World events have left many markets volatile. From supply chain delays to the price of gas for your car, the past two years have been a challenge for all of us. Current events are causing volatility in the cost of heating oil. And when the price of oil rises sharply, it hurts us all.
Global crude oil prices soared to over $100 per barrel for the first time in eight years after Russia invaded Ukraine in late February. As you probably know all too well by now, the price of crude oil goes is linked to the price you pay for gasoline, heating oil, and many other products.
This is unwelcomed news to those of us already exhausted after two years of surviving a pandemic. Prior to this, energy prices in all sectors—oil, propane, natural gas and electricity—had been on a steady rise because global oil production hadn’t yet caught up with the pent-up demand that quickly followed the perceived end of the pandemic.
Even before the war in Ukraine accelerated price increases to an even greater degree, frenetic consumer spending—combined with persistent supply shortages—had already sent inflation rates in our country to their highest level in 40 years.
You’ll hear some pundits and politicians in the U.S. assert that “we just have to drill for more oil at home.” That’s a simplified and misinformed solution to the production shortfall.
Investors know that a zero-carbon emissions world is not too far off in our future. Big money is holding back on fossil fuel investments as legislators try to move the country toward more renewable energy. Investors are looking to sink their money into long-term, profitable opportunities in the burgeoning green energy field.
Local heating oil dealers like us are making excellent progress with making our fuel more dependent on renewable energy too. Ace-Robbins is proud to offer green solutions that bring affordable green energy to your home.
Another factor influencing oil companies is what happened in the spring of 2020 when crude oil prices fell all the way to negative $30 per barrel. Traders had to pay buyers to take oil! Since then, however, prices have been rising steadily. And then they exploded in late February after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
But, proving just how much and how quickly things can change, crude oil prices have dropped under $100 per barrel again (as of mid-March). This was caused by a variety of factors, including the unexpected Covid-19 lockdowns in China, small signs of a possible diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict, and the biggest drop in four years of “bullish bets” on the market by hedgers.
To say that we are currently in the midst of an extremely volatile energy market would be an understatement.
Russia is a large factor in all of this because it is the third-largest petroleum and liquid fuels producer in the world (behind only the United States and Saudi Arabia). It’s a major exporter of both crude oil and natural gas.
For weeks, energy prices had been rising in anticipation of the sanctions that were likely to be levied on the Russian energy sector if the country invaded Ukraine. In the frenzied world of investment, this is known as the “fear factor.” Even the hint of a possible disruption in energy supply influences how commodities traders buy and sell.
After Russia invaded, the U.S. was the first country to place a ban on Russian imported oil and petroleum products, which amounted to about 7% of U.S. imports in 2020. In comparison, Canada ranked number one with 52% of petroleum imports, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
But here’s where the fear factor comes in again. While Russian oil imported into the U.S. accounts for just a few drops in the barrel, so to speak, the prospect of Europe eventually joining the U.S. in banning Russian energy imports would leave a big void to fill, and those who make their living in the oil markets don’t like that uncertainty. This includes the speculators who are betting on price moves as well as the hedgers, who are limiting risk for their clients who are involved with either the production or consumption of oil.
We don’t know where things will go from here, but we hope this spike is only temporary. Nothing will make us happier than when prices return to normal. Until then, trust us to look out for your interests.
Ace-Robbins remains committed to being a dependable and affordable source of heating oil. We proudly serve our customers in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Sullivan, and Wyoming County. And we hope that peace is on the horizon.
Contact Ace-Robbins today to learn more or to request a delivery.
We’ve already enjoyed some beautifully mild days in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Warmer weather will soon be here to stay, and that means you’ll soon be relying on your central air system to keep things comfortably cool in your home.
Chances are you’re more than ready for a warm-up in the weather. The question is, how about your central air system? Is it ready for spring and warmer weather?
At Ace-Robbins, we offer maintenance and service plans that will keep your central air system in great working order.
Preventative maintenance for your home comfort systems increases their longevity. Industry research shows that four out of every five equipment failures could have been prevented if regular maintenance had been performed. Don’t get caught off guard with an equipment failure that could affect your household’s comfort. Now is the time to get on top of your air conditioning maintenance.
The best time to schedule an annual cooling tune-up with Ace-Robbins is now, before the heat of summer starts really taxing your cooling system. In addition to reducing the risk of a breakdown and extending the life of your equipment, regular maintenance maintains the efficiency of your air conditioning system. An air conditioning system that is running efficiently costs less to operate. So, paying for maintenance now will help you save money all summer long.
When one of Ace-Robbin’s trained technicians performs a tune-up of your air conditioning system, they’ll do the following and more:
In short, we’ll make sure your system won’t let you down when the weather really heats up this summer.
Ace-Robbins has a large fleet of vehicles ready to serve all your fuel and HVAC needs—whether you’re in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Sullivan, or Wyoming County. Click here to see if you live in our service area.
Contact Ace-Robbins today to schedule your next service visit or to enroll in our Cooling Maintenance Plan.
Unsurprisingly, we’ve been getting many calls around two connected issues: the surge in fuel prices and supply concerns. People are astounded by how much prices have risen and how fast. So are we. They are also concerned that there will be interruptions in supply that will cause them to run out of fuel.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine shocked energy markets, sending crude oil to record territory and spiking all energy prices. We’ve had increases from our heating oil suppliers of over $1.25 per gallon in less than a week. Propane prices have been better but still increased over 40 cents per gallon. And the situation remains very fluid.
We don’t know where things will go from here. One thing we can tell you is that we hate this as much as you do. Some people are under the misconception that when prices rise, we make more money. The opposite is true. People cut back usage. They have trouble paying their bills, and our receivables skyrocket. Meanwhile, we must pay our suppliers in just ten days. We must borrow much more from the bank. It is an awful mess for everyone.
One thing you can count on is that we will not let you run out. We have been in business for many years and have very strong relationships with suppliers and financial institutions. We are already getting calls from customers who are with other companies that can’t say the same. These customers are unable to get deliveries for 20 days out. You don’t have to worry about that with us.
If you are having trouble paying your bill, talk to us before it becomes a problem. Many times, we can work out something to give you more time, especially if you’ve been with us a while. We can also set you up on a monthly payment plan.
Nothing will make us happier than when prices start dropping. Until then, trust us to look out for you, and let’s pray for the people of Ukraine.
Your water heater is one of the workhorses in your northeastern Pennsylvania home. You rely on it to provide all the hot water you and your family need for bathing, laundry, washing the dishes, et cetera. That could be a lot of hot water! And the winter months put an additional strain on it. Considering how much more demand your family puts on your water heater during the winter, now is not a good time to take this appliance for granted. Is yours running optimally, in need of some repairs, or on its last legs and ready for replacement? No matter what your water heater needs are, Ace-Robbins is able to help.
Let’s take a moment to consider how much your water heater does for your household and the additional challenges it faces during the winter.
With all your water heater has to do all winter to help keep you and your family comfortable, you don’t want to take it for granted. And if it’s time for an upgrade, now is a great time to come to Ace-Robbins for a new water heater.
At Ace-Robbins, getting a new water heater couldn’t be easier. We’ll meet with you to discuss your family’s needs and explain all of your options—whether you’re looking for a water heater with a traditional storage tank, an indirect-fired water heater, or a tankless water heater. We’ll also provide you with a free estimate.
As an added benefit, Ace-Robbins also services all the appliances we sell. When you buy your new water heater from us, in addition to getting a quality product, you’ll also get top-notch service that will keep your water heater performing at its best year-round.
Ace-Robbins serves customers in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Sullivan, and Wyoming County. Click here to see if you live in our service area.
Contact Ace-Robbins today for more information.
Have you ever wondered how long the heating oil or propane tank on your Northeastern Pennsylvania property is supposed to last? Here’s the good news: fuel tanks are built for longevity. However, nothing lasts forever, so it is important to keep track of the age of yours and what kind of shape it’s in.
The average heating oil tank will last approximately 15 years. How long yours lasts will depend on how well it’s maintained and how it’s constructed. Older tanks are made of steel. Modern tanks are made of plastic and fiberglass. They can last 50 years or more! The location of your tank’s connector valve also affects its longevity. When connector valves are at the bottom of the tank, they tend to last longer than those on the side of the tank.
An aboveground propane tank can last 30 years or longer. That’s largely due to the very strict safety and durability protocols that govern them. How long your tank lasts will be determined by its size and how well it’s maintained.
An underground propane tank can last anywhere between 20 and 30 years. How long your tank lasts will depend a lot on what type of soil it’s in and how well it was installed.
Ace-Robbins delivers, installs, and monitors both heating oil and propane tanks. We’ll also help you choose the right size tank for your household’s needs. Once installed, you’ll enjoy the following with your new tank:
If you sign up for tank monitoring with Ace-Robbins, you’ll never have to worry about having a fuel run-out. You’ll be able to see your tank level whenever and from wherever you like on our free mobile app. We’ll also keep an eye on your tank levels for you and schedule fuel deliveries accordingly.
Ace-Robbins serves customers in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Sullivan, and Wyoming County.
Contact Ace-Robbins today to learn more about tank installation and monitoring.
Dear Valued Customer,
Once again, we’re seeing energy prices surge across the board. We know how painful that can be for our customers. It’s painful for us as well.
Gasoline has risen more than a dollar more per gallon vs. a year ago. Natural gas prices have skyrocketed more than 150%. Crude oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel, a level we haven’t seen in seven years.
The cost of electricity has not been spared either. Higher natural gas prices result in price hikes for wholesale electricity because of heavy reliance on natural gas-fired power plants.
What’s more, wholesale propane prices have hit their highest weekly average levels since February 2014. Read more about the factors that are driving today’s energy market.
People sometimes misunderstand how negatively all this impacts us as well. We don’t make more money when prices rise like this–we make less. Think of it this way: it’s like when the cost of coffee, milk or orange juice rises. It’s not the local grocery that is profiting. (That’s left to the Wall Street investors). Our customers have a harder time paying their bills. They reduce expenditures. We need to tap into our lines of credit more. Our phones light up with questions. So the sooner energy prices drop, the happier we’ll be.
In the meantime, please talk to us about things we can offer to help you reduce your energy costs, or handle payments more easily. And if you are having trouble with your bills, please call us. We can generally work with you if you reach out before you fall behind.
We’ve been in business for many years and have deep roots in the community. We have secure access to supply. We are doing everything possible to ensure we can deliver—even if other companies cannot—no matter the cost or difficulty we face.
We thank you for your understanding and we appreciate your loyalty. As we’ve done quite a few times in the past, we will get through these tough times by all working together.
If the propane furnace in your Northeastern Pennsylvania home is on the older side, chances are it relies on a pilot light for ignition. If the furnace’s pilot light goes out, your furnace won’t work. (Modern furnaces utilize electric ignition, which makes them more efficient and reliable.)
If the pilot light on your furnace goes out, it’s probably due to one of the following four primary causes:
If a draft or wind causes your pilot light to go out, you can reset it by following the steps below. However, first check with the manufacturer’s instructions for resetting your pilot light and follow those instead if they are different from what’s listed below.
To reset the pilot light on your furnace if a wind or draft blew it out, do the following:
Modern furnaces are significantly more efficient than their predecessors. If you think it might be time to replace the furnace in your Northeastern Pennsylvania home, Ace-Robbins has you covered. We’ll provide a free, no-obligation evaluation of your current furnace as well as an estimate on the cost of a new furnace. Whether you need repairs, service, or installation, we can handle it.
Ace-Robbins has a large fleet of vehicles ready to serve all your fuel and HVAC needs—whether you’re in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Sullivan, or Wyoming County. Click here to see if you live in our service area.
Contact Ace-Robbins today to join our family of satisfied customers.
It seems like every day brings a new advancement in technology. Not too long ago, no one had heard of a smart house or virtual assistant. Now they’re everywhere. Programmable thermostats are getting more advanced too. If you aren’t already benefiting from using one in your Northeastern Pennsylvania home, here are five reasons to invest in one.
Ace-Robbins is a full-service HVAC contractor. We can keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape. And when you install a programmable thermostat, you will expand the benefits of that system. We serve customers in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Sullivan, and Wyoming County. Click here to see if you live in our service area.
Join our family of satisfied customers today. Contact Ace-Robbins for more information.
Are you among the fortunate who will be receiving a tax refund this year? If so, now might be the perfect time to upgrade one or more of the appliances in your northeastern Pennsylvania home. In addition to feeling like you’re spending found money, you’ll also be purchasing a more efficient model that will save you money on your energy bills over the course of its lifetime.
Whatever you’re in the market for, we’ve got a great selection at Ace-Robbins. Plus, shopping for a new appliance at Ace Robbins couldn’t be more convenient. You can visit our virtual showroom day or night, dressed up or in your pajamas. What could be easier than that? And since we service all the appliances we sell, in addition to getting a great product, you’ll also have dependable access to expert technicians who can service and repair your appliance to keep it running optimally.
At Ace-Robbins, we offer a wide variety of appliances from quality manufacturers you can trust like Amana, Maytag, and Whirlpool. Here’s a selection of the appliances we sell and service:
Ace-Robbins serves customers in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Sullivan, and Wyoming County. So, if you’re in the northern Pennsylvania area and it’s time to upgrade at least one of the appliances in your home, look no further than Ace-Robbins. Our knowledgeable staff is waiting and willing to help you find the right appliance for your household’s needs.
Put your tax refund towards something your whole family will benefit from—a new appliance. Visit Ace Robbins online or in-person today.
If you’re the type of person that always forgoes the warranty, you may also be tempted to go without having a service plan for the heating oil or propane heating system in your Northeastern Pennsylvania home. We at Ace-Robbins think that’s a mistake.
As a homeowner, it’s not a matter of whether something will go wrong or break down, it’s simply a matter of when and how expensive it will be to get things up and running again. However, if you’re getting regular service, chances are your technician will be able to save you the big, expensive repairs by discovering and addressing issues while they’re still small. In addition to saving you money, it will also save you some unwelcomed surprise breakdowns.
Having a service plan is like going to the doctor or dentist for your annual checkup. By keeping on top of things and getting a check-up each year, it’s less likely that something critical will sneak up and catch you completely off guard. In the same way that your doctor tests your blood and checks your vitals to make sure your body is working as well as it can, when you sign up for an Ace-Robbins service plan, we’ll make annual maintenance visits to ensure that your heating system equipment is in tip-top shape—whether you have a boiler or a furnace. And a well-running heating system is an efficiently running heating system. Higher efficiency means you’re getting more for each dollar you spend on fuel.
In the event that we discover a problem during one of our maintenance visits (or if anything goes wrong at any point with your heating system), as a service plan customer, you’ll save money on all covered repairs and parts. And if you opt for our Oil Heat Comprehensive Plan, you’ll also be guaranteed 24-hour priority emergency heating service. You’ll be glad for the shorter wait if things go wrong on a particularly cold day (and don’t they always?).
So what are you waiting for? Give yourself some additional peace of mind and help avoid an unwanted no-heat situation this winter. Sign up for an Ace-Robbins service plan today. And if you’ve already signed up for one of our service plans in the past, now is a good time to renew so you’re guaranteed uninterrupted coverage. Click here for all the details.
Ace-Robbins has a large fleet of vehicles ready and waiting for your call—whether you’re in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Sullivan, or Wyoming County. Click here to confirm that you live in our service area.
Join our family of satisfied customers today. Contact Ace-Robbins for more information or to enroll in a service plan. And be sure to ask about our Loyalty Credits. (You could save up to $500!)
