Here’s a universal truth – no one likes to be really cold. Sure, most of us love icy air conditioning or a dip in a cool pool during the dog days of summer, but being truly cold is simply not fun. Luckily, the White Mountains area has no shortage of expert energy providers who know just how to keep you toasty, no matter what!
Today we’re happy to be providing an overview of the best local energy vendors, energy efficiency audit providers, and building professionals that can help you renovate or build a winter-ready home.
Local Energy Vendors
Foley Oil & Propane in Belmont, New Hampshire has been relied on since 1946 to keep White Mountains locals comfortable. Looking to save this winter? Check out their winter energy savings tips! Whether you need maintenance or fuel delivery, it’s just a quick call away.
For over 85 years, Dead River has been a partner to businesses and locals alike when it comes to propane, oil, service, and installations. Also, you can feel good about choosing them because they help their community through sponsorship and charity whenever possible.
With a slogan of “Always there for you…” and 24/7/365 customer service White Mountain Oil & Propane is another reliable energy provider, with a location conveniently in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Their customer testimonials back it up too!
Here’s a particularly notable one from their website. “I called at 6 this morning because the wind had knocked out my heat. One minute later I had a callback and an hour later the crew (Travis and Jim) were here and I had heat. Thank you, White Mountain Oil & Propane for always excellent service especially during an emergency. You’re the best!”
The professionals at Fireside Hearth & Leisure offer fireplace and wood stove installations if you’re looking for alternative sources of heat besides oil and propane. There’s nothing that feels cozier than a fire on a cold winter night.
Home Energy Audit Providers
Have you considered having a skilled professional come to assist you with a home energy audit? It’s often the first step toward a better energy experience. Both Building Alternatives in Franconia, New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Electric Co-op in Plymouth, New Hampshire offer them for very affordable rates. What are you waiting for? You could be saving right now!
Building and Maintaining an Efficient Second Home in the White Mountains
What’s the smartest way to save energy? Build or renovate your home with an energy-forward mindset. If you’re considering a second home in the White Mountains region, hire a company that can help make it happen. Alba Architects can help you build a net zero home or renovation you’ll love. They’ve been an established resource since 2011 and they provide all the following services:
- Initial site analysis and feasibility study
- Local, regional, and national code and zoning analysis and schematic site design
- Program development and schematic building design
- Existing building condition and dimensional surveys
- Design development and preliminary construction specification
- Construction documentation and full specification
- Contract administration through the construction period
- LEED BD&C participation and/or administration
- Energy modeling and high-performance building design
- Lead coordination between MEP consultants and/or contractors
- Statuary applications (building permit, planning approval, zoning approval)
If you want your second home built by a father-son team that has experience with homes at Owl’s Nest Golf Course and Coolidge Falls at the Village of Loon Mountain, you want Dumont from Thornton, New Hampshire. They have three galleries of beautiful work for you to review on their website.
Winter-efficient White Mountains Tourism
You don’t have to be a full or even a part-time resident to enjoy an energy-efficient winter tourism experience. If you are considering a trip to our fair region, consider these smart options.
Choose an all-in-one vacation option
RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain
There are several full-service resorts in our area. They are so full-service that once you park your car, you won’t need to leave at all. Save your gas and spend your vacation doing all your favorite activities in one supremely beautiful location. Where can you do it? Well…
Your first option is RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire. They have an on-site restaurant that serves all three meals, pools, hot tubs, an arcade, a winery, a workout facility with a view of the mountains, and a spa. They’re also in the process of expanding their extraordinary options even further as we speak.
Not sold? Within walking distance are several breweries, eateries, a movie theatre, and even a playhouse! Also within walking distance is a grocery store that will allow you to cook in your room (the kitchens are stunning and incredibly well-equipped).
Want to further minimize your fuel use? If you have an electric vehicle, charge your car at one of their Tesla charging stations! This is just one sustainability feature of the Resort. They are heavily committed to a sustainable energy future, inside and out of their buildings.
Choosing RiverWalk is a fun-filled choice that will lessen your vacation’s energy footprint with zero reduction in fun.
Another top all-inclusive option for a fun-filled winter getaway is Owl’s Nest Resort in Thornton, New Hampshire. They have such a wide variety of specific cold weather choices, that they made their own page on the website to accommodate them!
Winter at Owl’s Nest means skating on Lake Harold, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, guided winter hikes, and more outdoor picks. Fitness enthusiasts can also enjoy yoga, paddle clinics, and their top-of-the-line fitness center.
Beyond their winter-focused activities, you can enjoy mouthwatering on-site dining at Panorama Six82 Restaurant & Bar (more dining options are being added soon) and there are always new events popping up on their calendar. Keep a lookout and get involved!
Buddy up!
Grab a few friends and rent a place together if you’d rather have a more intimate, efficient vacation. Think of it as a couples or friends retreat!
Speaking of friends, our good friends at Franconia Notch Vacations would be more than happy to help you select the perfect space. You can start your search here, but be warned… there are a lot of amazing options, so it may be hard to choose.
Whether you’re a visitor, a seasonal owner, or someone looking to join the White Mountains community year-round, there are many cost-effective ways to stay warm and maximize your efficiency during even the harshest New England winter.