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Heating your Fairbanks Ak home this winter

By
Home Builder with Jesse Clifton & Associates AREC License #15292
By: Fairbanks AK Real Estate Broker Jesse Clifton

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

Alaska Aerofuel - Phone: 474-0062

Alaska Petroleum - Phone: 488-2575

Badger Fuel - Phone: 488-8500

Interior Fuels - Phone: 456-1312

Johnny’s Express - Phone: 479-8877

Nenana Heating - Phone: 832-5445

Petroleum Sales - Phone: 456-7600

Polar Fuel - Phone: 451-9355

Sourdough Fuel - Phone: 456-7798

Brooks Fuel - Phone: 452-4581

Express Fuel - Phone: 452-3309

Everett’s Air Fuel - Phone: 450-2375

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Comments(9)

TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Jesse, Please don't remind me that the "W" word is on it's way. I have just retro-fitted my walls with foam insulation (I live in an older house) and I am currently adding another 6" of insulation in the attic. I hope to see a decrease in my fuel costs this year...

Oct 01, 2008 10:21 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Jesse, this is a great post and will be a big help to your clients in Fairbanks.  Tell me, sweetie, are the banks fair there?  Just kidding.  Public post.  xxoo

Oct 01, 2008 11:40 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Jesse...

Nicely done public service post! And I like the snow photos too!

Oct 01, 2008 11:42 PM
Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore - Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Your Realtor Down the Shore!

Good information.  Many of these programs are available in New Jersey and I would imagine elsewhere.  Thanks for the reminder.

Oct 01, 2008 11:55 PM
Sharon Young
Ivy League Mortgage Philadelphia, Pa - Southampton, PA

Heating fuel? Heat? How does that work? I'm confused. I use my air conditioner all year! <grin>

Oct 02, 2008 12:10 AM
Audrey June-Forshey
RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD
GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Jesse, Do most folks in Alaska have oil heat?  How many times a season do most have to fill their tanks?  We have a lot folks here with oil heat, but I believe more are electric - which I wouldn't think you would have for heat- then we have natural gas and oil.  Stay warm

Oct 02, 2008 01:13 AM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best

I am feeling for you.  Being from Texas I have no idea how to handle your situation.  Thanks for the public service post.  I am sure many will find it useful.

Oct 02, 2008 01:34 AM
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

Jesse, this is a great local post. It did give an idea for posting on our Air Condition service providers here in my neck of the woods.

Oct 02, 2008 02:14 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Jesse, knowing the "tricks" to save on fuel is what it is all about. You've provided valuable information for your local area.

Oct 02, 2008 02:34 AM