How to Lower Heating Bills During a Long Island Winter Without Losing Comfort

For homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk counties, the arrival of winter brings more than just snow and a brisk Atlantic breeze. It often brings a significant increase in monthly utility costs. Long Island has some of the highest energy rates in the country. Between the rising cost of natural gas and the volatility of heating oil prices in 2026, many families feel forced to choose between a warm home and a reasonable budget.

At Chivalry Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we believe you shouldn’t have to shiver to save money. Lowering your heating bills is not about turning the thermostat down to uncomfortable levels. It is about maximizing the efficiency of your equipment and ensuring your home holds onto the heat you are already paying for. This guide offers practical, high-impact strategies tailored specifically for the unique climate and housing styles of Long Island.

The 2026 Long Island Energy Landscape: Gas vs. Oil

Long Island is unique because of the sheer variety of heating fuel types used across our region. Many older homes in towns like Huntington and Massapequa still rely on heating oil. Newer developments or converted homes often use natural gas. In 2026, the cost differences between these fuels have become a major factor in monthly household budgeting.

Understanding your fuel source is the first step toward savings:

• Natural Gas Efficiency: Natural gas remains a popular choice because of its convenience. However, utility rates from providers like National Grid can fluctuate based on seasonal demand. High-efficiency gas furnaces now achieve up to 98 percent efficiency. This means almost no fuel is wasted during combustion.
• The Oil Challenge: For those using heating oil, the biggest hurdle is price volatility. In 2026, global supply chains will continue to affect per-gallon costs. Homeowners with oil heat can significantly lower their bills by upgrading to modern burners. These models burn fuel much cleaner and more thoroughly than units from a decade ago.
• The Heat Pump Transition: New York State is strongly promoting heat pump adoption through the NYS Clean Heat program. Many Long Island residents are utilizing rebates to add ductless mini-splits. These systems work alongside existing furnaces to provide hyper-efficient heating during the milder winter days.
• The Rise of Hybrid Solutions: Combining a traditional fuel source with an electric heat pump is often the most cost-effective strategy. This allows you to use electricity when it is cheaper and switch to gas or oil only when the temperature drops into the single digits.

Long Island energy rates are among the highest in the nation. Because of this, even a small increase in efficiency can result in hundreds of dollars in savings over a single winter.

The Maintenance Advantage: Why Tune-Ups Save Money

A neglected heating system is a “hungry” system. It consumes more fuel just to provide the same amount of warmth. On Long Island, many homeowners skip annual maintenance to save a few dollars upfront. However, this often leads to much higher monthly bills and expensive mid-winter repair calls.

A professional tune-up addresses the hidden inefficiencies that build up over time:

• Restoring Airflow: Better airflow is the easiest way to save. When your filters or coils are clogged with dust, your blower motor must work twice as hard to move air. This draws more electricity and puts unnecessary strain on the mechanical parts.
• Burner Calibration: The burner in your furnace or boiler needs to be precisely adjusted. A technician ensures the fuel-to-air ratio is perfect. This ensures that every drop of oil or therm of gas you buy is actually converted into heat for your home.
• Preventing Short Cycling: Over time, sensors can become coated in soot or debris. This causes the system to “short cycle,” which means it turns on and off too frequently. Short cycling is one of the biggest causes of high energy bills and premature equipment failure.
• Safety and Reliability: In 2026, safety is as important as savings. A tune-up includes checking for cracks in the heat exchanger or leaks in the gas line. Finding these issues early prevents a total system shutdown during a January freeze when emergency rates are at their highest.

By investing in a pre-season tune-up, you can often recover that cost through lower utility bills in just the first few months of winter. At Chivalry, we see firsthand how a clean system runs significantly quieter and cheaper than a neglected one.

Practical Home Habits: Low-Cost Tips for Maximum Retention

You can have the most efficient furnace in Nassau County, but it will still struggle if your home is leaking heat. Long Island’s coastal geography means we often deal with damp, biting winds that pull warmth right through thin windows and gaps in the siding.

Here are the most effective low-cost habits and small upgrades to keep your heat where it belongs:

• Reverse Your Ceiling Fans: Most fans have a small switch on the motor housing. In the winter, your blades should spin clockwise at a low speed. This creates a gentle updraft that pushes the warm air trapped at the ceiling back down into the living space.
• Manage Your Curtains Strategically: During the day, open south-facing curtains to let the sun naturally warm your home. As soon as the sun sets, close them. Heavy or thermal-lined curtains act as an extra layer of insulation against the cold glass of your windows.
• Seal the Small Gaps: A single drafty window can waste as much energy as leaving a door wide open. Use inexpensive weatherstripping or “draft snakes” at the base of exterior doors. For older Long Island “Capes” or colonials, checking the seals around the attic hatch is also a high-priority task.
• Smart Thermostat Scheduling: By 2026, smart thermostats will be standard. Programming your home to be 68 degrees when you are home and 60 degrees when you are sleeping or away can save you up to 10 percent a year on heating costs.
• Humidify Your Air: Dry winter air feels colder than moist air. Using a whole-home humidifier or a small-room unit can keep humidity between 30 and 50 percent. This allows you to feel comfortable at a lower temperature setting.
• Clear Your Vents: Ensure that furniture, long curtains, or rugs are not blocking your baseboard heaters or registers. Blocked vents force the system to run longer to reach the desired temperature in the rest of the room.

These adjustments cost very little, but they reduce the workload on your heating system. When your home retains heat better, your furnace or boiler doesn’t have to “fire up” as often, which is the key to a lower monthly bill.

Strategic Upgrades: Investing in Long-Term Savings

If your heating system is more than 15 years old, no amount of maintenance will match the efficiency of a modern unit. In 2026, Long Island homeowners will have more financial incentives than ever to transition to high-efficiency technology. These strategic upgrades can slash your heating costs by 30 to 50 percent while significantly increasing your home’s value.

The most impactful upgrades for the Nassau and Suffolk area include:

• Heat Pump Installations: Modern cold-climate heat pumps are now the preferred solution for many Long Island homes. Through the NYS Clean Heat program, you can access substantial rebates to lower the upfront cost. Additionally, PSEG Long Island offers a Residential Electric Heating rate (Rate 580). This can provide a 40 percent discount on energy delivery charges during the winter months for homes with a heat pump as the primary heating source.
• Hybrid “Dual Fuel” Systems: If you aren’t ready to give up your gas or oil furnace entirely, a hybrid system is the perfect middle ground. It uses an electric heat pump for moderate temperatures and your traditional furnace only during extreme freezes. This ensures you are always using the most cost-effective fuel available at that moment.
• High-Efficiency Boilers and Furnaces: For those sticking with natural gas, modern condensing boilers and furnaces offer AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings of up to 98 percent. Compared to an older 80 percent unit, this means for every dollar you spend on gas, 98 cents goes directly into heating your home rather than escaping up the chimney.
• HEEHRA Rebates: Under the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act, lower-to-moderate-income households on Long Island can qualify for point-of-sale rebates. These can be up to $8,000 for heat pump HVAC systems and $1,750 for heat pump water heaters.

At Chivalry Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we specialize in navigating these complex rebate programs for our customers. We don’t just install equipment; we help you design a system that pays for itself through energy savings.

Professional Care for Your Long Island Home

Winning the battle against high winter heating bills requires a combination of smart technology, better home habits, and professional maintenance. Whether you are looking to squeeze a few more years out of your current oil burner or you are ready to transition to a state-of-the-art heat pump, the goal remains the same: a warm home that doesn’t break the bank.

Don’t let the Long Island winter dictate your budget. At Chivalry Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we are dedicated to providing our neighbors in Huntington, Massapequa, and beyond with the expertise they need to stay comfortable and efficient. From precision tune-ups to full system replacements, our team is ready to help you navigate the 2026 energy landscape. Contact us today to schedule your home efficiency consultation and start saving this winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is natural gas or oil cheaper for heating on Long Island in 2026?

While prices fluctuate, natural gas typically offers a more stable, lower-per-unit cost than heating oil. However, the most significant savings in 2026 are found by utilizing electric heat pumps during milder temperatures, regardless of your backup fuel source.

What is the PSEG “Rate 580” and how do I qualify?

Rate 580 is a discounted electric rate for PSEG Long Island customers who use electric heat pumps as their primary heating source. It provides a significant discount on delivery charges from October through May. To qualify, you must have an eligible heat pump system installed that meets PSEG’s efficiency requirements.

How much can I actually save with a smart thermostat?

The average Long Island homeowner can save between 8 and 12 percent on their annual heating bill by using a smart thermostat. The savings come from automatically lowering the temperature when you are at work or asleep, preventing the system from heating an empty house.

Are there still rebates available for oil-to-gas conversions?

While some traditional utility rebates for gas conversions have shifted toward electrification, there are still various incentives for installing high-efficiency gas equipment. Additionally, federal tax credits and state programs like EmPower+ may offer assistance based on your income and the age of your current equipment.

Does a heat pump really work when it’s 10 degrees outside?

Yes. Modern “cold-climate” heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently at temperatures well below zero. While they are slightly less efficient in extreme cold than in moderate cold, they remain a viable primary heat source for Long Island winters.