We’ve been in the HVAC business here in the Hudson Valley for over 25 years, and we’ve seen firsthand how heating trends evolve across towns like Kingston, Woodstock, Saugerties, and beyond. But now, thanks to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we can back up what we’ve seen with hard numbers.
Over the last decade, from 2013 to 2023, homeowners in Ulster County, New York have been steadily moving away from fuel oil and wood-burning systems, in favor of more efficient, cleaner-burning, and more flexible heating systems. Here’s what the numbers show:
1. Utility Gas and Propane Are On the Rise
Between 2013 and 2023, utility gas use in Ulster County increased from 12,871 to 15,649 households—an impressive 21.6% jump. This trend reflects greater access to gas infrastructure and growing interest in more cost-efficient heating.
Meanwhile, propane (bottled or tank gas) rose even faster, jumping from 6,594 homes to 9,641, which is a 46.2% increase. This is particularly popular in rural or off-grid areas without natural gas lines, like Woodstock and parts of Saugerties.
2. Fuel Oil Use Has Fallen Nearly by 4,000 Homes
Once the go-to heating source in Ulster County, fuel oil and kerosene have declined by 10.6%, dropping from 36,747 to 32,856 households. While still the most-used fuel overall, this trend is clear: homeowners are making the switch.
Where are they going?
- Some are converting to natural gas if available.
- Others are choosing propane for similar performance without the mess or maintenance.
- A growing number are opting for electric heat pumps and mini-split systems, especially for smaller homes or additions.
3. Heat Pump and Electric Heating Adoption Is Climbing
Electric heating grew by 22.1% across the county, rising from 8,365 to 10,211 homes. That’s a sign that heat pumps, both ducted and ductless mini-splits, are gaining popularity, especially as incentives and rebates make them more affordable.
Ulster County’s mix of older homes and newer seasonal properties makes electric heating a flexible and efficient option, especially in areas without easy access to fuel lines.
Ulster County Heating Trends (2013–2023)
| Fuel Type | 2013 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Gas | 12,871 | 15,649 | ▲ 2,778 |
| Bottled/LP Gas | 6,594 | 9,641 | ▲ 3,047 |
| Electricity | 8,365 | 10,211 | ▲ 1,846 |
| Fuel Oil | 36,747 | 32,856 | ▼ 3,891 |
| Wood | 4,342 | 3,184 | ▼ 1,158 |
| Solar Energy | 109 | 243 | ▲ 134 |
| Other Fuel | 579 | 988 | ▲ 409 |
| No Fuel Used | 102 | 199 | ▲ 97 |
City of Kingston, NY Heating Trends (2013-2023)
| Fuel Type | 2013 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Gas | 5,133 | 5,515 | ▲ 382 |
| Electricity | 1,721 | 2,100 | ▲ 379 |
| Fuel Oil | 2,690 | 1,829 | ▼ 861 |
| Bottled/LP Gas | 131 | 338 | ▲ 207 |
| Wood | 49 | 76 | ▲ 27 |
| Other Fuel | 112 | 69 | ▼ 43 |
Natural gas is king in Kingston. Fuel oil dropped by about 32% in Kingston from 2013 to 2023, with people switching to natural gas, electric, and propane.
Saugerties, NY Heating Trends (2013-2023)
| Fuel Type | 2013 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Gas | 2,343 | 3,052 | ▲ 709 |
| Bottled/LP Gas | 448 | 868 | ▲ 420 |
| Electricity | 779 | 1,036 | ▲ 257 |
| Fuel Oil | 3,389 | 3,117 | ▼ 272 |
| Wood | 478 | 359 | ▼ 119 |
| Other Fuel | 85 | 37 | ▼ 48 |
For heating homes in Saugerties, the load is being carried by heating oil following closely by natural gas. The use of heat pumps has gone up slightly, but more people are moving onto natural gas and propane.
Town of Ulster, NY Heating Trends (2013-2023)
| Fuel Type | 2013 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Gas | 1,015 | 1,645 | ▲ 630 |
| Electricity | 526 | 740 | ▲ 214 |
| Fuel Oil | 2,809 | 2,203 | ▼ 606 |
| Bottled/LP Gas | 459 | 607 | ▲ 148 |
| Solar Energy | 0 | 15 | ▲ 15 |
| Other Fuel | 12 | 22 | ▲ 10 |
The Town of Ulster is mostly a heating oil and natural gas town, with small increases occurring for heat pump adoption and propane.
Woodstock, NY Heating Trends (2013-2023)
| Fuel Type | 2013 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 205 | 520 | ▲ 315 |
| Fuel Oil | 1,635 | 1,591 | ▼ 44 |
| Bottled/LP Gas | 578 | 783 | ▲ 205 |
| Wood | 333 | 236 | ▼ 97 |
| Utility Gas | 48 | 70 | ▲ 22 |
| Solar Energy | 0 | 12 | ▲ 12 |
For heating homes in Woodstock, fuel oil and propane are the top choices. Heat pump adoption is the biggest mover, with people abandoning burning wood and moving off of fuel oil somewhat.
Are you an Ulster County homeowner looking into your heating options? Give us a call at 845-399-0669. For 26 years, we’ve been a trusted local partner for fair, effective and efficient heating and cooling systems in the Hudson Valley.
