By Matt Schultz, Owner of TRS Heating and Air Conditioning
October 23, 2025
If you’re a homeowner in Western New York, you’ve heard the news by now, and it’s not good. National Fuel just announced a 16% rate increase for heating this winter. As someone who’s been in the HVAC industry for years, I know this kind of news hits hard, especially when you’re already budgeting for the holidays and everything else life throws at you.
Why Is National Fuel Raising Rates on Homeowners?
National Fuel cites rising operational costs, infrastructure investments, and increased natural gas commodity prices as the main drivers behind this 16% rate hike (read the full story here). The company said the projected rise is partly due to a predicted weak La Niña, which often brings colder and snowier conditions to the region.
Most of the rate increase comes from delivery costs and market-based gas supply charges, while weather-driven usage adds roughly $2 per month. Like many utility companies across the country, they’re passing these increased costs directly to consumers.
Interestingly, National Fuel points out that winter bills are still about 10% lower than a decade ago. However, that doesn’t make the immediate impact on your wallet any easier to swallow.
The Reality: Higher Fuel Bills Are Coming
National Fuel confirmed this week that Western New York homeowners will see bills averaging $135 per month. That totals about $677 for the entire winter. And with weather forecasters predicting prolonged cold weather and average snowfall, your heating costs are about to jump significantly.
I get it. A 16% rate increase feels overwhelming. But here’s what I want you to know: You’re not powerless here.
The GOOD NEWS: You CAN Take Control
At TRS Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve helped countless families reduce their heating costs, and I’m here to tell you that with a few simple steps, you can save around 20-30% on your heating bill. That’s real money back in your pocket. Money that can help offset this rate increase and then some.
Here’s how:
1) Get a Professional Tune-Up
This is the single most important thing you can do. A TRS-certified HVAC technician will ensure your system is running safely and efficiently. We’ll catch small issues before they become expensive problems, optimize your system’s performance, and make sure you’re not wasting energy (and money) heating your home.
2) Change Your Filters Regularly
It sounds simple because it is. Changing your filters every 3-4 months keeps airflow optimal and prevents your system from working harder than it needs to. A clogged filter forces your furnace to burn more fuel to push air through your home, and that costs you more money!
3) Unblock Your Vents
Take a walk around your house. Are there furniture pieces, curtains, or boxes blocking your air vents? Move them. When vents are blocked, your system has to work overtime to heat your home, and that inefficiency shows up on your bill.
4) Use Natural Heat
Here’s a free tip: Open your curtains during the day to let in natural solar heat, then close them at night to prevent heat loss. It’s a small habit that makes a real difference over the course of a long Western New York winter.
The Math That Matters
As an HVAC expert, I’ve seen this proven time and time again in our customers’ homes, a well-maintained furnace can save you 20-30% on heating costs, depending on your system’s age and your family’s heating needs.
Let’s put that into perspective: With a 16% rate increase, proper maintenance doesn’t just help, it pays for itself FAST. In fact, the savings from a single tune-up can more than cover the cost of the service and still put money back in your pocket all winter long.
Our Special Offer for New Customers
Because I know how stressful this rate increase is for families, TRS is offering a special for new customers: Our Furnace Health & Safety Check-Up for just $89.
This is your chance to:
- Reduce your energy usage
- Control your heating bill
- Ensure your family stays warm and safe all winter long
Don’t wait until the coldest days of January to find out your furnace isn’t running efficiently, or worse, breaks down completely. Take action now, and you’ll thank yourself when those National Fuel bills start arriving.
Don’t Panic, Call TRS Today!
A 16% rate increase is tough news, but with the right steps, you can minimize its impact on your family’s budget.
At TRS, we’re not just here to fix your furnace; we’re here to bring comfort to your home. Whether that means ensuring your heating system is running at peak efficiency, helping you stay warm during the coldest nights, or simply giving you peace of mind knowing your family is safe, that’s what we do.
If you have questions about your heating system, want to schedule your tune-up, or just want to talk through your options, give TRS a call at 716-825-9911 ext. 112. We are here to help!
