Amid rising oil prices, how can LI homeowners beat the heat costs?

As the fall season sets in and cold weather approaches, Long Islanders are having to contend with record-high prices for heating oil, state data shows.

The average price for heating oil — which roughly 40% of Long Island homeowners use to keep their homes warm during the winter, according to a 2023 LIPA report — climbed to $6.37 a gallon on Long Island in late September, a 65.9% increase over the same week a year earlier, according to data from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The average price of a gallon of heating oil on Long Island during the same time last year was $3.84, NYSERDA data shows.

"Oil users here on Long Island are really hurting, and they are going to be hurting even more during the winter," said Ronald Bauer, vice president of Energy Haus, a home performance and energy efficiency business in Huntington Station.

High heating costs are especially concerning for seniors, who often live on fixed incomes and are more susceptible to cold temperatures, according to experts with AARP.

"There is scientifically an additional vulnerability for older adults, especially those with health conditions, when it comes to extreme weather," said Kristen McManus, director of government affairs and advocacy for AARP New York.

Because many seniors have limited or fixed incomes, it is "a lot harder to shoulder unexpected price increases, especially of things that are essential," she said.

While the cost of heating remains high, local energy experts and home weatherization businesses say there are things Long Islanders can do to mitigate the costs of their bills before the winter chill sets in.

One of the first things Long Islanders concerned about heating costs might consider is how effective their home is at retaining heat and its overall energy efficiency, said Alex Valentino, director of energy efficiency and renewables at PSEG Long Island.

Valentino said that PSEG customers, through the utility provider's network of home energy efficiency contractors and weatherization and HVAC businesses, can get free home energy assessments.

Those assessments can help identify potential problems in your home's ability to use energy and retain heat effectively, he said.

The contractors "have a really good understanding of the assessment process," Valentino said.

For non-PSEG customers, NYSERDA's EmPower+ program offers low-to-moderate-income New Yorkers "no-cost comprehensive home energy assessments to pinpoint where energy and dollars are being wasted," according to its website.

Regular maintenance of home heating systems, whether they be a heating oil-fueled boiler, an electric-powered heat pump with an air duct system or a natural gas-fueled furnace, or any combination of power source and distribution system, is imperative to discover potential problems before they occur, heating experts said.

While HVAC and energy efficiency contractors are often the best source for dealing with maintenance issues, particularly when it comes to boilers or furnaces, simple tasks like keeping air ducts and vents clear of dust and debris play a part, said Kerry O'Brien, co-owner of T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating in New Hyde Park.

"If it's a forced air system, we have to make sure the air filters are clean. If it's a pump, we have to make sure the outdoor system is clean," he said.

One of the most direct ways to deal with high costs is simply to make adjustments to the set temperature of a home's thermostat, O'Brien said.

"A couple of degrees can make a difference," O'Brien said. "The cheapest BTU is the one you don't have to buy. So, if you can be comfortable at 68 degrees versus 72 degrees, that's going to make a difference."

Additionally, O'Brien said from a comfort standpoint, what can make a lower thermostat setting more uncomfortable is dry air in the house. He suggests getting a humidifier to counterbalance the impact of dry air.

"You're more comfortable when the air isn't too dry," he said.

"The first line of defense is insulation and air sealing the home," said Bauer, who's been in the energy efficiency business since 2009.

He said the idea behind air sealing is straightforward. Cracks or gaps in a home's attic, front or back doors and sometimes surrounding recessed lighting fixtures can create "air leaks" where heat can escape the home, he said, leading to a need for more heating fuel or power to keep up.

Expanding foam, caulk and weather stripping are all ways to seal gaps where air can escape, Bauer said.

Weatherization contractors, like Energy Haus, will typically conduct a blower door test where a temporary, fabric-framed door with a powerful fan is installed in the exterior doorway. From there, air is pulled out of the house, creating a negative air pressure inside, which helps contractors identify leaks, Bauer said.

"That assessment takes about an hour," Bauer said.

Such tests can cost between $200 and $450 for a single-family home, according to Angi.com, though free home assessments through state agencies and utility companies often include these tests.

Additionally, insulation in many older homes may be deteriorated or in need of replacement, Valentino of PSEG said. Technology has also improved the efficiency of insulation, he added.

"Proper insulation is critical for maintaining the temperature you want in your home. Upgrading insulation in your walls, attic and floors can significantly reduce energy loss, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer," an NYSERDA spokesperson said.

Financial assistance

While many potential solutions to heating costs can come with significant price tags of their own, several programs are available to Long Islanders, particularly low-income residents.

The federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program is the state's primary program for offering financial aid to low-income New Yorkers and can help pay for heating costs and even cover certain heating system repairs, according to the state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which administers the program.

HEAP, which is expected to open up applications in November, requires recipients of the aid to make less than 60% of the state median income.

For residents 60 and older who live in and own their home, they may also qualify for additional assistance through HEAP's Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program, which offers assistance in making heating system repairs.

Last month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state will send out energy rebate checks of up to $200 to 8.2 million households across New York.

The checks, which come from the $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate, are being sent to joint tax filers who make under $300,000 and single filers who make under $150,000, according to NYSERDA.

The state also encourages New Yorkers to seek utility bill credits through the state Energy Affordability Program, which can save households hundreds of dollars a year, according to the state.