Physicians looking to save some money on their heating bills next year need only implement a few simple strategies according to an article in Bottom Line. An important step is to lock in a rate with your heating provider when fuel prices are at their bottom rate relative to recent years. This spring happens to be a good time to lock in because of the early warm start to the winter. Many fuel companies have excess heating oil and natural gas stored up, creating a reduction in price.

However, Bottom Line also urges you to remember that a lock in price is not set in stone, because acts of God, hurricanes, or war in the Middle East can disrupt prices. It is also important to find out if there is a termination fee, an automatic renewal clause, and what the length of the contract is. Natural gas customers can also compare prices with gas suppliers, while some heating oil customers in the Northeast can join a heating oil cooperative that, for a fee, can negotiate fuel prices for its members.