Why are heating oil prices going up?

If you have an oil furnace in your home you may have noticed how the price of heating oil has been going up. And a less noticeable change if you use natural gas to heat your home, but still going up.

Why???

Because of the war in Iran also effects heating oil and natural gas prices.

Crude oil is used to make heating oil, so when the price of crude oil goes up dramatically, you can expect the price of heating oil to also go up. Natural gas is also effected by these price changes, but the impact is more delayed and less severe.

So how long will the Iran War last? 

The average war in the Middle East varies dramatically.

The Iraq War (the major phase of it) lasted 8 years. Iraq has relatively flat terrain and had (at the beginning) a population of 25 million.

The Afghanistan War lasted 20 years because it was mountainous terrain and Afghanistan had a population of 21 million at the beginning of the war. The USA eventually gave up and withdrew.

Iran meanwhile...

Mountainous terrain. Population of 90 million.

It would take decades to win a war in Iran, and the USA would eventually give up and leave, which would leave Iran continuing to control the Strait of Hormuz.

Thus we should expect oil prices to stay high for years (possibly decades), because it takes a long time for other countries to increase production.

So... Whenever you reach the point where you need to replace your furnace, what should you replace it with?

Well, the cheapest alternative to natural gas is to get a heat pump. It works like a reverse AC unit. You're pumping warm air inside and letting cold air outside.

 And if you want to save more money then you can also consider hiring a home inspector to come look at your house and they can suggest ways to improve the energy efficiency in your home.

Things like:

• Sealing leaks.
• Adding attic insulation (and the attic hatch).
• Checking to see if your furnace needs servicing. 
• Replacing an old inefficient furnace with either a high efficiency furnace or a heat pump.
• Weatherstripping doors.
• Plugging old chimneys.
• Replacing caulking.
• Insulating heating ducts in areas like the garage, which shouldn't be heated.
• Improving thermostat control.
• Fixing drafts. 

A quick one hour inspection could help you save a lot of money on your energy bills.

 

Looking for a home inspector in Ajax ON? Get a trained and certified home and property inspector from Moffat Inspections in Ajax.

3 More Common Plumbing Problems That You Can Fix Yourself

Did you enjoy last month's blog post titled 3 Common Plumbing Problems that you can Fix Yourself ?

Good news! Here are three more common plumbing headaches you can handle without a service call. 

Slow-Draining Shower or Bathtub 

How to fix: Hair and soap buildup are the usual culprits. Remove the drain cover and use a drain snake or even a bent wire hanger to pull out debris. For minor buildup, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water can clear the clog. 

Tip: Clean your drain regularly to prevent future slow-draining showers. 

Leaking Toilet Tank Bolts 

How to fix: If water is pooling around the base of your toilet, check the tank bolts inside. Tighten slightly with a wrench or replace rubber washers if they’re cracked or worn. 

Tip: Don’t overtighten; it can crack the porcelain. 

Low Water Pressure in Faucets 

How to fix: Mineral deposits often clog the aerator at the faucet tip. Unscrew the aerator, soak it in vinegar for 30–60 minutes, then rinse and reinstall. 

Tip: Clean faucet aerators every few months for smooth water flow.

Many plumbing problems are simpler than they look. 

With basic tools, a little patience, and some DIY know-how, you can save money and avoid unnecessary visits from your plumber.

3 Common Plumbing Problems that you can Fix Yourself

You don't always need to hire a plumber. There are times when you can fix things yourself.

Below are 3 Common Plumbing Problems that you can Fix Yourself: 

Clogged Drain or Sink 

How to fix: Use a plunger or a drain snake to remove blockages. For minor clogs, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water often works.

Tip: Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they can damage pipes. 

Running Toilet

How to fix: Open the tank and check the flapper; if it’s worn or misaligned, replace it. Adjust the float to stop water from constantly running.

Tip: Toilet repair kits are cheap and easy to install with no tools required. 

Leaky Faucet 

How to fix: Turn off water, remove the handle, and replace worn washers or O-rings. For cartridge or ceramic disc faucets, swap the cartridge if needed. 

Tip: Bring the old part to the hardware store to ensure an exact match. 

 

Absolutely do not pay a plumber $200 to come fix a problem that you can fix yourself in less than 5 minutes.

 

 

The Hidden Dangers of Water Damage

Water doesn’t always announce itself. It can seep slowly into walls, crawl spaces, or basements, leading to problems like:

• Mold growth that can affect your family’s health
• Structural damage to wood, drywall, and flooring
• Rust or corrosion in plumbing and electrical systems
• Pest infestations attracted to damp environments

Many homeowners don’t notice these issues until they become expensive emergencies. But if you hire a home inspector to check your home for water damage and then correcting any problems you can often prevent these emergencies from becoming more expensive and serious.

 

• Early Detection of Leaks – A home inspector can spot subtle signs of leaking pipes, roofs, or appliances before they turn into major damage.
• Roof and Gutter Assessment – Inspectors check shingles, flashing, and gutters to ensure rainwater is directed safely away from your home.
• Basement and Crawl Space Reviews – These areas are prone to hidden moisture, mold, and foundation problems that can compromise your home’s stability.
• Plumbing System Check – From visible pipes to hidden plumbing behind walls, an inspector can identify slow leaks or corroded fittings.
• Exterior Drainage Evaluation – Inspectors assess grading, downspouts, and landscaping to prevent water pooling near the foundation.
• Mold and Moisture Detection – Using specialized tools, inspectors can detect dampness and early mold growth that you might not see.
• Insurance and Documentation – Regular inspections create a record that can help with insurance claims or future home sales.
• Peace of Mind – Even a short consultation can reassure you that your home is safe, or alert you to problems before they become crises.

 

How Often Should You Inspect for Water Damage?

For most homes, a professional water damage check every 1–2 years is a smart strategy. Homes with older plumbing, basements, or high rainfall exposure may benefit from more frequent inspections.

Water damage can escalate quickly, and repairs are often expensive. Hiring a home inspector periodically is an investment in your home’s safety, longevity, and value. Don’t wait for a visible leak—catch problems early and save yourself stress, money, and headaches. For home inspections in Ajax ON hire someone local from Ajax, like Charles Moffat from Moffat Inspections. He also offers home inspection consulting services for people who only have a few problems they want checked on and don't need a full inspection.

Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late 

A little inspection today can prevent a flood of trouble tomorrow.

Why Home Maintenance Advice from a Professional Can Save You Thousands

Owning a home comes with pride, comfort, and—let’s be honest—plenty of headaches. From leaky faucets to mysterious drafts, small maintenance issues can snowball into major expenses if left unchecked. That’s why savvy homeowners are turning to professional home inspectors—not just when buying or selling a home, but as trusted advisors for ongoing home care.

A home inspector is trained to see what most of us miss. They understand the hidden warning signs behind water stains, uneven floors, or unusual smells. With a professional eye, you can:

• Identify minor problems before they become major repairs
• Prioritize maintenance projects based on risk and cost
• Understand the lifespan of your home’s key systems
• Get peace of mind about the safety and efficiency of your home
• Targeted, Affordable Consulting

Not every homeowner needs a full inspection. Many hire inspectors for just an hour or two to focus on specific areas, such as:

• Heating and cooling systems
• Roofs, attics, and basements
• Plumbing or electrical issues
• Preparing for seasonal maintenance

This approach allows you to get expert advice without the cost of a full home inspection. Think of it as an investment that often pays for itself by preventing expensive repairs later. 

When booking a short home maintenance consultation:

• List your concerns – Whether it’s a drafty window or a slow-draining sink, make a list so nothing is overlooked.
• Ask about priorities – Inspectors can help you decide what needs attention immediately versus what can wait.
• Request written recommendations – Even a short report can guide future repairs and maintenance schedules.

Homeownership is a long-term commitment, and small problems compound fast. A professional home inspector isn’t just for buyers—they’re a resource for homeowners who want to protect their investment, save money, and enjoy their home with confidence. Getting a consultation from a home inspector can help you to solve any number of problems before they happen, or find solutions to problems that a contractor (who just wants to sell you the most expensive option) will be unwilling to help you with.

Invest an hour today—avoid a headache tomorrow.