the tank (Ask a fuel delivery person to check.)
Oil or oil sheen in your basement sump or French drain
Silent overfill whistle while the tank is being filled (Ask a fuel delivery person.)
Fully or partially blocked tank vent from snow, ice, or insect nests
Signs of spills around the fill pipe or vent pipe
Well water has strange tastes or smells
Complaints from neighbors of fuel oil smells
Using more than the normal amount of fuel

Spills or leaks should be reported to the DEC Spills Hotline at (800) 457-7362. For more information, please visit the Underground Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner's Guide webpage on the DEC's website.