Helpful Tips for Stretching Your Heating Oil
How can I get the most from my HEAP heating oil grant?
3 Steps to Getting the Most from Your HEAP Grant!!
Your Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grant probably won't cover all of your heating oil costs this winter. But there are things you can do to stretch the amount of heating oil your grant will buy and to reduce what you'll have to pay.
Easy steps you can take:
- Get a fair price from a good, reliable dealer.
- Be a good customer. Avoid requesting emergency deliveries or deliveries when your tank is over half full.
- Heat your home carefully so you don't waste oil.
Remember: Being a smart heating oil customer and energy user can make the oil bought with your HEAP grant last longer. And that means more money in your pocket!
Here's how to get more from your HEAP grant!
Get Ready. Over the last few years, oil prices have been very high. Unfortunately, when prices go higher, your HEAP grant covers a shrinking portion of your heating oil budget.
To get the most out of your HEAP grant, it is important to work with a heating oil dealer you trust to provide you with reliable service at the lowest possible price.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to stay warm and manage your heating budget this winter.
Consider Price. This winter season, your local County Department of Social Services has asked heating oil dealers to charge lower prices for heating oil that is paid for with HEAP grants. Why? So you can buy more heating oil with your HEAP grant.
Call your local County Department of Social Services to see if you are eligible to receive this special pricing!
Protect Yourself. Ask your heating oil dealer about the payment and price protection plans they offer:
- Budget Payment Plans. Get on a budget plan if you can. You don't want to be hit with heating bills that are too high in the coldest winter months. Ask your oil dealer about their plan.
- Price Protection Plans. Protect yourself against high prices. Ask your oil dealer about capped-price and fixed-price offers.
- Avoid Delivery Fees. Ask your dealer how to tell how much oil is in your tank. Dealers often charge a fee for making emergency deliveries, or deliveries when your tank is too full to deliver much oil. Use your money to pay for oil, not fees. Plan ahead.
Health & Safety. As an added safety feature, have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.
Quality Matters. Choose a heating oil dealer you trust to deliver oil reliably and work with you when you need help. Look for a dealer with experience and a good reputation.
Don't throw away your money!
There are other simple things you can do to reduce your heating bills and to get the most from your HEAP grant.
- Heat only the spaces you need to.
- Lower your thermostat at night, while you're warm under your covers, and then raise it again when you get up the next morning.
- Don't heat the great outdoors! Keep windows closed, and dress as if it's winter. It is!
- Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal openings around doors, windows, and kitchen and dryer vents. If you can feel a draft, cold air is leaking in, and you're wasting oil. Sealing your home will also make you more comfortable.
- Keep your thermostat only as high as you need to. You shouldn't need it much higher than 68°F. Each degree you lower your thermostat will save you energy and money. The better you've sealed up your home, the lower you should be able to keep your thermostat and still be comfortable.
For additional energy-saving tips, log on to www.GetEnergySmart.org
If you have any questions regarding your HEAP grant, please contact your local Department of Social Services or visit our website: http://www.otda.state.ny.us
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