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Prep for Heating Season with the Quinoco Advantage

Prep for Heating Season with the Quinoco Advantage

This month’s bulletin is all about prep. You’re prepping for fall. Kids just got prepped to go back to school. And we’re prepping for the start of our busy heating season.

One way you can prep for heating season? Sign up for our Quinoco Advantage program to better budget for this year’s fuel costs. Designed to protect you from winter bill spikes, the Quinoco Advantage sets you up with a low monthly payment based on your heating costs over the last two years. You’ll love the consistency, the reliable automatic deliveries, and the lack of surprises appearing on your next fuel bill!

The Quinoco Advantage program is just another way we try to give you peace of mind. Give our office a call to sign up. The sooner you sign up, the lower your monthly payment will be for this heating season.

Good luck with your fall prep!

 

Jim Hickey
Quinoco Energy Services

Don't Get Caught in the Pricing Game

Don't Get Caught in the Pricing Game

September is the unofficial start of our busy season as homeowners start calling to secure their fuel for the upcoming winter. With dozens of companies out there trying to win your business, many companies will throw low ball prices out to try to entice customers to switch, and that’s when the pricing game begins…

Don’t get sucked into a deal that seems too good to be true, because it probably is! Here are some things to look out for:

AT QUINOCO, WE DON’T PLAY GAMES:

In fact, we want to be as transparent as possible and educate our customers so they can make informed decisions. You won’t see a low-ball price offer from us but our customers know that our service is unmatched and our prices are fair; that’s why many of you have been with us for not just years, but decades!

If you have any questions, concerns or need help selecting the right pricing program for the upcoming season, our Customer Care team is here to help at 860.583.4609.

Quinoco Advantage Payment Plan

Our Quinoco Advantage Payment Plan is here to help you! This plan is the most cost-effective way to pay for your fuel deliveries throughout the year. We deliver automatically when you need it, and you pay a consistent monthly amount.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

  1. We take your average fuel usaged from the last two years or determine an estimate based on th 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 recieve a statement showing your monthly payment amount as well as your actually account balance.

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

WHY DOES it work?

It Saves TIme

No more monitoring your tank, we will track your usage and deliver when you need it

It’s Relaible

You will never run yourself out or pay same-day delivery fees.

It’s Consistent

You pay the same amount each month.

It’s Hassle-Free

No surprises: you’ll know the schedule for payments and when to expect adjustments


Interested in signing up for the Quinoco Advantage Payment Plan?

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

Electrification: Is It Feasible?

Electrification - is it feasible?

Climate policy and reducing carbon emissions continues to be a hot topic amongst policymakers and community leaders. The discussions are good ones but is widespread electrification feasible?

Up for debate is electrification of home heating in New England with the thought that this electricity would be generated from renewable resources in order to achieve net-zero emissions. This plan seems simple and straightforward, but it most definitely makes a lot of inaccurate assumptions.

Currently, renewable fuels generate only 12% of New England’s electricity. [1] During heightened demand periods, this percentage decreases as the grid relies on backup fuel from oil, coal, and liquid natural gas. Coupled with the fragile state of the electric grid and the fact that more than 80% of homes in New England are currently not heated with electricity, an electric only plan is problematic. [2]

Former US Secretary of Energy, Ernest J. Moniz, stated in a 2020 Boston Globe piece, “[New England’s decarbonization] success would come earlier if the oil and gas industry uses its capabilities and workforce to advance net-zero solutions while avoiding stranded workers, stranded communities, and stranded assets.” [3]

And this is exactly what our industry is doing! We have SmartBiofuel which continues to get cleaner every year AND a commitment to reaching a net zero carbon footprint by 2050; a goal that is not attainable for electricity. If you haven’t heard about our industry’s initiative, learn more at quinoco.com/heating-oil.


“Quinoco Energy has been our supplier since we purchased our home in 2013 and I’ve never considered changing. Their products and services are exemplary! Their service supervisor and technicians are not only skilled and knowledgeable but polite and considerate as well. I’ve never considered changing because relationships are built on trust, not cost.”

- Quinoco Customer, Bristol


Taking The Lead With SmartBiofuel

Taking The Lead With SmartBiofuel

Perhaps tracking the happenings in the Connecticut State Legislature isn’t top on your list of hobbies but in our industry, we keep a close eye on how proposed and passed legislation will impact our customers.

As part of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, home heating oil (Bioheat) is to be blended with higher levels of low carbon fuels like biodiesel to benefit consumers and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Even with the positive environmental impact from biofuels, many in Hartford are still pushing for an electrification only model, but let’s see how it stacks up against our SmartBiofuel:

NOT CLEAN

Did you know power plants run on natural gas and coal? Both of these fuel sources emit greenhouse gases like methane and carbon. In fact, power plants are the biggest producer of methane gas and carbon emissions continue to skyrocket every year.

With Bioheat: Carbon emissions are actually reduced by up to 74% compared to the home heating oil of the past. This means an immediate reduction in greenhouse gases.

OLD GRID

Our power grid is not in the best shape. From sparking fires from lines in disrepair to insufficient capacity for our current use, it’s hard to imagine adding more strain to this system. As it is, blackouts and lengthy power outages have become the norm.

With Bioheat: Some of the strain on the electric grid is reduced when heating your home with Bioheat, especially in New England where the ISO declared in 2021 that the region is at heightened risk for winter outages.

NO RETURN

The economics of converting a home to electric heat pumps is simply cost prohibitive for most Americans. Consider this: the number of heat pumps you’ll need is about the same as the number of window AC units you would need in the summer. The equipment installation alone costs $7,000 to $15,000 for just one heat pump, let alone multiple and don’t forget about the significant increase in your electric bill!

With Bioheat: Keeping and maintaining your Bioheat heating equipment is a minor expense in the long run, especially as higher blends of biodiesel help clean your system for greater efficiency and longer equipment lifespans.

MONOPOLY

There aren’t many options for utility companies in the area and with electricity, we’re putting all our eggs in one basket. Without competition, prices rise, quality declines, and service becomes unreliable.

With Bioheat: Freedom of choice! Home heating oil has a deep connection to entrepreneurship, small businesses, family-owned ventures and community building. These values not only let you choose your home energy provider but support your local economy with jobs as well.


To learn more about Bioheat and the impact of electrification in Connecticut, visit quinoco.com/heating-oil.

Sources: American Energy Coalition; CEMA; Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

Determining your Delivery Schedule

Determining your Delivery Schedule

There’s a lot of thought that goes into setting up our daily delivery schedules. Behind the scenes, our computer system does a series of calculations – and some of them are even custom to your home!

We look at Degree Days.

Degree days are a weather measurement of how hot or cold a day is by comparing the average outdoor temperature recorded for a location to a standard indoor temperature (usually 65°F in the United States). The more extreme the outside temperature, the higher the number of degree days.

What does that mean for you?

The colder the weather = higher number of degree days = more energy used to heat your home = more frequent SmartBiofuel or Propane deliveries.

We calculate a K-Factor.

The number of degree days is then part of a bigger equation to determine how long one gallon of fuel will keep a specific home at 65°F. This number rarely changes and is based on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, furnace efficiency, thermostat settings, hot water setting etc.

What does that mean for you?

When we track your K-Factor, we can more accurately predict how quickly you’ll use the gallons in your tank. If you’re an auto-delivery customer, we can then get you on our delivery schedule before you risk running low on SmartBiofuel or Propane.

Our industry has been around a long time and we’re fortunate that it continues to adopt technology to make serving customers even better!

Setting up our weekly delivery schedule relies on a lot of behind-the-scenes work – computer systems, weather calculations, and lots of geography to build out the most efficient routes that gets fuel to our customers when they need it.  It’s one of the big reasons why we encourage you to sign up for auto-delivery. You won’t need to worry about how fast you can get on our delivery schedule – you’ll already be on it!

If you’re interested in switching to automatic delivery, give us a call at 860.583.4609 and we’ll talk you through all the benefits of making the move, like our Make the Switch Credit.

15 Ways to Save Energy This Winter

15 Ways to Save Energy This Winter

1. Schedule your annual tune up

Don’t be caught by surprise when you turn your heating equipment back on! Your tune up is a great preventative step to ensure that your equipment is running smoothly and is ready for the season.

2. Eliminate air leaks/drafts

One way that cold air can seep into your home is through doors, windows, attics, and basements. To prevent drafts, you can install weatherstrips to stop the cold air from getting in!

3. Switch to a smart thermostat

Jump on the technology bandwagon! A smart thermostat allows you to preset your temperatures, so it turns down or up automatically based on your schedule.

4. Turn your ceiling fans clockwise

Fans may keep you cool during the warm months, but they can help your home’s energy efficiency as the weather changes. By turning your fan clockwise, you can create an updraft moving the warm air downward into the rest of the room.

5. Don’t forget your fireplace

There’s something special about a fire on a cold night, but when it’s not in use, make sure you close the damper. Warm air circulating through your home can escape through the chimney.

6. Adjust your water heater

It takes a lot of energy to heat water – in fact, it’s the second highest source of energy usage. If you set your water heater to a couple of degrees cooler, it will save you money and you’ll still enjoy all the hot water you like.

7. Let the sunshine in

The sun is a great source of free heat on bright sunny days!! But as we know, windows and doors are a way for that warm air to slip through the cracks. Consider getting insulated curtains to keep some of that free heat in overnight.

8. Close doors and vents in unused rooms

Maybe you’re an empty nester or maybe you only use a few rooms during the work week – either way, if you close doors and vents in rooms that aren’t in use, you’ll redirect the warm air to the spaces you’re in and use less heat overall.

9. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs

LED lights are known as the most energy efficient lighting. They may cost you more up front but over time they will save you money; they use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

10. Leave your oven door slightly open after using it

On a busy day in the kitchen, you probably notice how warm it gets as your oven gives off heat. Don’t let that heat go to waste! Leave your oven door open just a bit to have some extra heat flow when you’re done cooking.

11. Insulate your pipes

Pipes are out of sight, out of mind but they are so important bringing hot water to faucets, showers, and other appliances. Depending on how far the water has to travel, your pipes can be the cause of heat loss. Insulated pipes raise the water temperature, improves your hot water heater’s efficiency and will lead to energy savings over time.

12. Unplug unused electronics

Just because your TV, lamp, and air fryer are “off” when plugged in doesn’t mean they aren’t using energy. These are examples of “energy vampires” because they are taking energy when you don’t know it. Save energy by unplugging items when not in use.

13. Turn down the thermostat & bundle up

Knocking down your thermostat a degree or two can save you over the course of the heating season, sometimes up to 10% on your fuel usage.

Hint: When finding a temperature that you find comfortable, consider putting on a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and use an extra blanket at night.

14. Place rugs on hardwood floors

Rugs aren’t just to make your home look cool and fun. They also add a layer of insulation that keeps your feet off a chilly hardwood floor.

15. Set your holiday lights to a timer

Don’t be silly and keep your holiday lights on all night long - that is another giant energy waster! A smart plug or basic timer for your outlets is an easy solution to save energy and money. To be honest, we also forget to shut them off before bed!


OUR TOP PRIORITY IS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE and warm this winter

Please call 860.583.4609 or email info@quinoco.com to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians or Comfort Specialists.

Get To Know Your Home

Get To Know Your Home

If you’re one of the many that moved into a new home over the last few years, whether a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, it is always important to get acquainted with the systems in your home. Here are some of the basics:

Is My Heating System A Furnace Or A Boiler?

Well, boilers use hot water (think boiling water) to heat your home through radiant flooring or radiators. Furnaces, on the other hand, use warm air or ‘forced air’ that is blown through ductwork and vents to heat the home. Then, there is hydro-air which is a boiler that converts hot water to warm air.

Do I Need To Know How To Turn My Heating System Off?

Yes! in case of emergency… locate your emergency switch, main water shut off valve, and electrical panel. The emergency switch is usually located as you enter the basement and should have a red switch plate. This switch shuts off the burner in your heating system, the component that houses the unit’s combustion.

What Are The Important Components Of My Propane Tank?

Make sure you locate your propane gauge and shutoff valve under the top cover of your tank. The gauge is read as a percentage of volume you have in your tank. Remember, since propane is stored as a liquid under pressure, a tank reading of 80% is considered full to ensure the propane has room to expand as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.

It Is My First Time In An Oil Heated Home, Help!

We know an oil heated home can sometimes seem intimidating, but it’s really pretty easy. We deliver fuel from the exterior of your home through a fill pipe connected directly into your oil tank. To make it even easier, our computer system calculates when you need a delivery based on a weather metric (degree days) and the efficiency of your heating system.

How Does My Central AC Work?

There are two main components of your central AC system. The outside condenser unit(s) takes heat from inside the home, transfers it through a refrigerant and deposits it outside, leaving the inside cool. The air handler(s), located inside the home, is what circulates the cool air through your home. The air handler also houses your air filter.

For safety tips and additional guidance, our FAQ page is a great resource for insight on your home’s systems and fuel use.

Proudly Propane

Proudly Propane

There are a lot of reasons to love propane. It’s one of the world’s most convenient and versatile fuels and it’s proudly made in America. Propane has been used for over 100 years and can be found in more than 50 million homes across the country

Clean

Propane was approved under the Clean Air Act of 1990 and is a low-carbon fuel that produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than most other energy sources.

Efficient

Propane equipment, including furnaces and hot water heaters, are rated with some of the highest efficiency ratings for equipment on the market today.

Reliable

Propane is a proven energy source that you can count on, even when the electrical grid is down. Having propane stored at your home guarantees you’ll always have adequate gas pressure as well as ample supply.

Available

The United States is the world’s leading producer of propane which means that it is abundantly available. And, Quinoco’s own propane storage facility ensures that our customers will never run out, regardless of weather.

Versatile

Propane is the only fuel able to power almost every appliance in your home, making it convenient and easy. Propane can be used for home heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, fireplaces, generators, pool heaters, grills & outdoor kitchens, decorative lampposts and MORE!

So, if you are in need of updating or replacing equipment or appliances in your home, be sure to keep propane in mind and let us walk you through all of your options. And, if you already use propane at your home and haven’t switched to us for delivery, it’s easy—just give us a call 860.583.4609 and we will handle the rest.

SUMMER WEATHER TIPS TO KEEP COOL ALL SEASON LONG!

Summer Weather Tips

Review our important summer weather tips to ensure you stay cool all season long!

1. KEEP A CONSISTENT TEMPERATURE

During extreme heat, it can take several hours to cool your home. Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature (74 degrees) and keep it consistent throughout the day. This will allow your system to work efficiently and keep up with the daytime heat. 

2. CHECK YOUR AIR FILTER

We recommend changing your air filter every 60-90 days with a filter rated MERV 10 or higher. Air filters can easily get clogged reducing your system’s efficiency to keep your home cool. This is especially important if you have pets, children, or family members with allergies or asthma.

3. KEEP YOUR AC CONDENSER CLEAR

Your condenser units outside need ample space for airflow. Obstructing airflow will make your AC system work harder and less efficiently. Make sure the area around your condensers are clear of objects and debris (leaves, weeds etc.).

4. RUN THROUGH OUR EXTREME HEAT CHECKLIST

  • Check that all thermostats are on cool mode.

  • Check if the outside condenser is blocked and if air filters are clogged.

  • Make sure all furnace and air handler switches are on as well as all circuit breakers.

  • Check that air vents are set to an open position.

  • Check for signs of ice on the outside unit. If there is ice, turn the thermostat to the OFF position and turn the fan from AUTO to ON. The ice must melt before service can be performed.


Check out our great interview

with Kevin Hayes, Publisher of BeLocal MAgazine

Don't Get Blown Away This Storm Season

Don’t get blown away this storm season!

A busy storm season can make for a frightening summer. A little preparation now can save a lot of stress before, during and after a hurricane.

Before: Create a hurricane action plan to prepare your family, pets and home for a storm. Include spare batteries, extra medication, a list of important numbers, and related insurance paperwork in your emergency kit.

Quinoco Tip!

Become familiar with your propane tank - know how to turn your tank off in an emergency and how to read the gauge. Watch our How-To video on the Quinoco Storm Center.

During: Safety is a top priority – stay inside unless directed to evacuate, avoid contact with floodwaters inside or out, hunker down with flashlights, and keep pets indoors.

Quinoco Tip!

Even if you have a whole home generator, unplugging small appliances and other electronics that won’t be used during the storm can help avoid damage from power surges.

After: Once it is safe to do so, inspect your home and yard for damage, immediately report any loose or down power lines and use caution when cleaning up areas impacted by the storm.

Quinoco Tip!

Once your power has been restored, let us know via the Quinoco Storm Center so we can safely resume regular deliveries and services to your home.

SAve this page!

Quinoco Storm Center - Quinoco.com/storm

This hub is the new go-to resource for our customers before, during and after a storm. Not only does this page have valuable resources and frequently asked questions, but videos, checklists and easy ways to contact us. The Quinoco Storm Center will also host our storm service alerts to better keep you informed in case of power outages.

QUINOCO STORM SEASON CHECKLIST

Winter Weather Tips

Winter Weather Tips from Quinoco

With snow and cold temperatures expected in the area, it is important to review these important safety tips.

1. KEEP A CONSISTENT TEMPERATURE

During extremely cold weather, do not turn your thermostat down while you are away from your home. Doing so will cause your heating system to work harder and make you more susceptible to frozen pipes.  

In the case of extreme cold, we recommend the following:

  • Consider increasing your thermostat a few degrees above normal

  • Confirm that all registers, air vents and radiators are clear of obstructions like boxes, furniture or blockages for the best airflow

  • Avoid drafts from opening/closing exterior doors and garage doors

2. PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR DELIVERY AND SERVICE

  • Make sure your driveway is plowed at a width of 10 ft so a delivery truck can access your home

  • Clear a path to and around your fill pipe and/or the cap of your underground propane tank to ensure a delivery can be made efficiently

  • Shovel paths and walkways so your home can easily be accessed

3. CHECK YOUR HOME OFTEN

If you are away from your home, make sure you have someone check it daily to avoid potential problems. Label your main water shut off and leave contact information of service companies in case of emergency. Should there be a water leak and damage, insurance companies often deny claims if the home is not being checked regularly.

OUR TOP PRIORITY IS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE. OUR TEAM IS HERE SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO US.

860.583.4609 | info@quinoco.com

Delivering Biofuel for a Better Future

Delivering Biofuel for a Better Future

SMARTBIOFUEL

For the past decade, Quinoco has been delivering a product called SmartBiofuel, a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating oil with a bio component called biodiesel. Biodiesel is a heating oil replacement that is produced from a variety of renewable resources, such as plant oils, animal fats, and even algae, making it one of the most sustainable fuels on the planet.

What does this mean for you?

  • It’s Clean! In fact, emissions of greenhouse gases from SmartBiofuel are lower than those from natural gas.

  • It’s Cleansing! SmartBiofuel is a smoother fuel with a high lubricity which means that it cleans your tank and heating system as it burns and helps to extend the life of your equipment.

ULTRA-LOW SULFUR

Ten years ago, trucks were spewing black soot out of their stacks as they drove down the highway – have you noticed that doesn’t happen anymore? This is the result of reduced sulfur in the fuel. Just like the auto industry, the heating oil industry has been drastically reducing the sulfur content in our fuel. In fact, since 2018, all heating oil in CT has been mandated to be ultra-low sulfur.

What does this mean for you?

  • It’s Clean! The lower the sulfur content, the less sulfur dioxide your system emits – sulfur dioxide contributes to acid rain and haze.

  • It’s Efficient! Your heating system runs more efficiently which reduces the amount of fuel you use and helps lower the amount of equipment maintenance needed.

ADDITIVES

Fuel additives are where many heating oil companies differ when it comes to the quality of the fuel they deliver. Before delivering to your home, we mix an additive into our fuel called Heating Oil Plus, one of the most advanced additives on the market. Heating Oil Plus complements SmartBiofuel to reduce sulfur buildup, boost system performance and help to stabilize the fuel and protect the system’s components, especially in cold weather.

What does this mean for you?

  • It’s Cleansing! Heating Oil Plus acts as a detergent that cleans your tank and heating system. It also prevents corrosion and degradation of the fuel which helps to extend the lifetime of your equipment.

Learn more about our SmartBiofuel at Quinoco.com/heating-oil and if you’re interested in our Fixed Price Fuel Plans, please visit Quinoco.com/fixedprice.