Dollars & Sense This Heating Season

Dollars & Sense This Heating Season

All fall we’ve been sharing two case studies from actual customers to highlight the efficiency in fuel use before and after installing a new high-efficiency heating system. Let’s take it a step further and look at the potential savings on their heating oil bills, if, for example, their price per gallon was locked in at $3.50 both years.

In each instance, the customers would see a nearly $1000 savings in their fuel costs.

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Shouldn’t it be time to adjust your budget?

Investing in a new home heating system with high-efficiency ratings can significantly reduce your annual fuel budget.

Call 860.583.4609 or visit quinoco.com/heating-equipment for a free heating equipment quote.

Buzzing Into Busy Season

Buzzing Into Busy Season

The last few months of the year are always buzzing – not just personally but for our team members at Quinoco. We’re fully into our busy season, with our entire fleet of trucks on the road delivering SmartBiofuel and propane, and handling service appointments all day to keep your homes running smoothly.

But the end of the year is also a great time to reflect and express gratitude for the months that have come and gone. I’m so thankful for our team that brings their A-game every day to serve our customers in the hottest of the hot and the coldest of the cold – no matter the weather we’re on call!

On the flip side, I’m grateful our team can also come together and have fun: participating in the annual MS walk, Ryan & Sean being featured on At Home With Kerri-Lee, cooking classes, Fun Runs, and a Wear Pink day!

And I’m especially thankful for all of you! Our loyal customers drive us every day to provide the absolute best experience we can for every call, delivery, installation, and service.

Cheers to a happy and healthy year-end!

Jim Hickey
General Manager
askjim@quinoco.com

The Bioheat Difference

The Bioheat Difference

There’s something wondrous happening in our industry – thanks to an increased focus on the environment, changing perspectives lead to technological advances and industry innovations for the fuels used to heat our homes – oil, propane, and natural gas. Perhaps the biggest advancement can be found in home heating oil’s transition to Bioheat. This renewable energy source combines low-sulfur home heating oil with biodiesel made from surplus or byproducts of feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, inedible corn oil, and more.

But how exactly does using SmartBiofuel translate to the environment?

1. It Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Lower Carbon Footprint: Bioheat blends with higher percentages of biodiesel (for example, B20, which is 20% biodiesel and 80% heating oil) leave a smaller carbon footprint since they are derived from renewable sources.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Reduction: Did you know the biodiesel used in the Bioheat blends is considered carbon-neutral? The CO2 emitted when burning the biodiesel is offset by the CO2 absorbed by the plants used to produce it. And, by reducing the use of fossil fuels, Bioheat contributes to a longer-term reduction in atmospheric CO2 levels.

2. It Uses Renewable Resources

Biodiesel uses fuels from agricultural byproducts and other renewable sources, such as soybean oil, inedible corn oil, animal fats, used cooking oil, and canola oil.

3. It Decreases Air Pollution

Bioheat produces fewer microscopic particles and lowers sulfur emissions when compared to conventional heating oil, leading to improved air quality and a reduction in respiratory issues related to air pollution.

4. It Improves Energy Efficiency

Using Bioheat for your home heating system, along with investing in new high-efficiency equipment, can help reduce the overall energy demand and associated emissions.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bioheat please visit quinoco.com/heating-oil

How about these savings?

How about these savings?

Every year as we head into heating season, we field calls asking about the price of our fuel, be it Smartbiofuel or Propane. This year we’re encouraging you to look beyond just the price per gallon and consider the long-term savings available when upgrading your home heating system.

New high efficiency heating systems can improve the comfort of your home by providing a more consistent temperature as well as better air quality thanks to built-in air filtration. You’ll also find that new systems burn fuel more cleanly than decades old models making this upgrade also better for the environment. We recommend installing units with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) greater than 87%, meaning greater than 87% of the system’s fuel use goes towards heating your home as opposed to operating the heating equipment.

This all sounds great in theory right? Let’s share some numbers to back it up:

Aren’t those some great savings! If you’re interested in seeing these fuel savings at your home, give Quinoco a call at 860.583.4609 to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists. They’ll guide you through the process of selecting the best upgrade for your home while providing a free quote for purchase and installation of a new home heating system.

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Who Is Your Propane Provider?

Who is your propane provider?

If you can’t answer this question without digging through a pile of mail to find your last delivery invoice, you’re not alone. For the homeowner that only gets the occasional propane delivery for a cooktop, you may not see your propane company very often, which means they don’t see you or your home very often either.

Let’s make it easier for you! If you are already a Quinoco heating oil and/or service customer, you can bundle all of your home energy under one roof. We are already familiar with your home and visit it often; we can track both your oil and propane consumption and will send the same drivers and technicians who already know your home. So trust us to take care of all of your energy needs and to make your life a little simpler! Call Quinoco to make the switch today.

We Make Switching As Easy As 1, 2, 3

If you rent your tank:

1. We will handle informing your current company of your switch.*

2. We will take care of installing your new tank.

3. You can count on us to offer pricing and delivery options that perfectly align with your needs!

If you own your tank:

1. We will handle informing your current company of your switch.

2. You can count on us to offer pricing and delivery options that perfectly align with your needs!

*Your current provider will pick up your tank

Our Customers Are Number One!

Our customers are number one!

If you’ve been a Quinoco customer for some time, you know that our customers are #1. Having customers at our core is what I contribute much of our success to and the ability to have lasted nearly 150 years.

Our business strategy has been completely tied to listening to your feedback and evolving with your needs and wants. We regularly vet out products; some that you directly ask us about and others proactively based on the current state of the energy industry. And back when we added propane delivery, we felt compelled to offer this fuel because, frankly, many of you told us you didn’t like your providers (click here to see more).

Bundling all your home needs under one roof has become what everyone wants - one phone number to call, a live person on the other end who cares and peace of mind that it will get taken care of. So if you haven’t brought everything in your home under the Quinoco umbrella, I invite you to before fall really gets into gear.

Best,

Jim Hickey
General Manager
askjim@quinoco.com

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High Efficiency Leads To Lower Electric Bills

High Efficiency Leads To Lower Electric Bills

More so than in the past, we’re tracking our electric bills – watching them go up each month, evaluating suppliers, and trying to keep our electric use down. If you’re already thinking about the sky-high bills you’ll receive this summer, then it might be time to upgrade the biggest electricity user in your home: your central AC system.

Yes, upgrading your central AC system is an investment, but how do you see the return on that investment? With significantly lower electric bills year over year thanks to a significant jump in your unit’s efficiency thanks to its SEER rating.

The standards for energy efficiency are set by the U.S. Department of Energy with a SEER rating assigned to every piece of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency, the less electricity needed to cool your home.

Consider these stats:

IF YOUR AC WAS INSTALLED PRIOR TO 2006, THE AVERAGE SEER WAS 10. NOW DUE TO AGE, THAT SAME PIECE OF EQUIPMENT HAS A SEER OF 7 OR 8.

THE MINIMUM SEER ALLOWED TO BE INSTALLED TODAY IS A 13.2. ACCORDING TO OUR COMFORT SPECIALISTS, CUSTOMERS ARE UPGRADING TO A MINIMUM OF 16 SEER THE LAST TWO YEARS.

FOR EVERY INCREASE IN SEER, YOU SHOULD SEE A 4-6% DECREASE IN YOUR ELECTRICITY COSTS.

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Call us today at 860.583.4609 to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists and let us help you save year after year.

Don't Risk Your Oil Tank!

Don’t Risk Your Oil Tanks!

It’s easy to forget about your oil tank – it’s out of sight so out of mind – and that’s why we encourage an annual oil tank inspection. Over time, oil tanks can develop leaks or other issues that can pose a risk to your property and the environment.

EARLY DETECTION OF ISSUES

Regular oil tank inspections can help identify potential issues early on before they become major problems, preventing leaks or other costly damage.

PROTECTION OF PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT

Leaks or spills can contaminate the soil and groundwater, which can be difficult and expensive to remediate.

PEACE OF MIND

You’ll be reassured knowing that your oil tank is in good condition and ready for another winter!

Schedule your annual oil tank inspection by calling our office at 860.583.4609

Even if your tank is not leaking, it may show signs of deterioration or has exceeded its normal life expectancy - 20 years for basement tanks and 10 years for outdoor tanks. Our team is available to discuss and perform any next steps, including tank removal and replacement.

Secure Low Monthly Payments With The Quinoco Advantage

Secure Low Monthly Payments With The Quinoco Advantage

Avoid spikes in your household’s budget this winter when you sign up for the Quinoco Advantage Payment Plan.

1. We take your average fuel usage from the last two years or determine an estimate based on the square footage of your home if you’re a newer customer.

2. We determine your estimated annual cost and divide it into equal monthly payments. Each month, you’ll receive a statement showing your monthly payment amount as well as your actual account balance.

3. During the heating season, we will occasionally review your Advantage Plan and adjust the monthly payment amount to best reflect your actual usage and deliveries.

WHY IS THE QUINOCO ADVANTAGE PLAN RIGHT FOR YOU?

Are you ready to sign up?

Give us a call today at 860.583.4609. The sooner you sign up, the lower your monthly payment will be this winter season!

Pricing Programs Are Now Available

Pricing Programs Are Now Available

Prepare for heating season by enrolling in one of our Price Protection Programs. Our pricing programs ensure the fairest prices coupled with the best service for heating your home!

Program Spotlight: Cap Price Program

With pricing season upon us, now is a good time to take a look at one of Quinoco’s pricing programs of choice for our oil customers: The Cap Price Program! Designed with a fluctuating market in mind, the Cap Price Program offers you the best protection, whether oil prices rise or fall, all for less than a dollar a day!

How it works?

• Stability: Your price is locked at a ceiling price and will never go up

• Security: If the market price declines, your price goes down as well

• Protection: Secure a set number of gallons with an enrollment fee up front

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Peace of mind for less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day? Now that’s an investment you can bank on!

Our Customer Care team is here to help you determine which of our various pricing programs is the best plan for your home: Cap, Float, Fixed, Prebuy. Please call us at 860.583.4609 to discuss your options and sign up.

Tackling All Things AC

Tackling All Things AC

It seems our team has become a regular fixture on your TV screens! After a great experience working with Kerri-Lee Mayland and her team for At Home With Kerri-Lee in the fall, we gave a repeat performance this spring.

We tackled all things AC this go around. Our technician Sean took Kerri-Lee on a ride along to a customer’s house to see the brand-new AC system we recently installed. We had a fun day with lots of laughs but more importantly, we were able to share some important information on AC systems with Kerri-Lee’s audience.

• Make sure you schedule your tune up; it’s what keeps your system running effectively and efficiently

• Change your air filters every 60-90 days; the more debris stuck in the filter, the harder your system has to work

• Switch to a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust when you’re not home; we can install a compatible one for you so give us a call

Check out our segment on At Home and additional tips for your AC.

Keep it cool!

Jim

We're back with Kerri-Lee!

We’re Back With Kerri-Lee

Last month we were fortunate enough to meet back up with Kerri-Lee Mayland for her show At Home with Kerri Lee. We talk about air conditioning, checked out a recently installed system and chatted with a customer about Quinoco.

Take a look at our segment with Kerri-Lee here:

Quinoco Fuel Plans Available Starting May 1st

Prepare for the heating season by enrolling in a fixed-price protection program for oil or propane!

This plan performs well with stable or increasing market conditions, but remember, should the prices fall, you will remain ‘locked’ into your agreement price.

**Please Note: When you commit to this program, Quinoco simultaneously purchases that fuel for you from our suppliers – we are not able to break this agreement. This means that if market conditions decrease, you do not get a lower price.

To enroll in our Fixed Price Program or discuss other program options, call Customer Care at 860.583.4609

Congrats to our Indoor Air Quality Winner!

This winter we ran our Ultimate Indoor Air Quality contest and were really impressed with all the entries. We’d like to congratulate Joann from Farmington on winning this great package.

A special thanks goes out to our giveaway partners who made this year’s program possible: Tiger Home & Building Inspections and Steamatic of Connecticut.

Following the contest, we heard from a few customers interested in pursuing indoor air quality products for their homes. One customer even said the contest pointed out some changes she should make to live a healthier life.

We’re here to help keep you breathing easy all summer long!

Jim

HVAC TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting Common HVAC Problems

1. No Power: If your HVAC system is not turning on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure there is power to the unit. Reset or replace any tripped breakers or blown fuses.

2. Uneven Heating or Cooling: If some areas in your home feel significantly warmer or cooler than others, check if the vents and registers are open and unblocked. Ensure that there are no obstructions impeding airflow.

3. Airflow Issues: If you notice weak airflow from your vents, check the air filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reducing system efficiency. Clean or replace filters as needed.

4. No Cooling or Heating: If your HVAC system is running, but no cool or warm air is coming out, check the thermostat settings. Ensure it is set to the appropriate mode (cooling or heating) and at the desired temperature.

5. Frozen Evaporator Coil: If the evaporator coil inside the air handler becomes frozen, it could be due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. Clean the filters and check for any blockages. If the issue persists, give us a call to inspect for refrigerant leaks.

6. Unusual Noises: Strange noises, such as grinding, rattling, or banging, could indicate a problem with your HVAC system. Turn off the system and contact our office for an appointment to diagnose and repair the issue.

7. Strange Odors: Foul or burning smells coming from your HVAC system may be a sign of mold, electrical problems, or a malfunctioning component. Turn off the system and schedule an appointment with one of our technicians to investigate and resolve the issue.

8. High Energy Bills: If you notice a sudden increase in energy bills, it could be due to an inefficient HVAC system. Check the air filters, ensure proper insulation, and consider scheduling regular maintenance to improve efficiency.

9. Thermostat Problems: If your HVAC system is not responding to thermostat adjustments or is not accurately maintaining the set temperature, check the thermostat batteries, and ensure it is properly calibrated.

10. Short Cycling: If your HVAC system turns on and off frequently, it may be short cycling, which can waste energy and put strain on the components. Check the air filters, and thermostat settings, and ensure proper ventilation.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICE AND INSTALLATION OPTIONS,
PLEASE CLICK HERE OR CALL 860.583.4609.

Lower Electric Bills With New Central AC

Lower Electric Bills with New Central AC

As our cooling equipment ages, so does its efficiency (SEER) rating. The newest central air conditioning systems feature the highest SEER ratings on the market and can offer the greatest annual savings on your electric bills. If you want to explore the potential savings you’ll see with a new high-efficiency central AC system, then it’s time to meet with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Schedule an appointment at 860.583.4609 to learn more about our limited time savings!

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The Push & Pull Of Heat Pumps

The Push & Pull of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have been getting a lot of buzz recently due to government rebates and the push to electrify. The name alone is a little deceiving leaving many homeowners confused. So what is a heat pump exactly and how can it be used to heat AND cool your home? Let’s break it down…

How does a heat pump work?

In the summertime, a heat pump and an air conditioner are essentially the same thing: they both take heat from inside the house, transfer it through a refrigerant and deposit it outside, leaving the inside cool. In the cooler months, a heat pump can be reversed to push heat into the home.

• Efficiency is key when it comes to heat pumps to see savings on your electric bill and qualify for rebates.

• Versatility is a plus as heat pumps can be installed with both traditional ducting or without ducts.

• Pricing on heat pumps can run higher than more traditional heating/cooling systems, especially the higher efficiency units. And, if your home doesn’t have the electrical amperage required for a heat pump system, electrical upgrades can be an added cost.

• Back up heat for winter is necessary with a heat pump system but they work well for supplemental heat in the shoulder months.

If your air conditioning is due for an upgrade this year, then a heat pump can be an option to consider. Our Comfort Specialists are here to walk you through the options to best meet your needs and budget. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!

Sure it might be a little cold still, but we’re already thinking about and planning for Spring and Summer. I surveyed a few members of our team about what they’re looking forward to most and here’s what they had to say:

“I am most looking forward to my vegetable and flower garden, nothing beats a warm summer day planting and the taste of a fresh grown tomato!” ~ Cassie, Customer Care

“Looking forward to the warm weather and my birthday!” ~ Shannon, Customer Care

As for me, I am looking forward to being outside planting my garden, completing the Cooper River Bridge Run with my daughters and hiking around Connecticut.

And don’t forget to get your heat tune up on the calendar! These tune ups come with crucial oil tank inspections. Oil tanks can develop leaks or other issues over time that can pose a risk to your property and the environment. If your tank is replaced before a more problematic situation occurs, replacing a tank is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day! Visit quinoco.com/tank-inspections to learn more.

Goodbye winter, hello spring!

Jim Hickey
Quinoco Energy Services
General Manager

Quinoco Quick Take: Thermostats

Quinoco Quick Take: Thermostats

Your thermostat might be small but it’s a crucial part of your home’s comfort. We often recommend you reach out when you need a new thermostat as different models aren’t always interchangeable, and we can get you a higher quality version at one of our supply houses.

Programmable Models: You’ll be able to predefine your home’s temperature for specific days and times throughout the week. This function makes it equally as effective as a smart thermostat in enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. For example, if your family is away at work and school from Monday to Friday, a programmable thermostat can be set to automatically adjust the temperature, preventing your heating and cooling system from running unnecessarily when nobody is home.

Smart Models: In comparison, a smart thermostat offers a level of intuitiveness in regulating your home’s heating and cooling. These thermostats will learn from your temperature adjustments and are accessible through a dedicated app. They can also assist in accurately tracking and managing your home’s energy consumption data so you can monitor and assess your HVAC system’s efficiency.

If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s thermostat, schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. We’ll review your current models, make suggestions based on your needs and get you on our installation calendar.

HEATING MAINTENANCE TIPS

Preventable HVAC Maintenance Tips: Heating Equipment

1. Regular Inspection: Schedule an annual inspection by one of our qualified HVAC technicians. They will check for any issues, clean the system, and perform necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.

2. Change Air Filters: Regularly change or clean the air filters in your heating system. Clogged filters can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Depending on the type of filter, this may need to be done every one to three months.

3. Keep Vents and Registers Clean: Make sure that vents, ducts, and registers are clean and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or other items. Blocked vents can disrupt airflow and reduce heating efficiency.

4. Check for Leaks: Inspect your heating system for any signs of leaks, especially if you have a boiler or a furnace that uses fuel. Leaks can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately by one of our technicians.

5. Test Safety Features: Make sure safety features, such as carbon monoxide detectors, are working correctly. Carbon monoxide leaks can be extremely dangerous, so having functioning detectors is vital.

6. Insulate and Seal: Properly insulate your home to reduce heat loss and seal any air leaks in windows, doors, and walls to maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.

7. Boiler/furnace clean-out: Before the start of the winter season, your boiler or furnace should be inspected and given the recommended annual maintenance. Give us a call to schedule your annual tune-up.

If you’d like to learn more about our service and installation options for heating equipment,
please click here or call 860.583.4609.