We’ve all felt the pinch of rising energy costs this year, whether that’s oil, gasoline, diesel, or even electricity. And with winter knocking on the door, expectations are that home heating fuels like fuel oil and kerosene will cost more this year than last. With that in mind, it’s a great time to consider upgrading your appliances to more efficient models that use less energy, or in some cases, switching your fuel to propane.
Forecast: Volatile Energy Costs This Winter
Energy markets remain volatile heading into winter, particularly for petroleum-based fuels such as heating oil and diesel. As a result, households that rely on heating oil or kerosene may experience higher and less predictable heating costs during the winter season.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), heating oil costs are expected to jump an average of 30% nationally this winter. Heating oil is very similar to diesel fuel, and diesel prices recently have jumped to an all-time high.
On the other hand, propane prices have seen only modest upward pressure heading into the winter heating season, and EIA forecasts that homes that heat with natural gas or propane—about half of all U.S. households—will spend less on energy this winter. In fact, homes heating with propane are forecast to see a 3% drop vs. 2025, the agency said. So, it may make sense to choose propane!
Government Rebate Programs Can Help
Fortunately, some government rebate programs make upgrading your appliances less costly.
The Home Efficiency Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program aims to help West Virginia residents lower the cost of purchasing and installing energy-saving appliances and upgrades.
Another initiative, the Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) program helps residents save money on major energy upgrades that improve the comfort, safety, and performance of their homes—like upgrading insulation, or replacing outdated equipment.
The HOMES program focuses mainly on whole-home retrofits. If you are only interested in replacing a specific appliance (like an HVAC unit) the HEAR program is more appropriate.
Both programs support upgrades of existing equipment (including propane appliances) to more efficient models, but fuel switching (for example, from heating oil to propane) is not allowed. Nevertheless, there may be situations where it makes sense to make the switch to propane, even without a government rebate.
Because of its versatility, efficiency, lower cost, and lower environmental impact, propane has been very popular for new construction homes. But for an existing home using another fuel source, homeowners should carefully weigh the long-term benefits of propane vs. the cost of making the switch. Depending on the situation, a propane-powered home could help improve cold-weather comfort, reduce fuel costs, and even boost the value of your home. And if you are thinking about upgrading your HVAC unit or other appliances anyway, it definitely makes sense to consider propane.
Don’t Forget To Consider Your Heating Fuel Supplier!
After you’ve selected the right fuel and appliances for your situation, don’t forget to research and choose the right home heating fuel supplier!
If you’re considering propane, be sure to choose a supplier that doesn’t charge a tank rental fee, or annoying and expensive add-on fees like delivery fees, hazmat fees, compliance fees, and fuel surcharges. You’ll also want a supplier that provides a tank monitor that keeps track of fuel levels and automatically delivers refills when needed, so you never run out. A free mobile app that lets you monitor tank levels 24/7 from your phone is also a nice feature to have.
As your local supplier of propane, heating oil and kerosene, Woodford provides competitive rates, premium service, and safe, dependable delivery of heating fuels on your schedule. If you have questions about home heating fuels or installing propane service at your home, contact Woodford, or request a quote online! Phone: 1-800-927-3688. Email: info@woodfordoil.com. Follow us @facebook.com/woodfordoil and @instagram.com/woodfordoil.
