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Whether you’re running a business or a family, you’ve got to keep an eye on the budget. When your expenses go up, you notice. Historically, people considered diesel a less expensive option to gasoline, but that hasn’t been the case for years. Let’s take a look at why.

Diesel Costs More Than Gasoline

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gallon for gallon, on-road diesel has cost more than regular-grade gasoline almost continuously since late 2004. Prior to that diesel tended to cost less than gasoline unless it was wintertime.

The higher cost of on-road diesel versus gasoline is due to three main factors: cleaner diesel blends, higher state and federal taxes, and increased demand.

Cleaner Diesel Blends

A few years ago, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) began to limit the sulfur content of diesel fuel. This was done to decrease toxic emissions, as airborne sulfur matter is highly toxic. Due to the EPA’s rules and regulations, the diesel fuels found in the U.S. have a lower sulfur content and are less polluting. However, there was an associated increase in the costs to produce and distribute the lower sulfur diesel fuel. Additionally, diesel with a lower sulfur content has a lower energy density. That means lower sulfur diesel is capable of less fuel economy than diesel with a higher sulfur content. The combination of the rise in production and distribution costs on top of the lower energy density of low sulfur diesel factors into its higher price.

Higher State & Federal Taxes

The federal government applies taxes to the sale of on-road diesel fuel that are higher than the taxes applied to the sale of gasoline. Each state also imposes its own taxes on the sale of on-road diesel fuel. On average, the state tax applied to on-road diesel is at least 7 cents per gallon higher than the state tax imposed on the sale of gasoline. The precise difference depends on the state you live in.

Increased Demand

Supply and demand are introductory economic principles. Each can have a noticeable effect on the price of anything. Whether you’re talking about eggs, houses, or concert tickets, whenever supply decreases, prices tend to increase. That’s largely because when a resource is in limited supply, customers are willing to pay more for it. Similarly, when demand increases, prices also tend to increase. For an example of this, just consider the cost of flowers and chocolates around Valentine’s Day versus the rest of the year. When there is a greater demand for a resource, its perceived value and therefore its cost increases. And if supply decreases while demand is increasing, prices can skyrocket.

Over the past few years, the domestic and international demand for diesel fuel has increased. Furthermore, diesel is not produced in the same quantity as gasoline. For every barrel of crude oil that’s refined, roughly half as much diesel is produced as compared to gasoline. That means diesel is always in lesser supply compared to gasoline.

Your On/Off-Road Diesel Supplier

If you have a business in or near Sullivan County, you can count on Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for all your diesel delivery needs. We’ve got you covered whether you need on-road diesel, off-road diesel, or both. We’ll deliver the best product with efficiency. And our diesel fuel is fairly priced.

Call the Bear, We’ll Be There!

You can trust Black Bear Fuel Oil to deliver for you in northern Orange County, Sullivan County, and eastern Ulster County. And you can count on our team to provide professional service with a personal touch.

Experience the Black Bear difference for yourself. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial fuel services or to request a quote.

Your furnace can keep you safe and warm in your Sullivan County home all winter long, but could it be doing that job at the expense of your health? The answer to that question could be yes if your HVAC system is not working or being maintained properly.

Here are three important questions to ask about your HVAC system and its impact on the air you and your family members are breathing in your home:

1. When did you last check your HVAC air filter? The air filter in an HVAC system removes dirt, dander, and contaminants from the air before they enter your ducts and living space. That’s why it’s so important to check your air filter every month, replacing or cleaning it (depending on the model) as needed. A clogged air filter will cause a build-up of irritants and allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, which could be especially harmful to people in your home with respiratory sensitivities.
2. Has your HVAC system been professionally installed and maintained? A combustion-based heating system will always produce exhaust fumes – including dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) gas. If your furnace is installed and maintained properly, these gases escape harmlessly into the outdoor air. However, if your heating system is not functioning properly, is poorly vented, or has been installed incorrectly, a potentially dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide can occur in your home. Learn the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, install carbon monoxide detectors at every level of your home, and invest in yearly professional furnace maintenance. Black Bear offers two affordable maintenance plans, each of which includes an annual tune-up.
3. How old is your furnace? With proper care, your furnace should last about 15 years; beyond that point, efficiency and performance drop-offs (including degraded air quality) become more likely. Safety will also become an issue over time, since dangerous heat exchanger cracks that can release carbon monoxide into your home become more common as the equipment ages. For these reasons and many others, annual furnace inspections are essential, and replacing your old equipment with a safe, high-efficiency heating system is a smart move.

Does Your Furnace Need Repairs?

Still worried there may be something wrong with your furnace? Here are signs your furnace isn’t working properly and needs professional service:

• There’s an increase in your utility bills that isn’t due to an increase in usage or prices.
• Airflow in your home isn’t consistent.
• You (or someone in your family) experiences increased allergy symptoms while in the home.
• You hear strange noises coming from your heating system (e.g., buzzing, clanging, popping, rattling, or whistling).
• You notice strange smells coming from your heating system (e.g., a musty or scorched odor).
• Your home isn’t being heated evenly or consistently, so the temperature is uneven.

Call the Bear

If you’re ready to breathe easier, contact Black Bear to schedule a routine heating system maintenance visit or if your furnace needs repairs. And if it’s time to replace your old heating system, we can help you there, too. Just contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate! We’re Sullivan County’s first choice for HVAC installation, maintenance, and service, and your comfort is our top priority.

Contact Black Bear today to learn more.

Why Is HVAC Maintenance Important?

HVAC is a common acronym that stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The HVAC system in your Sullivan County home keeps your home warm during the winter months and cool during the summer months by taking in the fresh air and then heating or cooling it as needed using a mechanical ventilation system. HVAC systems also includes any control systems and smart thermostats that work in conjunction with the heating and cooling equipment. HVAC systems can also regulate a home’s humidity level and improve its air quality.

At Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we know HVAC. We provide HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement.

Does Your HVAC System Need Repairs?

Are you worried that something is wrong with your HVAC system? Here are some clues that your worries are warranted and you should give us a call:

• An increase in your utility bills that isn’t due to an increase in usage or prices
• Inconsistent airflow
• Increased allergy symptoms when inside
• Strange noises coming from your system (e.g., buzzing, clanging, popping, rattling, or whistling)
• Strange smells (e.g., a musty or scorched odor)
• Uneven temperatures

Why is HVAC Maintenance Important?

You can avoid inconvenient and expensive repairs down the road by making sure that your HVAC system receives regular maintenance. You’ll also keep your HVAC system running more efficiently, which will save you money on your energy bills.

Here are five reasons to prioritize HVAC maintenance:

• As we mentioned earlier, you’ll save money by staying ahead of costly breakdowns and keeping your system running as efficiently as possible. You’ll also extend the life of your system and postpone the cost of a replacement.
• You’ll improve the air quality in your home.
• You’ll be more comfortable. A well-maintained HVAC system does a better job of cooling and heating your home.
• You’ll be safer. Regular HVAC maintenance can identify any potential problems that could lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home.
• You’ll be helping the environment. A well-maintained HVAC system consumes less fuel.

Black Bear offers two preventative maintenance service plans, our Little Paw Plan and our Big Paw Plan. If you’re not currently enrolled in a service plan with us, here’s another reason to enroll today. New customers receive a $25 discount on the cost of whichever service plan they choose. (note: not valid on renewals.) Contact us to learn more.

What Does HVAC Maintenance Include?

When Black Bear is on the job, HVAC maintenance means more than just replacing filters. Here are some of the other tasks we’ll perform:

• We’ll inspect your system to look for potential problems.
• We’ll examine the fuel lines and points of connection.
• We’ll inspect exhaust outlets to check for damage like leaks or corrosion.
• We’ll check any electrical connections and voltage.
• We’ll carefully lubricate moving parts.
• We’ll make sure there is enough refrigerant in the air conditioner.

Receiving HVAC maintenance once a year is a good rule of thumb. That’s why an annual tune-up is included in both of our preventative maintenance service plans.

Need HVAC maintenance or repairs? Call the Bear, and we’ll be there. And if it’s time to replace your HVAC system with a new one, we can do that too. We’re Sullivan County’s first choice for HVAC installation, maintenance, and service, and your comfort is our top priority.

Contact Black Bear today to learn more.

Important Winter Reminders

This winter has already thrown a lot at a number of communities across America, and spring is still a ways away. A number of towns have experienced record-breaking snow, extreme cold, and power outages. Winter isn’t done with us yet. There are still plenty of bitterly cold days in Sullivan County’s future.

As a homeowner, you need to protect your family and home from the worst winter can dole out. That includes doing your best to prevent your pipes from freezing. Frozen and burst pipes are more than an inconvenience. Water damage can cost a lot to address. And the plumbing repairs can be expensive as well. Save yourself the headache and the expense by taking the steps outlined below.

Tips To Keep Your Pipes From Bursting

You can’t control the weather and prevent the freezing temperatures that make frozen pipes a possibility, but there are things you can do. Take these steps to prevent frozen pipes in your home:

1. Avoid a fuel run-out. If you don’t have fuel for your heating system, it will stop running and leave you with a cold house. If your house gets too cold, your pipes could freeze. So keep a close eye on your fuel levels if you’re not an automatic delivery customer. And don’t wait until the last minute to order fuel. The colder it gets, the harder it will be to schedule a delivery, and you don’t want to run out of fuel in the interim. However, you can greatly simplify your life and receive priority deliveries from Black Bear by signing up for our convenient automatic heating oil delivery service. We’ll track your usage and the weather and determine an appropriate delivery schedule so you always have enough.
2. Invest in a whole-house generator. Whole-house generators start working within seconds of a power outage. That means that even if the power goes out while you’re sleeping or away on vacation, everything in your home will continue to function normally. That includes your heating system. That will help keep your home warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting.
3. Drain Seasonal Pipes & Hoses. Pipes that don’t get used during the winter should be drained in the fall. They’re the most likely to freeze. That includes pipes for your swimming pool and sprinkler system. Disconnect and drain any hoses connected to the exterior of your home. And be sure to close the indoor valves that supply them.
4. Insulate your home. Part of preventing your pipes from freezing is keeping your home warm enough. Making sure your home is well-insulated will help keep it warmer while putting less of a strain on your heating system.
5. Open Cabinets. If you’re away for an extended period of time, keep your kitchen and bathroom cabinets open so that the warm air in your home is able to circulate around any exposed pipes.
6. Set your thermostat. We recommend keeping your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when your home is empty. If your heating system stops working properly or you find yourself with no heat at all, contact Black Bear immediately. Getting your heating system back up and running as soon as possible is important for the health and safety of your family as well as for protecting your pipes from freezing.
7. Keep water running. When the temperature is expected to drop particularly low, keep a small amount of cold water running from your faucets. A drip should be sufficient. Running water is less susceptible to freezing.

Never Fear! Trust the Bear!

If you do end up having a plumbing emergency like frozen pipes this winter, don’t panic. Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers affordable plumbing repairs and services to the residents of Sullivan County and parts of Ulster County and Orange County. And we offer emergency and same-day service.

Whatever your plumbing needs are this winter, Black Bear has the experience and resources to get the job done right. Contact us today to learn more or to request service.

Is It Time to Replace Yours?

Water heaters do a lot in a home, but they’re easy to take for granted—at least until something goes wrong. But you shouldn’t take your water heater for granted. Consider this: In the average home, heating water accounts for roughly 20% of the energy bills. From supplying water to bathe, wash hands, clean clothes, wash dishes, and more, your water heater works hard. And your water heater works even harder during the winter months because the water it has to heat starts off colder.

Fortunately, most water heaters don’t just fail. There are usually warning signs beforehand. One thing you should know is how old your water heater is. There are also some things to look out for if you’re worried your water heater is nearing the end of its life. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

The Lifespan of Water Heaters

A typical tank water heater lasts about a decade. Some can last up to 13 years, but once yours starts nearing the ten-year mark, you should pay special attention and look out for any signs it’s nearing the end of its life. Your water heater plays an important role in your home. It’s the reason you can enjoy hot showers and keep your hands, clothes, and dishes clean.

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

It’s more than an inconvenience to be without hot water—especially during the winter. And if your water heater fails and causes thousands of dollars in water damage, that’s even worse. It’s better to replace your water heater before it breaks down. It will be less stressful and expensive for you that way.

The good news is that your water heater probably won’t conk out on you out of the blue. Usually there are some clear warning signs you can look out for that will tell you it’s time to call in the professionals to repair or replace your water heater.

Here are five signs water heater replacement may be in your near future:

1. There’s an unexplainable increase in your energy bills. If you notice an increase in your energy bills that can’t be explained by a rise in fuel prices or usage, then your water heater may be the culprit. Water heaters become less and less efficient over time. Upgrading to a new highly efficient water heater will benefit your budget in the long run.
2. You notice leaks or rusty water. If there are puddles under your tank or it’s producing rusty water, that’s a sign of corrosion. This is a common problem with steel tanks. Don’t ignore a leaking tank. It is probably very close to the end of its life. Call Black Bear immediately.
3. You have hard water stains. If there are white marks on your silverware and glassware when they come out of the dishwasher, there may be lime buildup in your tank. This is a problem that will decrease your water heater’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
4. Your water heater is making strange noises. Growling or gurgling sounds coming from your storage tank often happens when there is a build-up of sediment. This is a serious problem. If you ignore it, you could end up having to pay for expensive repairs or replacing your water heater before its time. Don’t wait to address this problem. Contact Black Bear ASAP.
5. Your water heater is ten years or older. With proper maintenance, a water heater can last an average of 10 years. However, even if you’re not noticing any troubling signs listed above, once your water heater reaches the decade mark, it’s time to start thinking about replacement. Your new water heater will run more efficiently and reliably—saving you money on your energy bills and giving you peace of mind.

Black Bear offers water heater installation and repair. We also provide emergency and same-day service to our customers in and around Sullivan County, northern Orange County, and eastern Ulster County.

Don’t wait for the worst to happen. If your water heater needs care, contact the Bear and we’ll be there.

Diesel fuel plays an important role in a wide variety of industrial and commercial contexts. Diesel engines are found in many freight and delivery trucks, buses, boats, farm equipment, construction equipment, and military vehicles. Some cars and light trucks also run on diesel fuel.

Diesel engines are also found in some generators that can be used for anything from generating electricity for a remote village or ensuring that hospitals, schools, large buildings, and a variety of other facilities have a backup and emergency power supply when there’s an electrical outage.

From medical equipment to refrigeration units to HVAC systems, generators play an important role in not just providing comfort, but protecting lives, valuable information, and perishables when the power grid fails.

Diesel-powered vehicles also keep important vehicles on the road—such as military, law enforcement, school buses, farm, and delivery vehicles.

An Intro to Diesel Fuel

Clearly, diesel fuel plays an important role in a lot of contexts. But what is it exactly? Diesel fuel is made from refined crude oil and biomass materials. Its name comes from the type of engine it’s used in. Diesel fuel is the distillate fuel oil made for compression ignition engines which were originally invented by a man named Rudolf Diesel.

On/Off-Road Diesel

If you have a business in or near Sullivan County, make Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning your diesel fuel supplier. We’ve got you covered whether you need on-road diesel, off-road diesel, or both.

Black Bear provides the reliable diesel service you need to keep your business running strong. We’ve got the staff, equipment, and fuel to always deliver for you so you can get the job done.

Black Bear delivers quality diesel fuel. We offer ultra-low-sulfur on-road diesel for tanks, vehicles, and equipment. We also offer off-road diesel for construction and farm equipment, generators, and other machines.

Save Time & Money with Diesel from Black Bear

We know your time and money are valuable. So we don’t waste them. You work hard, and we work hard for you. You need a diesel fuel supplier that won’t let you down. As your diesel supplier, Black Bear will work with you to deliver the best product. And we’ll do it as efficiently as possible for the best price possible. Our goal is to save you time and money. Lots of businesses in Sullivan County and parts of Ulster and Orange County already depend on Black Bear for their diesel needs. Yours can too.

With Black Bear, you get diesel fuel in a time-efficient manner. Because we deliver the fuel to you, you don’t waste time getting your vehicles and equipment to a filling site. And you don’t have to pay your employees to spend hours refueling. Plus, we’ll work with you to determine the best fueling schedule for your enterprise. So you’ll get a delivery program designed with efficiency and convenience in mind.

You also save money with Black Bear because our diesel fuel is fairly priced.

Call the Bear, We’ll Be There!

You can trust Black Bear Fuel Oil to deliver for you in northern Orange County, Sullivan County, and eastern Ulster County. And you can count on our team to provide professional service with a personal touch.

Experience the Black Bear difference for yourself. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial fuel services or request a quote.

Is It a Good Choice for Your Home?

When it comes to the fuels you can use in your New York home, you have choices. Some of the most popular are heating oil, kerosene, and propane. Black Bear reliably delivers both heating oil and kerosene to our customers in New York’s Sullivan, Orange, and Ulster Counties. Another fuel many consumers are less aware of is fuel oil. Keep reading to find out what it is and how it compares to some alternatives.

Fuel Oil

Fuel oil is most like kerosene. It has a lower energy density than heating oil. It’s also not as stable as heating oil. However, fuel oil burns more cleanly than heating oil. Another advantage to using fuel oil is that fuel tanks using fuel oil don’t require as much maintenance as those using heating oil. It’s also a good choice for homes with outdoor tanks because fuel oil won’t gel in cold temperatures.

Kerosene

Kerosene is a multipurpose fuel that is often used for lighting and cooking as well as heating. Because it has a higher gel point than traditional heating oil, it’s recommended for customers with outdoor tanks.

Is kerosene right for your home? Here are some of the benefits of using kerosene in your home:

• Kerosene can be stored in high-quality heating fuel tanks just like standard home heating oil.
• Kerosene is an adaptable home energy source. In addition to heating your home, it can also be used to fuel stoves and lanterns.
• Kerosene is the best fuel for outside oil tanks. It won’t gel in the cold winter months that we experience in New York.

Black Bear sells quality kerosene at a competitive price. And we provide reliable kerosene delivery.

Heating Oil

Heating oil is heavier than fuel oil and most akin to diesel fuel. It produces a bit more heat than fuel oil does, but it’s not a significant difference. Because it’s more stable than fuel oil, it’s a better option for homes with indoor fuel tanks. And because it can gel in cold temperatures, it’s not the ideal option for homes with exterior tanks.

Is heating oil right for your home? Here are some of the benefits of using heating oil in your home:

• Heating oil is safe. It’s so stable that it only becomes combustible once it’s been vaporized by an oil burner at temperatures above 140° Fahrenheit.
• Heating oil is highly efficient. Heating oil burns up to 20% more efficiently than gas. It’s also 30% more efficient than electricity.
• When you get your heating oil from Black Bear, you get premium heating oil that allows your heating system to run more cleanly. That reduces the wear and tear on your heating system, which means it will need fewer repairs and last longer.

With Black Bear as your heating oil provider, you get prompt and reliable deliveries. We also offer our customers the convenience of automatic heating oil delivery.

Call the Bear, we’ll be there!

Whether you need reliable delivery of kerosene or heating oil, you can trust Black Bear Fuel Oil to deliver for you in northern Orange County, Sullivan County, and eastern Ulster County.

Contact us today to learn more and experience the Black Bear difference for yourself. 

What Does HVAC Maintenance Involve?

Old or poorly maintained HVAC equipment costs more to run because it operates less efficiently. So if you’ve noticed a recent rise in your energy bills but not your usage, it’s possible your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system has lost some of its efficiency and is due for a service visit. In fact, an HVAC system that doesn’t receive regular professional maintenance can lose as much as 5% of its efficiency every year. That can really add up!

If you want to keep your Sullivan County home comfortable all year-round while keeping your energy bills as low as possible, it’s important to have it professionally serviced on a regular basis. Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has the expertise to conduct your annual HVAC maintenance. And if you need repairs or a replacement, we can handle that too. We do quality work in a reasonable amount of time.

A Good Maintenance Schedule

How often should your HVAC be serviced? As a general rule, a yearly maintenance visit should suffice. This will reduce the probability of inconvenient (and more expensive) repairs down the road. It will keep your HVAC equipment running efficiently. And it will improve the longevity of your HVAC equipment

What Happens During HVAC Maintenance?

During an HVAC service visit, Black Bear does more than just replace your filters. One of our certified and trained professionals will provide a full inspection and identify any potential problems.

Here are a few of the tasks included in a Black Bear HVAC maintenance visit:

• Inspection of your system to look for potential problems
• Examination of the fuel lines and points of connection
• Inspection of exhaust outlets to check for damage like leaks or corrosion
• Checking any electrical connections and voltage
• Careful lubrication of moving parts
• Making sure there is enough refrigerant in the air conditioner

Why HVAC Maintenance Matters

When you take care of something, it tends to work better and last longer. That’s true of your body, your car, and the HVAC system in your Sullivan County home.

Here’s a closer look at some good reasons to get regular maintenance for your HVAC system:

1. Savings: You’ll save money on repairs by staying ahead of costly breakdowns. And most HVAC breakdowns could have been prevented with routine maintenance visits. You’ll also extend the life of your system. That will delay the cost of a replacement. Finally, you’ll maintain the efficiency of your system. That will save you money on each and every energy bill.
2. Health: You’ll improve the air quality in your home. This is especially important if you or any of your family members are sensitive to allergens or have asthma. Regular HVAC maintenance can also identify any potential problems that could lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home that would put your family’s health at risk.
3. Comfort: You and your family will be more comfortable because a well-maintained HVAC system can heat and cool your home more efficiently and effectively than an unmaintained system. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that a disruptive breakdown is less likely.
4. Environment: An HVAC system that receives regular maintenance consumes less fuel, and that’s better for the environment. In addition, one of Black Bear’s HVAC professionals can give you additional advice for reducing your system’s impact on the environment.

Choose Black Bear

Whether your HVAC equipment needs maintenance, repair or replacement, Black Bear can handle it. We’re Sullivan County’s first choice for HVAC installation, maintenance, and service, and your comfort is our priority. We also provide services in Northern Orange County and Eastern Ulster County.

Contact Black Bear today to learn more or to schedule an HVAC maintenance visit.

Power & Peace of Mind

Black Bear is a community business. We’re locally owned and operated. Our customers are our neighbors. Your comfort and safety matter to us. We’re here to help you keep your family safe and comfortable.

Unfortunately, severe weather is becoming increasingly common in Sullivan County and across America. And severe weather often brings with it power outages.

Losing power can be more than an inconvenience. It can be costly and dangerous. When you lose power, you also lose the ability to preserve your food and protect your family with your home security system. If anyone in your household depends on an electrical medical device, they can’t afford to experience an interruption in power. Why not give yourself peace of mind by equipping your home with a generator?

Black Bear provides generator installation in New York’s Sullivan County. We install Generac whole-house backup propane generators that can keep all the appliances and equipment in your home up and running during a power outage. Even if your neighborhood goes dark for days, you’ll have all the comforts of home at home.

What Is a Whole-House Generator?

A whole-house propane generator delivers virtually automatic auxiliary power whenever the electricity goes out. Once your generator detects a power outage, it should activate in about 30 seconds. So you and your family never miss a beat.

A whole-house generator (also called a standby generator) can power everything in your home—that includes all your appliances and electronics as well as your comfort systems. Your fridge, security system, HVAC system, and television will all continue to get power. You’ll still have hot water and light. That makes a whole-house generator the best way to ensure that a power outage won’t disrupt your home life.

Black Bear offers Generac propane gas generators in a variety of capacities, so we can help you choose the right one for your household’s needs. Your generator can be supplied by either an above-ground or underground storage tank.

Advantages of a Whole-House (or Standby) Generator

Whole-house (or standby) generators provide several advantages:

1. Automatic Power: Whole-house generators start up within seconds of a power outage. That means that even if the power goes out while you’re asleep or away from home, your fridge will continue to run, your home security system will stay armed, and your heating system won’t turn off. That’s especially important during the upcoming colder months, as it will prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting—which can lead to costly damage.
2. Unlimited Power: You don’t have to choose which appliances or electronics to power. A whole-house generator can keep your whole home up and running—from the water heater to the garage door opener to the sump pump to the fridge, washing machine, and television. You’ll be able to keep your laptop and cell phone charged and stay connected to information and loved ones.
3. Protection: Having a whole-house generator doesn’t just keep you and your family comfortable, it also keeps you safe. Your security system will continue to keep you protected. And your heating system will continue to operate so you don’t have to worry about being without heat on a dangerously cold day or having to deal with frozen or burst pipes.

Call the Bear, We’ll Be There!

Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has become one of the leading companies for handling the connections for generator installations in northern Orange County, Sullivan County, and eastern Ulster County. We work in tandem with a licensed electrician to connect your generator directly to your propane tank.

Contact us today to learn more from one of our equipment experts or to schedule an installation. 

Ways to Save

Now more than ever, households are looking for ways to economize. Now is a great time to prepare your home for the winter. By winterizing your Sullivan County home, you’ll help lower your energy costs. As you prepare to winterize your home, consider who will be in your home and when. You’ll make different choices if you home will be empty for long stretches of time or if it will always be occupied.

Here are six steps you can take to save money on your energy bills this winter (and beyond):

1. Adjust your thermostat: This is a great way to see a noticeable change in your energy bills. Lower your thermostat for the times when everyone in your household will be away or asleep. If your home will be empty for an extended length of time this winter, you want to make sure your thermostat is set so that your home isn’t being kept as warm as it would need to be if there were people in it, but is still high enough that your home won’t get cold enough for your pipes to freeze and potentially burst. If you do end up with frozen pipes, Black Bear can help. We offer affordable plumbing repairs and services.
2. Turn down the temperature on your water heater: Any time your home will go unused for an extended period of time this winter, there’s no need to keep your home’s water quite as hot. Heating water accounts for almost 20% of your home’s energy costs. Lots of water heaters have a vacation setting. If yours doesn’t, lower the temperature 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit whenever your home will be empty for a few days or more.
3. Unplug energy suckers: Many of the appliances and electronic devices in our home consume energy even when they’re not being used. Whether you’re going away on a trip or simply know you won’t be using an appliance or device for days on end, you can afford to unplug them. Think about which things you can leave unplugged and see your electric bill decrease. Here are some examples: microwaves, food processors, coffee makers, chargers, TVs, washers and dryers, printers, and gaming systems.
4. Don’t go completely dark: If you’re planning to leave your home for an extended period of time this winter, you might be tempted to unplug everything, but that’s actually not a great idea. A home that stays dark day and night can attract burglars. A good way to find a balance between home safety and energy savings is to install motion sensors on your outdoor lights and set some of your indoor lights on timers.
5. Insulate and seal air leaks: Sealing off leaks and adding insulation will save you money all winter whether you’re home or not. In fact, it will save you money all year long by making your home more energy efficient. Caulking windows and adding weather stripping to doors will save on both your winter heating costs and summer cooling costs. So will adding insulation.
6. Contact your heating oil provider: If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period of time and receive automatic heating oil delivery from Black Bear Fuel Oil, let us know. This will help us better calculate your delivery schedule and deliver fuel just when you need it.

In addition to affordable heating oil delivery, Black Bear provides the best heating and plumbing services in Orange County, Sullivan County, and Ulster County. We’re big enough to handle any job, but small enough to care about you.

Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer and to make sure your come is ready for the winter.