Many people want to know about New Hampshire heating oil prices, especially because the Northeast has a higher concentration of heating oil users. Here’s your complete guide to home heating oil prices in New Hampshire, and what you can expect this winter.
What’s Going On With Oil Heat Costs?
About 4.1% of U.S. residents use oil to warm up their homes. However, some use it more than others.
If you live in the Northeast, you may have noticed a higher heating bill recently. In an area of the country where winters are long and cold, heat is important- and oil has been a mainstay in chilly states because of its powerful heating capabilities. The group of states in the Northeast U.S. has more oil heat users than the rest of the country. In New Hampshire specifically, 25-50% of people use oil to provide warmth to their homes, according to the EIA.
Based on their data from November 2022, the EIA expects homeowners using oil heat to spend 45% more this winter as compared to last year. That’s a dramatic rise!
Home Heating Oil Prices in New Hampshire Are Going Up
Depending on a range of factors, oil prices per gallon are pushing $6 in some parts of New Hampshire. Meanwhile, in other areas, they’re hovering around $4. The bottom line is that heating oil prices in New Hampshire have gone up, just like they have in the rest of the country.
But before you panic, it’s important to assess the prices specific to your area. Also, you should know how you can reduce your heating costs by honing in on energy efficiency.
Guide to New Hampshire Heating Oil Prices
Home heating oil prices in New Hampshire can vary between towns and companies. Here are some averages for the different regions of New Hampshire.
Overall Average
Statewide, the overall average oil cost is $4.65 per gallon, according to the New Hampshire Department of Energy. All of the following regional averages are sourced from NewEnglandOil.com.
Northern New Hampshire
The North of NH has prices ranging from $4.299 to $5.999 with an average of $4.9.
Eastern New Hampshire
This region of NH has a low of $3.899, a high of $4.199, and an average of $4.05.
Central New Hampshire
In central NH, you may find prices as high as $5.899 per gallon, as low as $4.09 per gallon, with an average of $4.87. West central NH has an average of $4.699.
Southwest New Hampshire
In this region of NH, prices are as high as $5.499, as low as $4.299, and average at $4.699.
South Central New Hampshire
This portion of New Hampshire has a high of $6.300, a low of $3.990, and an average of $4.317.
How to Save Money on Heating
In times like these with rising oil heat prices, it’s important to focus on energy efficiency. Here are a few tips that will result in lower energy bills:
General Tips
- Don’t set your thermostat too high. 68 degrees is the ideal temperature for the perfect mix of energy savings and comfort. Additionally, opt to set it 10 degrees lower at night, on sunny days, or when you’re away from home.
- Choose newer, more energy efficient appliances for your home. One example is LED lightbulbs, which can come in beautiful warm colors.
- Watch your water heater settings. One trick to save up to $400 per year is to set your water heater from the standard 140 degrees to 120. This will save you money while still giving you a comfortable shower temperature. Another trick with water temperature is to do your laundry in cold water.
- Make sure you properly seal your home from outside air. Caulk or weatherstrip windows and doors. Consider moving your curtains closer to the windows and shutting them on gloomy days. If you want to dive deeper, check up on your home’s insulation.
Oil-Specific
Installing a smart oil gauge is one of the easiest ways to specifically lower oil heating costs. A smart oil gauge provides you with hourly data on the quantity of oil your home heating system is using. It may also show the normal daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly fuel consumption that your heating system uses. By staying informed on this data, you can find trends that will clue you in on what’s causing spikes in oil usage, and stop them in their tracks.
Best Trick For Oil Efficiency: Maintain Your Units
Aside from the tips mentioned, one of the best ways to ensure your oil furnace or boiler stays efficient is to have a professional maintain it every year. Before the chilly season comes around, it’s important to call up your local HVAC specialist to take a look at your heating appliances. This will save you from the dreaded disaster of losing your heating or hot water when it’s freezing outside!
Maintenance checks do more than just fix issues before they become major problems. They also get rid of any obstacles your heater has to performing efficiently. When the unit is clean and running like new, it will not eat up excess energy, resulting in both better heating and a cheaper energy bill for you. Never skip your maintenance checks!
Jump Into Winter With an Efficient Oil Furnace or Boiler
Live Free Heating Cooling Electric offers outstanding oil furnace and boiler services in New Hampshire. We install, repair, and maintain your units with expertise and friendliness. Our 15-point maintenance checks are thorough and ensure that your heating appliances will keep your home comfortable and safe throughout the winter.
In addition to cleaning your system and changing the air filter, we’ll also:
Turn on the heat and adjust the thermostat.
Verify limit switch safety measures.
Inspect the wiring and circuits for the 24 and 120-volt systems.
Examine the burners and the burner tubing.
Assess the wiring and motors.
Evaluate and rate the capacitor.
Clean the pressure switch tube and test the pressure switch.
Clear the drain and evaluate the condensate pump.
Examine the gas valve and the ignition parts.
Examine the exhaust venting.
Conduct a safety camera inspection of the heat exchanger.
Change the 1-inch air filter.
Check the gas pressure in the inlet and manifold.
Monitor the temperature rise and airflow.
Carry out a test of combustion efficiency.
We want to share our knowledge with you so that you know your heating system from the inside out. We are happy to respond to any questions you may have regarding your heating system or our heating maintenance services. Schedule a service with us today!