While it may seem a bit early to be thinking about heating your home this winter, fuel companies are beginning to offer the option of prepaying oil.

Choosing to prepay the amount of fuel you use during the cold months ensures a static price for how little or how much you need during that time. Most people will pre-purchase fuel for the months of October through April.Fuel companies refer to this as a "locked in" price because it does not change, regardless of the rise or fall in market oil costs during the months that have been prepaid.The cost of prepaid oil varies for every fuel company because it is determined by how much the company pays for it, as well as its profit margin.Last year, George's P&H LLC in Palmerton offered a prepay of $3.40 per gallon, and K&K Oil Company in Weatherly set its prepay at $3.39.Those who didn't lock in their price for the season paid anywhere from $3.30 to $3.80 per gallon.Prepay customers have mostly benefited in the past, but it's still a gamble.Christopher Hardy, home comfort specialist for R.F. Ohl in Lehighton, recommends that prepay customers purchase 80 percent of what they think they'll use over the duration of the winter."If they get to the end of the season and there are leftovers, it doesn't roll over," he said.Clearly, there are risks involved because it is based on predictions.There are, of course, other options to be weighed when considering how to manage your heating costs.Many fuel companies also offer cap prices, which is your safest option, according to Steve Ohl, president of R.F. Ohl.Like the prepay option, you do not have to worry about paying market prices that rise higher than the cap. However, if the market price drops below the cap price, you pay the lesser amount."Think of it like car insurance," Ohl said. "You pay for the insurance hoping that you will never need it, but when you do get in an accident, it pays to have it."Cap pricing is similar because you may not use it, but in the event of a spike in fuel prices, you're covered. If fuel prices drop, your price drops, too.The riskiest option is to pay according to the market value, which is variable and not controlled by the provider at all.Ohl recommends asking your fuel supplier if they have a monthly budget plan, which allows you to spread out your fuel use to a 10- or 12-month period, as opposed to a 4- or 5-month period.This type of plan makes for more consistent monthly payments and is based on past fuel use, as well as predictions for the upcoming year. Any leftovers at the end of the year are usually rolled over by providers who offer this type of payment.Ask your fuel provider about its options, and evaluate your past fuel use before determining the option that best suits your budget.