Budgeting For Heating Oil Costs And Energy Tips For Saving Money

Most homeowners don’t want to spend a lot of money on winter fuel costs. Although the cost of most fuel is determined by supply and demand factors, it is possible to estimate and budget for the amount of fuel that you’ll need during the winter months. Yes, we agree that it might be hard to make these estimates for the winter, especially since the price of fuel always fluctuates. However, if you want the best heating oil costs, Skylands Energy can provide the most affordable heating oil.

By budgeting for heating oil…

you will be able to know how much to set aside for the winter. Also, you will be able to pay the lowest heating oil prices by only ordering fuel when prices are low. This is a great way to reduce your home heating expenses. In this article, we will discuss how to budget for your fuel oil and share some energy saving tips for winter. You can do all this without compromising your comfort.

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How To Budget

Gallons Per Hour

Furnaces that burn oil usually burn about 0.92 to 1.7 gallons of fuel each hour. Certain factors such as the furnace model and its age can affect this amount. This is because not all furnace models burn the same amount of fuel according to this average figure. Thus, it is important that each homeowner develops a benchmark that can help them to budget fuel costs for the winter.

Manufacturer’s Plate

Look for the manufacturer’s plate by searching the burner or burner nozzle. It provides the capacity specifications for your furnace in terms of gallons burned each hour. Use this information to estimate the amount of fuel that you’ll have to burn when the winter months roll around.

Heating Bills

Another way for homeowners to estimate the cost of heating for future months…

is to analyze past heating bills. Find as many energy bills from past months and years as possible. Analyze the amount of energy used. This number can be determined by just dividing the usage amount by 12.

This provides the average monthly cost of energy paid for the year. You can use this as an estimate to determine how much energy you use in the future.

Analyze The Weather

In the weather industry, the phrase “heating-degree day” is very popular. What type of day is this? It is basically any day where the temperature is lower than 60 degrees. It is good to know how many “heating-degree days” there are in every year because this can help you to wisely budget for winter energy costs.

The Farmer’s Almanac is an example of a weather forecasting company that keeps track of weather statistics. This can be used by homeowners to track their energy usage. You can also gauge uncommon weather patterns with these statistics.

For instance, keep track of mild periods and whether they happen during certain times of the year. Also, determine if temperatures have gone down during specific times of the year for consecutive years. Looking at these types of patterns can help you to budget for upcoming winter months and future seasons as well. This is especially helpful if these seasons are predicted to be a lot harsher than others. You can plan accordingly.

Tips For Reducing Heating Costs

It is smart to estimate your needed amount of fuel for the winter months. However, it is also wise to consider a few tips for saving money during these months. They can help you to get the most fuel usage.

 

Old Furnace Replacement & Heater Tune-Up

It is recommended that homeowners replace furnaces that are more than 20 years old. Installing a new furnace can save as much as 15 to 25% in heating costs. In addition, having your furnace serviced annually by a licensed HVAC contractor helps to prepare for the winter season and keep down costs overall.

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Programmable Thermostats

Experts also suggest installing programmable thermostats. Although they may seem expensive at first, the money that they can save you in the future will more than help cover the initial cost paid for them. Basically, you’ll be able to recoup the cost of a new programmable thermostat quickly within a year.

Insulation

Amazingly, a lot of homeowners don’t properly insulate their homes. Insulation should be placed in attics, exterior walls, floors with cold spaces underneath, and ceilings.

Asbury NJ: Lower Your Heating Oil Budget With Affordable Fuel Oil Delivery

Although you can’t get exact fuel costs when following these tips, you can use them to save money and overall fuel oil consumption.

Contact Skylands Energy for the most affordable heating oil deliveries. We also offer HVAC services such as heater maintenance and heating system installations. Between our affordable fuel oil prices and HVAC services, we can enhance the comfort of your home while reducing your energy costs. Don’t pay more than you have to this winter. Give us a call to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.  Our work is always friendly, professional, and cost effective. Be sure to call us today to schedule an appointment.

Call Now: (908) 707-1776

We service Asbury NJ 08802, Bloomsbury NJ 08804, Broadway NJ 08808, Changewater NJ 07831, Glen Gardner NJ 08826, Hampton NJ 08827, High Bridge NJ 08829, Stewartsville NJ 08886, Washington NJ 07882, and surrounding areas.

Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!

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Why You Should Get A Second Opinion Before Having Your HVAC Replaced

Home heating and cooling systems tend to age and become less efficient throughout the years. Eventually, you will need to replace it and find the contractor to do it. Getting estimates from HVAC contractors can seem challenging and downright overwhelming at times. Skylands Energy is here to help by offering a free estimate for your AC replacement or a 2nd opinion for your heater replacement. Raritan NJ homeowners can take advantage of using our services to ensure that they are getting the best deal or to know if their system really needs to be replaced in the first place.

When these systems grow old, you have to start thinking about whether or not to replace them in order to improve their efficiency, the air quality in your home, and the comfort levels of all building residents. One sure sign that your AC or furnace is obsolete is a growing tendency to break down.

It’s important to note, however, that there may be other reasons why your system is experiencing malfunctions on a regular basis. Understanding your heating and air conditioning system requires an extensive amount of training and experience. You should ideally contact a reputable HVAC contractor to inspect your AC and heating system and to recommend the best possible repairs. If you find yourself in a situation where your HVAC contractor recommends having your system replaced but you aren’t fully convinced of the need for this work, think about soliciting a second opinion from another HVAC service. Make sure you receive a second opinion from a company that is staffed by technicians who are NATE-certified.

By getting a second opinion…

you will feel confident that you are truly getting an accurate diagnosis. You will also verify that your new system is the one that suits your heating or cooling needs. In this article, we will discuss why you should seek a 2nd opinion from HVAC contractors.

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Why Should You Seek A Second Opinion?

To Have The Diagnosis Confirmed

Whenever you have a major toothache, you seek help from your dentist. Your dentist will be able to prescribe medication for limiting your pain. They can either extract the tooth or perform a root canal to fix the problem. If your dentist starts by recommending a tooth extraction but you remain interested in preserving your natural tooth, you would go to another dentist for a second opinion, right? This is also true with HVAC services. If an HVAC technician suggests having your furnace or air conditioner replaced, but you know that this equipment isn’t all that old, searching for a second opinion is the sensible thing to do.

You might discover that the underlying problem is a very easy one to fix. It could be a faulty thermostat or a vent that’s been blocked. These issues cost a lot less to fix when compared to replacing the system. This is why confirming the diagnosis with a second opinion is vital.

How To Get The Best HVAC Service

After troubleshooting your home heating and cooling system and diagnosing the problem, your heating and cooling contractor is supposed to present you with a list of feasible solutions. These companies will make more money by replacing systems altogether. Therefore, it is not uncommon for some technicians to push for replacements. If you have hired a technician who appears overly eager or pushy when it comes to replacing major components or the entire HVAC system, you should ask for additional time to mull your decision over.

Don’t make any type of commitment…

to receiving services. After all, you may not be working with the absolute best company for the job. Take a minute to look for a trusted and reliable HVAC service that can give you second opinion.

Just reach out to these professionals and tell them about your problem. A lot of companies will give you a second opinion free of charge and without requiring you to commit to their services. If a replacement is indeed necessary, then you’ll already have a reliable HVAC service to perform the work for you.

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How To Get The Most Competitive Prices

There are a number of factors that will determine just how much it costs to replace your HVAC system. Foremost among these is the HVAC company that you choose to work with. After your provider has assessed your system and recommended a replacement, this professional should offer you a quote. If the cost of this work appear exorbitant, seek a second opinion. Even if you’re quoted the exact same cost from a second HVAC firm, you should keep going. You can continue to collect different opinions from other top-rated HVAC services in your area.

 

2nd Opinion Heater Replacement Raritan NJ

The goal is to find quotes that you feel comfortable paying. You do, however, need to make sure that your chosen contractor has sufficient experience and skills. This will ensure that the work is done correctly. How your new heater or air conditioner is installed will have a definite impact on its overall efficiency. Consequently, investing in a highly energy efficient system will not do you any good if it isn’t properly installed.

Skylands Energy offers free estimates for homeowners or businesses who are looking for a heater or air conditioner replacements. If you have already received a quote from another HVAC contractor, we can offer you an estimate. Our NATE certified contractors will be able to properly diagnose your HVAC issues.

They will offer you all of your available solutions.

We have experience working with all makes and models of HVAC systems. For friendly, professional, and highly affordable services, be sure to call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Call Now: (908) 707-1776

We service Bridgewater NJ 08807, Flagtown NJ 08821, Hillsborough NJ 08844, Manville NJ 08835, Martinsville NJ 08836, Pluckemin NJ 07978, Raritan NJ 08869, Somerville NJ 08876, Zarephath NJ 08890, and surrounding areas.

Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!

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How Your HVAC System Helps The Humidity Levels Of Your Home

A high level of humidity in your house can be inconvenient in a number of ways. The first thing you notice when humidity is high during the summer is personal discomfort. You sweat a lot and you feel stuffy. While you cannot do anything about the humidity outside, there are things you can do to combat humidity in your home or office.

You can reduce humidity indoors with the help of an air conditioner and give your home the perfect comfort. Skylands Energy is here to help homeowners understand how to use their AC system as a dehumidifier. Raritan NJ homeowners deal with high levels of humidity during the summer. Therefore, being proactive to alleviate the discomfort is important.

In this article, we will cover some of the effects of humidity on your health and how an AC can help you reduce humidity. We will also discuss what you can do in the winter to prevent dry air that is commonly associated with using a heating system.

By keeping optimal humidity levels in your home…

you will feel much more comfortable. Also, your health will benefit because a home that has high or low humidity levels usually cause health issues for the occupants of that home.

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Health: Mold And Mildew

A humid environment is the perfect breeding ground for mildew, mold spores, and other pathogenic bacteria. Mold and mildew thrive and grow in a hot and humid environment.

The presence of mold spores has serious implications on your health because they can cause breathing problems and dermatitis. In fact, people who have a poor immune system are particularly at risk here because they fall sick often. Dust mites also breed in hot and humid places. These are the main culprits in cases of asthma allergy attacks or other respiratory issues.

If you find a way to reduce humidity in your home, you and your family members will enjoy better health.

What Is The Right Level Of Humidity?

The right level of humidity is 45%-55%. This level is just perfect for ideal temperature dispersal. It is also the right level to ensure there is no breakout of mold and mildew. If humidity level gets higher than 80%, it will be very uncomfortable. On the other hand, if the humidity level gets below 40%, it will cause some inconveniences. Stick to the recommended 45-55% and your home will be comfortable. Note that having the right level of humidity in your home makes your cooling and heating systems work efficiently. Your A/C helps remove excess moisture in the atmosphere especially during the summer months. This means that you enjoy the right temperature at every time of the year.

You can combat humidity in different ways during the summer and winter months. In summer, you should simply switch off the humidifiers and use exhaust fans when cooking of bathing. This will keep your home cool and also reduce humidity levels. In addition, you should set your AC at the right temperature because this will remove excess moisture from the air and keep your home comfortable. During the winter months, you can take the following measures:

• Add additional plants to the rooms in your house
• Use a room humidifier most of the time
• Place a small basin of water near your heating system

How Does The Air Conditioner Remove Humidity?

If you have a modern air conditioner, it will regulate humidity in your home. This is because your AC comes with an evaporator coil and the cooling system works with an evaporator and condensation mechanism. The liquid condenses out of the air and removes moisture from the surrounding atmosphere. This moisture is then collected in the evaporator coil and drains down a line located outside of the AC unit.

How to Achieve Perfect Results

On a final note, you should consider the size of your home and the capacity of your heating and cooling system. You need a powerful AC to cool large spaces and a relatively small one to cool small spaces in your home. For instance, you need a window unit  to cool a small bedroom or a home office. Window units are not the best option when trying to achieve energy efficient, indoor comfort. A ductless AC system  work much more effectively. For your master bedroom or living room, you can use a powerful central AC or a ductless system to get the job done. This is the only way to maintain the right level of humidity and keep your home cool and comfortable all year round. Regardless, it is best to consult with a professional HVAC expert to find out why your home is dealing with humidity issues. They will also help your find the adequate solutions for such issues.

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Dehumidifier Raritan NJ

In order for your air conditioner or heating system to work properly and maintain the correct humidity levels inside of your home, you will need to professionally maintain it. For professional HVAC services, including A/C or heating system maintenance, contact the professionals at Skylands Energy. All of our contractors are NATE certified. We have experience working with all makes and models of HVAC systems. For friendly, professional, and highly affordable services, be sure to call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Call Now: (908) 707-1776

 

We service Bridgewater NJ 08807, Flagtown NJ 08821, Hillsborough NJ 08844, Manville NJ 08835, Martinsville NJ 08836, Pluckemin NJ 07978, Raritan NJ 08869, Somerville NJ 08876, Zarephath NJ 08890, and surrounding areas.

Skylands Energy is an authorized dealer for outstanding manufacturers such as Thermo Pride, Heil, and Mitsubishi. These brands offer the most reliable heating and cooling equipment in the market. By qualifying for such a designation from prestigious brands like these, Skylands Energy has what it takes to maintain, repair, and install your heater or air conditioner. We have the knowledge, professionalism, and experience that is required to service your HVAC equipment properly. To learn more about Thermo Pride, click here. To learn more about Heil, click here. Learn more about our Mitsubishi product line by clicking here.

Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!

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How To Choose The Right HVAC Installation Specialist

In most households, the single most expensive piece of equipment is the home’s HVAC system. Take into account the crucial role an air conditioner or heater plays in maintaining indoor comfort. This makes the huge financial outlay it takes to have one certainly justified.

But there’s a caveat.

The system has to operate reliably for the longest time possible if the investment is to make sense. As you may already know, this can only happen if the equipment is installed properly, which means you have to choose the right HVAC installation contractor. Although we believe that choosing the ideal HVAC contractor can seem like a difficult task to take on, it is important. Skylands Energy is here to help by offering high quality services from our experienced HVAC contractors. Bridgewater NJ homeowners and business owners should always be picky about who they choose for their HVAC installation.

By choosing the right heating and cooling contractor…

your system will perform well. It will be effective at maintaining the comfort levels of your home. Also, it will make your system operate more energy efficiently. This is because the installation affects how energy efficient your system is. There are many factors that are impacted by the installation. In this article, we will discuss these factors so that you can have a better understanding of how important your HVAC contractor when looking for heating and cooling contractors near me.

Choosing The Right HVAC Specialist

Although locating an AC or heating technician is relatively easy, finding one with the expertise and experience required to ensure proper installation isn’t a walk in the park. So take the time to conduct your search. Start by looking for contractors who specialize in the particular kind of system you have in mind. Check if the equipment’s manufacturer has a ‘qualified contractor’ program. This is a special training exercise carried out by most HVAC system manufacturers to provide contractors with the skills required to handle their equipment. As such, choosing a specialist who’s taken part in such a program would guarantee proper installation, which is crucial in enhancing reliability.

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Check If The Technician Is Authorized To Operate

All HVAC contractors must be licensed before they operate. That said, the criteria for obtaining licenses vary across different regions. Some localities require a certain level of technical expertise, while others will only approve contractors who have several years of experience in handling HVAC equipment. So check if the technician you’re interviewing has obtained all the permits needed to operate within your area. Other states have laws requiring contractors to be bonded, for purposes of protecting homeowners against unfair and fraudulent practices. As a homeowner, having an additional safeguard should make things easier if the installation turns out to be less than you initially expected.

Seek Recommendations From Past Clients

To get a good idea of what it’s like to work with a particular HVAC expert, you need to hear what their past customers have to say about them. You need to find HVAC contractor reviews.

A good technician should be able to provide…

about 3 or more references from clients they’ve served in the past. When they do, reach out and seek their opinion of the said contractor. Remember to ask them about the company’s post-installation services, plus anything else you’d be concerned about if you chose to work with them.

Also known as the BBB, the Better Business Bureau is another avenue that gives consumers the chance to air out their opinions. It also acts as a grading mechanism through which individuals can rate certain contractors. Professional bodies in the HVAC industry also provide consumers with lists of contractors reputed for their superior workmanship. Ultimately, checking all these areas will steer you towards a good HVAC installation technician. Make sure that you take some time to look at their online reviews. Here, you will have the opportunity to find any patterns of poor work and unsatisfied customers. Obviously, if they have such a pattern of unsatisfied customers, then find another contractor to work with.

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Get It In Writing

When searching for HVAC contractors, most homeowners try to look for companies offering the cheapest services. While this makes sense, there’s the more important need to ensure you get good value for your money. For this reason, it is recommend to get quotes from at least 3 companies. From there, take some time comparing these estimates, and ensure that each of them includes:

• A detailed outline of all costs, including the equipment’s purchase price and installation service.
• It should have the expected installation period. This should specify the exact date when the project will commence and end as well.
• The date at which payment is due.
• The mode of calculating payment.

Each estimate should also specify if you, as the client, will be given the chance to inspect the installation before paying the final installment. Also remember to check if you’ll be required to deposit some funds prior to installation and, if so, the amount that the specialist expects.

Before making your final decision, check if each quote outlines your obligations as a client, and what you can expect from the company as well. There should also be a clause explaining the steps that either party should take when a disagreement arises. For instance, your technician should spell out how long the equipment will be under warranty, and if service visits are part of the package as well. All in all, make sure you understand all the details included in the contract prior to committing yourself.

 

HVAC Contractors Bridgewater NJ

For professional and highly skilled HVAC services, including A/C installation or heating system installation, contact Skylands Energy. All of our contractors are NATE certified with extensive experience under their belts. We work with all makes and models of HVAC systems. You can expect our services to be friendly, professional, and highly affordable. Be sure to call us today to schedule a free consultation.

We service Bound Brook NJ 08805, Bridgewater NJ 08807, Manville NJ 08835, Martinsville NJ 08836, Pluckemin NJ 07978, Raritan NJ 08869, Somerville NJ 08876, Zarephath NJ 08890, and surrounding areas.

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Skylands Energy is an authorized dealer for  outstanding manufacturers such as Thermo Pride, Heil, and Mitsubishi. These brands offer the most reliable heating and cooling equipment in the market. By carrying such a designation from brands like these, you know that Skylands Energy has what it takes to install your HVAC system. By being an authorized dealer, it means that we have demonstrated the knowledge, professionalism, and experience to service your HVAC equipment. To learn more about Thermo Pride, click here. To learn more about Heil, click here. Learn more about our Mitsubishi product line by clicking here.

Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!

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