Mercedes Mullins
Long Island's heating fuel expenditure is influenced by various factors, including the type of fuel used, seasonal demand, and market conditions. Natural gas is the most popular heating choice, followed by heating oil, electricity, and propane. Oil delivery is essential during winter, impacting prices. Extreme weather, geopolitical tensions, and production costs also affect costs. Long Islanders use 700-900 gallons of heating oil annually, with prices fluctuating daily. As of 2024, prices ranged from $2.84 to $4.94 per gallon. The cheapest months to buy heating oil are typically July and August, when demand is lower.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of households using natural gas as primary heating fuel | 494,539 |
| Number of households using heating oil as primary heating fuel | 372,316 |
| Number of households using electricity as primary heating fuel | 72,512 |
| Number of households using propane as primary heating fuel | 32,054 |
| Number of households not using any fuel for heating | 10,576 |
| Number of households using other fuels for heating | 6,775 |
| Number of households using fuel oil for heating | 5,068,061 |
| Heating oil use in 2023 | 246 million gallons |
| Heating oil use in 2024 | 665 million gallons |
| Average price of heating oil per gallon in July 2023 | $3.12 |
| Average price of heating oil per gallon in November 2023 | $3.599 to $3.799 |
| Average price of heating oil per gallon in 2025 | $3.30 |
| Average heating oil usage per homeowner per year | 700-900 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
Natural gas is the most popular heating fuel
Natural gas offers a cost-effective heating solution for homeowners in Long Island. While heating oil prices can fluctuate daily and vary among suppliers, natural gas often provides a more economical alternative. The competitive pricing of natural gas is further enhanced by the expectation of a price increase for heating oil due to rising crude oil prices and increased demand during winter.
In addition to cost considerations, the reliability and convenience of natural gas contribute to its popularity. Unlike heating oil, which requires careful monitoring of oil levels and manual ordering, natural gas is typically supplied by a single provider, ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted fuel source for homeowners. This "set-it-and-forget-it" approach appeals to those seeking a hassle-free heating experience.
Moreover, natural gas is favoured for its environmental advantages. While heating oil has a reputation for being less environmentally friendly, natural gas is considered a cleaner energy source. Modern regulations have significantly reduced the sulfur content in heating oil, but it still may not be perceived as positively as natural gas by environmentally conscious consumers.
The popularity of natural gas in Long Island is also influenced by the region's relatively milder winters compared to other parts of the US. With average low temperatures in January and February hovering around 24°F to 25°F, natural gas is a suitable heating option without the need for more expensive fuels. However, it's important to note that heating oil remains a popular choice, especially for those seeking a faster way to heat their homes during the cold winter months.
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Heating oil prices fluctuate
Secondly, local market competition impacts heating oil prices. The number of heating oil suppliers in a region affects price competition, with fewer suppliers potentially resulting in higher prices. Regional operating costs also play a role, as the cost of delivering heating oil to remote locations can be significant.
Thirdly, heating oil prices in specific regions can be influenced by the energy sources commonly used in those areas. For example, the northern Atlantic region, from Maryland to Maine, relies more on heating oil than natural gas, making this region more susceptible to global oil price fluctuations.
Finally, the timing of purchases can impact heating oil prices. Consumers can often find lower prices during the summer months when demand is lower, and suppliers may offer discounts to attract customers. Additionally, purchasing heating oil in bulk can result in cost savings.
In Long Island, heating oil prices per gallon have been reported to range from $2.84 to $4.94, with an average price of $3.30 as of 2025. Long Island's overall heating oil use varies annually, depending on the severity of the winter.
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Electric heating systems are becoming more popular
Long Island's heating fuel usage varies depending on the winter's temperature. In the winter of 2024, the community received 665 million gallons of heating oil. As of November 2023, the average price of home heating oil per gallon on Long Island was $3.799 for 150 gallons, $3.699 for 200 gallons, and $3.599 for 300 gallons. The cheapest month to buy home heating oil is usually during the summer, specifically July and August.
Electric space heating systems are becoming more popular on Long Island. Since 2018, the number of homes heating with electricity has risen from 59,584 to 72,512, a 21.70% increase. Electric heating systems are 100% energy efficient in the sense that all the incoming electric energy is converted to heat. However, electricity is often produced from coal, gas, or oil generators, which only convert about 30% of the fuel's energy into electricity. Electric baseboard heaters supply heat to each room individually, making them ideal for zone heating, which involves heating occupied rooms while allowing unoccupied areas to remain cooler. Zone heating can produce energy savings of more than 20% compared to heating an entire house.
Heat pumps are another option for electric heating. They use an electric motor to drive a reversed refrigeration cycle, drawing heat energy from an external source and directing it into the space to be warmed. Heat pumps can achieve up to 600% efficiency for heating, but they require expensive equipment and plumbing. Ducted air-source heat pumps are much more efficient than electric furnaces, especially the newer cold-climate models. Electric furnaces are more expensive to operate than other electric resistance systems due to duct heat losses and the extra energy required for heated air distribution.
PTAC units are self-contained electric systems that provide heating and cooling in a single wall-mounted unit. They are a practical, cost-effective solution for zone-specific comfort in hard-to-reach parts of the home. Fan heaters, or forced convection heaters, are compact and cost-efficient for portable and small room heating systems. Storage heating systems take advantage of cheaper electricity prices during low-demand periods, storing heat in clay bricks and releasing it during the day.
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Propane usage has increased
Long Island's spending on heating fuels is influenced by various factors, including the type of fuel, demand, supply, seasonality, and weather conditions. As of 2025, natural gas is the most popular heating fuel choice, used by 494,539 households, or 50.55% of homes. Heating oil is the second most common, used by 372,316 homes (38.06%), followed by electricity (72,512), propane (32,054), and other fuel sources.
First, propane is one of the cheapest home heating fuel options on Long Island, along with natural gas. The price of propane is often lower than that of heating oil, especially during the summer months when demand for heating fuel is generally lower. Propane prices can be affected by the same factors that influence the global oil market, including production levels of oil-producing countries, geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and economic growth.
Second, the ease of access and convenience of propane as a heating fuel may have contributed to its increased usage. Propane is readily available from local suppliers, and residents can easily compare prices to find the most affordable options. Additionally, advancements in propane heating technology may have made it a more attractive choice for homeowners. Modern propane heating systems offer improved efficiency, safety, and environmental performance, making propane a more viable and sustainable option for home heating.
Moreover, propane's versatility as a fuel source may have also played a role in its increased usage. In addition to space heating, propane can be used for various applications, including water heating, cooking, and outdoor activities such as grilling and camping. This versatility may have encouraged residents to adopt propane for multiple purposes, thereby increasing its overall usage.
Lastly, the decline in the popularity of heating oil may have indirectly contributed to the rise in propane usage. Between 2018 and 2025, the number of homes using heating oil on Long Island decreased by 6.99%. Some homeowners may have switched from heating oil to propane due to concerns about fluctuating oil prices, supply disruptions, or environmental considerations. As a result, propane emerged as a competitive alternative, offering stable prices, ease of access, and a lower environmental impact compared to other fuel sources.
In summary, the increase in propane usage on Long Island is influenced by a combination of factors, including its cost-effectiveness, convenience, accessibility, and versatility as a fuel source. As energy prices continue to fluctuate and environmental concerns rise, propane may become an even more attractive option for homeowners seeking affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly heating solutions.
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Oil prices are unpredictable
The cost of heating fuels on Long Island varies depending on several factors, including demand, supply, season, and location. For instance, natural gas is the most popular heating fuel choice on Long Island, with 494,539 or 50.55% of homes using it for heating. The number of homes using natural gas as their primary heating fuel rose from 447,424 in 2018. The second most popular choice is heating oil, used by 372,316 homes (38.06%).
The average price of home heating oil per gallon on Long Island as of November 2023 is $3.799 for 150 gallons, $3.699 for 200 gallons, and $3.599 for 300 gallons. These prices can vary frequently, and there is no limit to how high they can go. For example, in the past year, prices per gallon have risen as high as $4.94, $1.64 more than the average price of $3.30.
The price of oil is challenging to predict, even for experts. For example, in 2008, oil prices topped $145 per barrel, and some predicted a further increase to $200 per barrel by the end of the year. However, the following year, the US Energy Information Administration forecast an average price of $58 per barrel in 2015 and $75 per barrel in 2016. Yet, the actual average price in 2016 was much lower, at $38 per barrel.
Other factors contributing to unpredictable oil prices include the complexity of supply chains, the rise of alternative energy sources, and shifting regulatory frameworks, as well as cross-border regulation conflicts. These factors create barriers to access, fragmented liquidity, and higher costs for customers.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to estimate how much Long Island as a whole spends on heating fuels annually as this depends on various factors, including the size of the home, the number of occupants, thermostat settings, and the efficiency of the heating system. However, the average Long Island homeowner uses around 700-900 gallons of heating oil per year. With prices per gallon ranging from $2.84 to $4.94, the average homeowner is likely to spend between $1988 and $4446 on heating oil annually.
The price of heating fuels on Long Island is influenced by several factors, including demand, supply, season, and market conditions. For example, prices tend to increase during the winter when demand is high and decrease during the summer when demand is low. Other factors include production costs, refining costs, distribution costs, and international events such as wars and natural disasters.
The most popular heating fuel on Long Island is natural gas, used by 494,539 or 50.55% of homes. The second most popular choice is heating oil, used by 372,316 homes (38.06%). Other fuels used include electricity, propane, and solar.
