5 Steps to Prepare for a Hurricane

5 Steps to Prepare for a Hurricane

It's Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 6-12) and the 2018 hurricane season is predicted to be above-average with a projected 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major (Category 3 or above) hurricanes. 

With hurricane season officially starting on June 1st, now is the time to prepare your home and family. Review our 5 Steps to Prepare for a Hurricane below and reach out to us here to find out more about installing an automatic standby generator from Gault!

Get Conditioned for Summer

GET CONDITIONED FOR SUMMER

Many homeowners go through a battle year over year as to whether or not it is time to replace their air conditioning; do you prepare now and replace it or take the risk of making it through one more summer? Whether you felt like your equipment was on its last leg at the end of last season or it is simply outdated, there are some telltale signs that now might be a good time.

1. Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old
2. Your equipment needs frequent repairs
3. Your utility bills continue to climb each cooling season
4. Some rooms in your home are too cold and others are not cold enough
5. Your home has humidity problems
6. Your air conditioning unit is noisy

Upgrading to a new high-efficiency air conditioning system can address all of these problems; improve your home’s total comfort and can save you up to 38% on your utility bill.

Our Comfort Specialists and technicians have years of experience in equipment diagnosis and replacement, so whether you are certain that you need a replacement or are still unsure, let us help you to make an informed decision.

Learn more & save!

Water Damage

DON'T GET CAUGHT UNDER WATER

14,000 people in the U.S. experience a water damage emergency each day which costs homeowners and insurers $9 billion annually! In the Northeast we unfortunately are more susceptible to water damage due to risk of frozen pipes. And if you’ve experienced any water damage in your home (which is 37% of us according to insurance industry research), you know that there is no messing around when it comes to protecting your home.

Our smart home system, Winston, has water protection solutions that allow you to monitor and control your home from your smartphone—anywhere, at any time. This simple system can save your home and save you thousands of dollars.

Winston Water Protection Package (check our special savings here!)

• 5 Water Sensors: Water sensors are placed in high-risk areas and will notify you via text or email when water is detected.
• Automatic Water Shut-Off Valve: Connected to your home’s main water supply, the shut-off allows you to remotely turn off water to the home as well as set up automatic shut-off when water is detected by a sensor.
• Winston HUB: The HUB is the control center for you Winston system. Connected to your homes Ethernet, it allows you to connect all Winston products together wirelessly.

Learn more & save!

Fuel For Thought

FUEL FOR THOUGHT

By now, the cold snap and the ‘Bomb Cyclone’ that hit in early January is out of everyone’s minds but it’s important and timely for Connecticut residents to understand what happened to the energy sector during this time as the state just released their final Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES). The CES, which is prepared by the DEEP, is to act as a roadmap for policy makers in regards to state energy programs and policies over the next several years.

The main focus of the CES is to switch much of the heating and transportation sectors towards electricity as a way to reduce greenhouse gases. This means switching heating systems from fossil fuels to electric heat pumps and advancing electric vehicle infrastructure throughout the state.

With an emphasis on electricity as a way to reduce fossil fuel usage, it seems ironic that the plan makes no mention or proposed action towards the fact that electricity is produced by fossil fuels – currently mostly natural gas. And if you consistently read our bulletins, you already know that natural gas produces more greenhouse gas emissions than Bioheat heating oil. But more importantly, when the temperatures dropped in January and the price of natural gas spiked, where did the power plants turn to generate electricity? To oil!

During a normal period, oil makes up less than 1% of the electricity generated in Connecticut, during the cold snap, it represented nearly 40% which diverted millions of gallons from homes. And this is certainly not a new concept, in fact, many large natural gas customers like power plants are actually incentivized during periods of high demand to switch to alternative fuel sources. This practice can wreak havoc on supply and inflate prices which falls back on consumers and local fuel companies.

Our number one goal is to provide the best service to our customers no matter what the market conditions are. We also strive to educate our customers in all facets of energy so they can make informed decisions. If you are interested in reading more on the Connecticut CES, visit ct.gov/deep.

When to Replace your Oil Tank

When to Replace your Bioheat Tank

When we talk about the products and services we provide to homeowners, they are all extremely important and affect our lives every day – heat for our homes, hot water, protection from power outages, etc. But they aren’t considered fun or exciting things that anyone WANTS to buy. When was the last time you caught yourself wanting to purchase a new Bioheat tank!? For this reason, homeowners often let their equipment and especially their tanks go way past their life expectancy.

When to replace your Bioheat tank:

While there are a couple signs on the outside of the tank that will indicate that it should be replaced (corrosion and wet marks), most damage is unseen. Older tanks often have moisture and sediment that have built up over time which can cause corrosion and create holes. If not replaced in time, the tank could start to leak. If you have any question about your tank, reach out to us to come take a look.

Benefits of a new Bioheat tank:

With the cleanliness of fuel today, the biggest benefit of putting a new tank in is that it will last a long time and will never see the problems of tanks from many years ago. The bio component in Bioheat acts as a cleanser that actively cleans the inside of the tank and prevents buildup. With the percentage of bio planned to increase over the next several years, installing a new tank now is a great investment. Also, having a new tank helps your heating equipment run more efficiently.

So don’t forget about the tank in your basement, replacing it is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day.

Click here for more information and exclusive savings!

Heating Fuel 2018: What's Happening

Heating Fuel 2018: What's Happening

The heating fuel industry in Connecticut is fast approaching a major milestone. In July of this
year, all fuel delivered in the state is mandated to be ultra-low sulfur heating oil (ULSHO) with
a sulfur content standard of 15 ppm (parts per million). As a comparison, our fuel has had a
sulfur content of 500 ppm since 2014 and before that, 3,000 ppm.

So what does that mean for you? The fuel that we deliver to your home is going to be
significantly cleaner than it ever has been. The lower the sulfur content of the fuel, the less
sulfur dioxide your system emits which contributes to things like acid rain and haze. It will
also allow your heating system to run more efficiently which can reduce the amount of fuel
you use and lessen equipment maintenance.

A great representation of the cleanliness of ultra-low sulfur fuel is in the auto industry. The
use of ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel) in trucks was mandated a long time ago and widely
publicized by the EPA for the positive environmental impact that it would have. For the
everyday driver, you will remember that 10 years ago you would have seen black soot spewing
out of the stacks of a truck as it drove down the highway – today, you see nothing. This is the
result of reduced sulfur in the fuel.

With this new mandate for ULSHO combined with the bio that is blended into heating
oil, this product is far cleaner than natural gas and will continue to get cleaner as more
advancements are made. And by the way, this mandate is not only in effect for Connecticut.
On July 1st, every New England state plus Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and New York
will be delivering ULSHO. Talk about a huge environmental impact!

Contact Us Today!

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Bioheat Heating Oil: Q&A

Bioheat Heating Oil: Q&A

What is Bioheat?

Bioheat is a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating fuel with biodiesel, a domestic, sustainable heating oil replacement.

What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a heating oil replacement that is produced from a variety of renewable resources, such as plant oils, animal fats, recycled grease, and even algae, making it one of the most sustainable fuels on the planet. Annually, it generates approximately $16.8 billion dollars for the U.S. economy and creates more than 62,000 jobs.

Where is Bioheat made?

The crops used to create Bioheat are grown in the United States and it is blended right here in Connecticut. The blends currently range from B5 fuel containing 5% plant content to B20, which contains 20%.

Is Bioheat cleaner than natural gas?

Yes! Bioheat is cleaner than natural gas. In a 20 year atmospheric life cycle analysis conducted by Brookhaven National Laboratories, emissions of greenhouse gases from Bioheat blends as low as 1.8% have been proven to be lower than those from natural gas.

Does Bioheat cost more?

No, in fact Bioheat can save you money because it helps your heating equipment run more efficiently, which extends the life of the equipment and can lead to fewer tune-ups.

Do I have Bioheat?

Yes! Gault has been delivering Bioheat for the past 5 years. In fact, almost every gallon of heating fuel delivered in Connecticut is Bioheat with more than 600 companies delivering it locally in the state.

What is the future of Bioheat?

The industry is committed to continually improving the product that we deliver; in fact, today’s heating oil burns 95% cleaner than it did 50 years ago and with drastically reduced sulfur content as well as alternative solutions like biodiesel blends, the product will continue to burn cleaner thus cutting greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, if the U.S. followed Connecticut’s lead and switched to a 5% Bioheat blend, the country would burn approximately 187 million gallons less of regular heating oil. If that were a 20% blend, that number quadruples!

Improve Indoor Air Quality

What's in the Air you Breathe?

We spend up to 90% of our time indoors, and in the winter months, that percentage probably increases for many of us. With indoor air up to 8 times more polluted than outdoor air, it’s important to know what you’re breathing in your home and how it could potentially affect you and your family. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the EPA’s top five environmental health risks because it is a big contributor to lung disease, respiratory tract infections, asthma and lung cancer. With lung disease as the 3rd cause of death in the US, poor IAQ is a huge threat!

Many large corporations, specifically sports teams have recognized this and have been focusing on improving IAQ in their office buildings and locker rooms to reduce sickness and improve productivity. At our own office, we have had a system installed in our HVAC system for years and we’re excited to announce that it is now available for home installation. The system is called AtmosAir and it uses ionization to restore air to its natural state; no pollution or contaminants. Air ions are nature’s method of cleaning the air, the higher the level of ions, the more pristine the air quality. AtmosAir is designed to increase air ions in an indoor space to similar levels to that of a mountaintop.

BENEFITS OF IONIZATION:

• Reduces Particles: particles are neutralized and literally fall to the floor to be vacuumed up the next time you clean.
• Controls Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): gets rid of all odors including cooking odors.
• Reduces Mold, Bacteria, Viruses, Germs: the reproductive cycle is interrupted and colony forming units decrease.
• Neutralizes Static: neutralizes all charges in the air and eliminates static electricity.

Before you and your family spend the next five months indoors, give us a call. Installing one of these systems could dramatically improve the air inside your home and lead to better living.

Learn more here!

Home is where the Heat is

Home is where the Heat is

With the latest high efficiency equipment on the market today, replacing your existing heating system can reduce your fuel consumption by up to 30%! That’s a huge savings without having to make any lifestyle changes. Imagine trying to reduce your electric or water usage by 30%, not only would it be a lot of effort and work, it seems nearly impossible!

In addition to direct savings on your fuel costs, a new system will also save you on maintenance and repair costs and improve your home’s total comfort which we consider priceless! If you already know that your system needs to be replaced before winter, are unsure or just need some honest advice, give us a call. Our Comfort Specialists and technicians have years of experience in diagnosing and installing systems and can guide you in the right direction.

Learn more here!

Top 4 Reasons to Replace Your Heating System

Top 4 Reasons to Replace Your Heating System

The winner of our 2016 Oldest Boiler Contest captured the sentiment of most homeowners when she said that her and her husband had been focusing on spending money on “things you can see” at their home instead of “the old dinosaur in [their] basement.” And their boiler was almost 100 years old!

Spending money on something that is going to bring you comfort during the coldest time of the year should be an easy decision and yet most people don’t replace their heating system until it breaks down and they are left with no heat! Unless you like freezing pipes in your home, stress and a lot of blankets, we highly suggest being proactive in doing a replacement. Below are 4 things to consider when deciding to replace your heating system.

1. Age: A study done by the National Association of Home Builders concluded that the average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years and a boiler is 13 – 21 years. If your unit is nearing or in those age ranges, it is time to call a Gault Comfort Specialist to have us do an analysis of your system.
2. Maintenance: Annual maintenance of your unit is critical in making sure that everything is working properly and safely. If you’re unit has not been properly maintained and requires frequent repairs, replacement will not only insure the reliability of the unit it could also be more cost effective.
3. Cost: Regardless of your fuel type, replacing an old, inefficient system can save you up to 40% on the fuel you use every year.
4. Efficiency: New heating units have higher efficiency ratings. Heating systems are rated with AFUE percentages indicating how much fuel is used to heat a house – and how much is wasted. Minimum AFUE ratings for heating equipment installed today are as high as 90% meaning only 10% of fuel is not used to heat the home.

If you already know that your system needs to be replaced before winter, are unsure or just need some honest advice, give us a call. Our Comfort Specialists and technicians have years of experience in diagnosing and installing systems and can guide you in the right direction.

Learn more here!

Your Home & Water Damage

Is your Home Vulnerable to Water Damage?

If you have running water in your home, the answer is always yes, your home is at risk of water damage. But there are a couple other factors that are important to look at both inside and outside your home.

• Do you live near/on a body of water?
• Do you live near wetlands?
• Do you live at the bottom of a hill that collects rain water?
• Is your washing machine hose more than 5 years old?
• Is the line to your ice maker or dishwasher more than 3 years old?
• Do you have an air handler for your AC in the attic?
• Has your boiler and water heater been properly maintained?
• Is the plumbing in your home old and outdated?
• Do you have young kids or mischievous pets?

If you checked yes to any of these questions, which we are sure you did (who changes their washing machine hose every 3-5 years!), then you need to seriously consider water protection in your home. Our smart home solution, Winston, has water sensors that can be placed in high risk areas of your home. If the sensor detects water, you will not only get a notification on your phone, the water main to the house will automatically shut off. When water leaks into your home, every minute counts, this simple system that can save your home and save you thousands of dollars.

Learn more here!

Pull the Plug...on Electric Water Heaters

Pull the Plug...on Electric Water Heaters

Did you know that in 2015, the Department of Energy raised the energy efficiency requirements for water heaters? Probably not, but that’s what we are here for! If you haven’t thought about swapping your electric water heater out for a new propane water heater, consider the facts below. A propane tankless water heater will give you abundant hot water, reduce your energy usage, save you money AND valuable floor space. Start by taking a five-question water heater quiz here to find out if yours is due for a replacement.

PROPANE TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

Quick Facts:

• Delivers endless hot water
• Heats water only when needed
• Compact size saves approximately 9-16 square feet of floor space

Efficiency & Environmental:

• 50-60% lower CO2 emissions compared with electric storage tank systems
• Has the highest efficiency rating of water heaters on the market today

Cost Savings:

• Saves more than $150/year in energy costs compared with typical electric storage models
• Rebates of $250-$600 are available in Connecticut!

Learn more here!

What's A Heat Pump

What's a Heat Pump?
And how can it Cool your Home?

Most would automatically assume that a piece of equipment called a ‘Heat Pump’ would have a function related to heating. While this is true, the name is deceiving as a heat pump actually has duel functionality and can be used to both heat and cool a home. In the summer time, 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. What makes the heat pump different is that it can be reversed so that instead of depositing the hot air outside, it pushes it inside to heat your home (hence the name!).

Another great feature of heat pumps is that they don’t require ductwork which adds to their versatility. And while they are typically not used as the single heat source for a home, they are a great way to offset your energy bill in late fall and early spring when the days are cooler.

The 4 more common uses for ductless heat pumps:

• As a supplement to a central AC system/heating system: for spaces that were added on to a house or are located at the furthest end of the existing ductwork
• For rooms that need additional heating & cooling: such as a sunroom or for a space that requires independent temperature control such as a home office
• As a cost efficient alternative for an additional living space: such as bonus rooms, studios, cottages & barns, garages, finished attics & basements
• For homes/spaces that cannot accommodate conventional ductwork: older homes and antique homes typically do not have space to install ductwork

Learn more here!

Generators: The AC of the Decade

Generators: The AC of the Decade

In 1980, only 50% of homes in the Northeast had central air conditioning in their home in comparison to over 85% today. Not only has air conditioning become standard equipment in the home but most of us would say we couldn’t live without it!

So what’s the next must-have for your home? Standby generators. Over the next 20 years, the market is predicting that 30 – 50% of homes in the U.S. will have a standby generator. If reminiscing about Super Storm Sandy isn’t enough for you to commit to a generator, here are a couple other facts to consider:

• Power outages that have duration of 24 hours or more have tripled since 1978 in the U.S.
• 40% of the U.S. power grid is over 40 years old
• Demand for electricity in the U.S. will increase by 18% in the next 10 years while grid improvements will increase by only 8.4%
• Demand for electricity is expected to rise by 30% in the next few decades (ii)

With the wind storms that have occurred already this year and the Atlantic Hurricane Season beginning on June 1st, there is no time like the present to protect your family and home from damaging power outages. Our generator team handles the entire installation process, making it seamless and easy.

Learn more here! When the next big storm hits, you’ll be glad you did.

i. Residential Energy Consumption Survey, US Energy Information Administration. http://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/reports/2009/air-conditioning.cfm
ii. Kohler Co.

Get Your Ducts in a Row

Get Your Ducts in a Row

Many of us would no longer consider air conditioning a luxury but a necessity! The emergency air conditioning service calls that we received on Christmas Day two years ago and in March this year are proof of this; we can’t live without it. But for many homes where ductwork proves to be tricky, homeowners are still using window units or going without even though there is another option; a ductless system.

The 4 most common situations in which ductless systems are used as a solution:

• As a supplement to a central AC system: for spaces that were added on to a house or are located at the furthest end of the existing ductwork
• For rooms that need additional heating & cooling such as a sunroom or for a space that requires independent temperature control such as a home office
• As a cost efficient alternative for an additional living space such as bonus rooms, studios, cottages & barns, garages, finished attics & basements
• For homes/spaces that cannot accommodate conventional ductwork: older homes and antique homes typically do not have space to install ductwork

In addition to the cooling benefits of a ductless system, these ultra-high efficiency units can also be used as a supplemental heating source which is a great way to offset your energy bill in late fall and early spring when the days are cooler.

Do you have a tricky AC situation? Let our Comfort Specialists help you diagnose and determine a solution so you can stay cool all summer. Plus, we’ll help you take advantage of some great rebates that are available.

Learn more about ductless systems here.

Proudly Propane: Clean American Energy

Proudly Propane: Clean American Energy

There is a new official face representing the propane industry in a nationwide campaign called ‘Proudly Propane’. His name is Blue, a friendly dog, and the narrator of the campaign that travels around with his bobtail driver who he calls, ‘propane man’. The campaign is both fun and entertaining (who doesn’t love the image of a dog riding in the passenger seat of a propane truck) and Blue’s message is simple, ‘Propane is man’s best fuel’.

Blue touts propane as being clean and reliable and giving people the freedom to live where they want and how they want. In Blue’s terms, ‘propane is just so doggone smart’. Here are few reasons why we think propane is ‘so doggone smart’:

• It’s 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.
• It’s Efficient – Propane equipment, including furnaces and hot water heaters, are rated with some of the highest efficiency ratings for equipment on the market today.
• It’s 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.
• It’s Readily Available – The United States is the world’s leading producer and exporter of propane which means that it is abundantly available. And, Gault’s own propane storage facility in Bridgeport ensures that our customers will never run out, regardless of weather.
• It’s 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!

We might dare to say that we love propane almost as much as Blue does; we have even converted some of our vehicles to run on propane. 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 and we will handle the rest.

Check out Blue’s TV commercials here.

5 Reasons to Replace/Upgrade Your AC

5 Reasons to Replace/Upgrade Your AC

ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS

We have many experts and specialists at Gault but when it comes to knowing when it’s time to replace your air conditioning system, no one knows better than our technicians and Comfort Specialists; they work on, diagnose and replace hundreds of systems every year. That’s why we decided to poll them on what they think are the top five reasons to replace or upgrade your air conditioning this season. Check out the results below!

Poll Stats
Respondents: 26 (14 Technicians, 12 Comfort Specialists)
Total Years of HVAC Experience: 512
Total Years of Service at Gault: 248

• Financial Savings: 100% of the group put financial savings as a top reason for replacement. The biggest savings being on electricity; a new, high-efficiency system can save you up to 38% on your electric bill. Other savings are seen in the reduction of maintenance costs. Older systems often require more frequent maintenances sometimes making it more cost effective to replace a system rather than continually repairing it.
• Efficiency: 96% of the group put increasing efficiency as a top reason for replacement. New units have higher SEER ratings; the higher the SEER, the less electric energy the unit uses in comparison to its cooling output making it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Greater efficiency also bring other benefits such as being more cost effective.
• Age & Reliability: 61% of the group put age and/or reliability as a top reason for replacement. If your system is more than 10 – 15 years old, it is reaching its life expectancy and has a higher chance of breakdown or failure. Being proactive, not reactive will ensure your unit will be running and reliable during the hottest weather.
• Refrigerant Phase Out: 61% of the group put the phase out of the refrigerant R-22, also commonly known as Freon as a top reason for replacement. R-22 is part of an EPA phase out plan for ozone-depleting substances which will make it unavailable by 2020. Any unit using R-22 will ultimately need to be replaced.
• Comfort: 43% of the group put factors that increase comfort as a top reason for replacement. New units are much quieter, cool faster and more consistently, remove humidity more effectively and create better air quality. This is especially relevant if conditions in your home have changed since your AC was originally installed; for example, a renovation would make your current unit not properly sized for your home.

Some others factors that didn’t make the list include: increasing the value of your home for resale, updating the look and appearance of the units outside your home, the ability to add air cleaners and other tech features like wifi thermostats and sensors.

Let's Clear the Air

Let's Clear the Air

When most of us hear the words ‘pollution’ and ‘air quality’ we think of the air outside. But what about the quality of the air indoors?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a huge effect on our day-to-day life and overall health and wellbeing. Caused by pollutants in and outside the home, poor IAQ can cause both short term health issues like irritation of eyes, nose and throat, fatigue and headaches as well as long term issues like respiratory diseases and cancer. When combined with inadequate ventilation, lack of outdoor air, high temperatures and humidity, IAQ can become even worse.

COMMON POLLUTANT SOURCES:

• Carpets
• Building & Paint Products
• Pesticides & Radon
• Cleaning Supplies & Chemicals
• Dust Mites & Dust
• Mold & Dampness
• Pet Dander
• Wood Burning

The installation of a ventilation, purification or air quality system can help to improve your IAQ and overall home comfort. Learn more here!

What Our Fuel Is Made Of

What Our Fuel Is Made Of

Bio: For the past 5 years, Gault has been delivering a product called Bioheat, a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating fuel 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. Learn more about Bioheat at gaultenergy.com/bioheat.

• WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
  • It’s Clean – If fact, emissions of greenhouse gases from Bioheat are lower than those from natural gas.
  • It’s Cleansing – Bioheat is a smoother fuel with a high lubricity which means that it cleans your tank and heating system as it burns which 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 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 and we are fast approaching a major milestone – in 2018, all heating oil delivered in Connecticut will be mandated to be ultra-low sulfur heating oil.

• 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 is where many heating oil companies differ when it comes to the quality of fuel they deliver. Before delivering to your home, we mix an additive into our fuel called Avalux, one of the most advanced additives on the market. Avalux helps to stabilize and protect the components of the fuel, especially in cold weather.

• WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
  • It’s Cleansing – Avalux 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.

The Pricing Game: Don't Get Caught In It

The Pricing Game: Don't Get Caught In It

In the heating business, September is the unofficial start of our season as the phones ring off the hook with homeowners securing their fuel for the upcoming winter. With hundreds 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:

• The Fine Print – the devil is in the details. A low price may only apply to the first fill the company makes, or it could be for a certain amount of gallons or for a set time which often won’t last you the entire winter.
• Service – we know that price is important but never at the expense of good service. A low price might equate to a company having a large service area which will cause them to have a longer response time and for some companies, this means that their customer service department is in another country!
• Full Service vs. COD – if you are accustomed to a full service, automatic delivery company, moving to a COD (cash on delivery) company will definitely get you a lower price but the weight is on your shoulders – you need to contact them, and with plenty of notice in order to get a delivery. And there is seldom a guarantee on when they will be able to deliver or that any service will be provided.
• Inflation – a low price is great for new customers but what about the existing? Many companies will increase the price for their existing customers in the second or third year in order to afford the introductory prices they offer to new customers creating an unbalanced environment.

At Gault, 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 this season but our customers know that our service is unbeatable and 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 picking the right pricing program for the upcoming season, our Customer Care team is here to help.