Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to give you answers.
Browse through our helpful list of questions and answers below. Don’t see something you’re looking for? Click the link to contact us online or simply give us a call for immediate, personal service.
Heating
Bioheat® is an alternative heating oil blend that incorporates renewable biofuel made from plants such as soybeans, leftover restaurant cooking grease, and even animal fat. ASTM has certified Bioheat as a compatible fuel for all heating oil appliances – meaning you don’t need to make any modifications to your system. Bioheat production supports American farmers, and the fuel burns cleaner than traditional heating oil, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Heating oil has consistently been at or near the top of the list of most cost-effective fuels for heating. It’s now cleaner than ever, efficient, and economical. And you’re doing your part, too, by helping to reduce your carbon footprint on the environment.
The most direct route to reducing your costs is to upgrade to an advanced, high-efficiency heating oil heating system. Your amount of your savings will depend on the efficiency levels of your current system and your new system. A typical upgrade results in a 30% reduction in fuel use. You can also reduce your home’s heat loss by sealing leaks, adding insulation and replacing poorly insulated windows and doors. A very practical, cost-effective way to save is to lower your thermostat setting. You can buy a programmable thermostat that allows you put your heating system on a schedule, providing less heat when the home is unoccupied or everyone is asleep.
NO. Before you convert, please take some time to consider all of the factors involved. Ask lots of questions and consider all of your choices, and all of your alternatives. Studies show that it is more cost effective to conserve than to convert. Learn about this and more of the myths behind natural gas.
You already are! Today’s heating oil – Bioheat – is cleaner than natural gas and produces 70% less greenhouse emissions based on a 20-year life cycle analysis. Starting in July 2014, the sulfer content in heating oil was reduced considerably and with just a 2% blend of Biofuel it is just as clean, if not cleaner, than natural gas. Otherwise known as Bioheat.
In addition, there are a few other ways to help reduce emissions. Upgrading to a high-efficiency heating oil system will reduce emissions by burning less fuel.
Cooling
Absolutely. Cooling and air conditioning systems today are more efficient, less noisy, and have less impact on the environment. And yes, they’re more cost effective because of the significant reductions in energy consumption.
When there is no room for duct work, ductless systems prove to be beneficial for the following reasons: catering to hot and cold rooms, servicing newly finished spaces and renovations, cooling enclosed patios and sunrooms, and flowing air through larger, multi-zone living spaces. We work with Mitsubishi to provide ductless systems that are overall more energy efficient, versatile, and easier to install.
Services & Plans
Every heating system should be serviced annually or in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. A well-tuned system uses 5% less fuel than an out-of-tune system, according to the National Oilheat Research Alliance. Regular inspections also detect problems before they turn serious, which extends the system’s lifespan and prevents costly repairs. Wilcox Energy offers service contracts that include annual maintenance at no additional cost.
It’s a matter of personal preference. The best way to decide is to understand how the different plans work. Price protection has two principle benefits: It protects you against inflation and makes your fuel costs predictable, and there are two major forms of price protection: prepaid fixed price and capped price. With fixed price, you contract to buy a specific number of gallons at a set price that does not vary during the life of the contract. With capped price, you contract to buy a specific number of gallons, and the maximum price is capped at a ceiling price for the life of the contract. Your price cannot exceed the maximum, but it can drop if our fuel cost drops. Without price protection, your price may vary over the course of the season. With each delivery, you pay the market price for that day.
It’s reasonable to expect a tank to last 20 years or more, and we can help you decide if you’re due for a replacement. If you are concerned about your tank, we offer proactive tank protection with our TankSure program. With ultrasonic testing, we can offer 100% replacement BEFORE your tank leaks. Ask about it today!
We’re a local, family-owned company with one location in Westbrook, Connecticut. Since we take pride in such close-knit, personal service, we deliver only within a 25-mile radius of the Post Road here in Westbrook. Click here to see our Delivery Territory Map for details.
Emergencies
If your heating system shuts off unexpectedly on a cold day and won’t come back on, please take a few simple steps before you call Wilcox Fuel. You might be able to get the system going again on your own. Visit our Emergency Service section for more.