Tools

The Price Of Staying Warm This Winter Remains Uncertain

Story Published: Sep 20, 2012 at 2:55 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 20, 2012 at 6:39 PM EDT

Home heating fuel deliveries are starting to increase as people who depend on fuel oil or kerosene to heat their homes or business are getting a jump on what has been an unstable market before colder temperatures set in.
 
"Prices are up and down, almost on a daily basis," said Michael "Mickey" Miller of MX Fuels & Propane.
 
Right now, a 250-gallon heating oil delivery will set you back about $941 - only about a nickel less than what it would have cost at this same time last year.

Home heating oil prices in the north country are running about $3.84 cents a gallon or $3.64 a gallon cash price.

For now, that's lower than the current statewide average of $4.07 a gallon.

The cost of kerosene is running even higher at more than $4 a gallon.

But the price of warmth for the north country's cold winter remains an unknown.
 
"Traditionally, August was the time to buy it and fill your tank. No longer is it like that. Anytime can be the best time. It's really hard to predict," said Miller.
 
Some fuel dealers recommend customers get on a monthly budget plan to spread out the cost of heating their homes, while others suggest pre-purchase contracts to lock in a set price.

Other steps to save on fuel consumption include lowering the thermostat as each lower degree can save up to 3 percent of energy use, have your furnace cleaned and filter changed, and seal air leaks around windows and doors with weather-stripping or caulk.
 
There is speculation among some industry analysts that home heating oil prices may drop in the next few weeks.

But, local dealers we spoke with say, with the volatile oil market, it's anybody's guess.
Friday, May 24, 2013
, Watertown, NY

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On TonightFull Schedule

On Wall Street