Ways to lower home heating expenses when oil prices rise

As home heating oil costs climb, Connecticut officials are urging residents to look into rebates for air-source heat pumps and to schedule a home energy audit as a way to cut bills.

“It's starting to get colder here in Connecticut and we know that oil prices are very high this winter,” said Andy Frank, deputy commissioner for the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

“We want to make sure that folks are, as much as possible, getting started with this now, given the time it takes to get someone to come to your house, decide on what the right action plan is and then get someone to actually do something,” he said.

More than a third of Connecticut households use fuel oil to heat their homes, according to data from the 2025 American Community Survey.

The average retail price for heating oil in Connecticut is $6.19 per gallon, according to the Connecticut Regional Retail Heating Oil Price Survey, which monitors prices weekly. That is almost 75% higher than the same period last year.

In response, Energize Connecticut, a statewide initiative, has raised its rebates for air-source heat pumps to $1,500 per ton from $1,000 per ton.

Although the name suggests otherwise, heat pumps can both heat and cool a home. They typically cost $8,000 to $20,000 depending on home size, but they can save money over time because they move heat rather than create it.

“Air source heat pumps use electricity, so you go from heating with oil predominantly to heating with electricity, and usually some oil still as well, depending on your home and what you choose to do. But the air source heat pumps are extremely efficient,” Frank said.

Weatherize your home

For households that do not want to make that kind of investment, there is a $40 home energy audit available. The audit can show how much energy a home uses, identify leaks and cracks that let warm air escape, and offer guidance on insulation and heating and cooling systems that could improve efficiency over time.

“Weatherization as a whole is like a warm blanket that you can wrap around your property, around your home to keep that warm air inside,” said Jennifer Sanguano, an energy efficiency spokesperson with Eversource.

Approved contractors review energy needs throughout the home, from attic to basement, Sanguano said.

“They will install anything that's weatherstripping, door sweeps, as well as advanced power strips. They will also implement any water saving measures and leave you recommendations in writing for you to also consider that can include insulation for your home, anything that has to do with just keeping that heat and warm air inside of your house that can help you save energy,” Sanguano said.

According to Eversource, participants save an average of $70 to $100 a year on energy bills.

Low-income households may be eligible for a free audit, while renters need a landlord to sign an authorization form.

If you are unsure whether an audit would help, experts suggest looking for drafts, rooms with uneven temperatures, rattling windows or doors, and ice dams on the roof.

What about space heaters?

If you are considering a space heater this winter, experts say to pay attention to both cost and fire safety.

“If there's a very specific place in your house that just struggles to get warm, space heaters can always be an option. But electric heating generally, outside of heat pumps, is fairly expensive. It's basically kind of heating your home with a toaster, right? It's just frankly very inefficient,” Frank said.

For those who prefer to do the work themselves, the National Park Service offers tips on finding air leaks and checking attics and basements.

Other steps that can help include installing LED lightbulbs, using smart thermostats, adding window insulation kits and reversing ceiling fan direction so warm air is pushed down to the floor.