Good news for all of us, really.  Very few have managed to go completely off the grid, which means that the rest of us – the vast majority of the people residing in this country – are impacted by the news that fuel prices are down as we welcome the start of the winter season.

The lower fuel prices are certainly good news for those home- and property owners receiving their first bills for the year.  Lower heating bills ahead would be a very welcomed change, but many of the experts are suggesting that we should not use this first bill as a gauge of what is to come.  Instead, perhaps, we should put the extra money that we might have spent on this bill toward increasing the efficiency of the systems in our homes, offices, and commercial spaces.  Why?

According to the Farmers’ Almanac and many other trusted sources, this winter is expected to be a doozy.  Long term forecasts suggest that we will see greater snow accumulation and lower temperatures than average for the majority of the winter months.  And, that, of course, means more energy consumption and higher total utility bills for the year.  Even at the lower price per gallon for fuel, homeowners and building managers can expect bigger bills this year, if the forecasts are correct, simply because the heating systems will consume less fuel.

However, if you enjoyed seeing the smaller number on the first utility bill, and you’d like to see that repeated throughout the cold season, then consider what upgrades could be made to your heating system to achieve just that. There are many sensors and controls that can provide a more even heat throughout the space, while moderating the capacity at which the system runs during more temperate days.  Over all, that can reduce the energy consumption and cost you less this winter.