Heating your Fairbanks Ak home this winter

With energy costs in Alaska still some of the highest in the nation, it's no surprise that the cost of heating fuel has been a major topic of discussion in Fairbanks lately. While my crystal ball is on the fritz it's a fairly safe bet that heating costs will be significantly higher this winter than last. However, there are some things you can do to ease the pain of seeing the fuel invoice hanging on your door.

Shopping for the best price goes without saying, but don't forget to see what programs are available to help with the cost, such as;

* Cash Discounts: Ask if your fuel company offers a discount for cash payments and/or immediate payments.

* Employer Plan: Ask if the fuel company offers a discount plan to employees of your company?

* Builder/Contractor Discount: If you have a new home, ask if your builder gets a special rate and if you can be on their plan.

* Multi-Property Discount: If you own several properties, you could be eligible for a discounted per gallon rate.

Budget plans are another very popular option in the Interior. The fuel company will estimate the total cost of fuel for your home for the winter and divide that amount by 12 months. A home with an annual heating oil expense of $6,000 will be billed $500 per month.

Another important reminder is to sign up for auto-fill with your fuel company of choice. With auto-fill your fuel company will keep your tank full by making a delivery (generally) once a month. You'll get a significant price per-gallon discount by being an auto-fill customer. Those folks who order small quantities of fuel at a time often pay as much as 30%-35% more than auto-fill customers. Ordering an emergency after-hours delivery because you ran out of fuel will cost even more - in cost per gallon and damage from a freeze up.

Local Fuel Companies