As you are probably already aware of, the winter season will likely bring a dramatic increase to your energy bills. The extra heat you require to make your home comfortable during cold months also has an impact on the environment, as well as your carbon footprint.
Thankfully, there are numerous things you can do to lower your heating oil costs and your overall energy usage. By following these tasks, you can maintain an ideal temperature in your dwelling without having to overspend.
Table of Contents:
- Simple Tips For Reducing Oil Heat Costs
- Winterize Your Home To Lower Your Oil Costs
- Complete an Energy Audit To Manage Heating Expenses In Your Home
- Locating Air Leaks and Drafts To Prevent Heat Loss
- Use Natural Heat As Often As Possible
- Get Fuel Smart And Lower Your Heating Oil Costs
- Reduce Your Energy Bill By Using Your Thermostat Appropriately
- Improve Efficiency By Scheduling HVAC System Maintenance
Simple Tips For Reducing Oil Heat Costs
It is essential to maintain a warm house throughout the winter for your comfort and safety. Nevertheless, doing so can sometimes be a costly endeavor. For this reason, it is vital to discover various avenues through which to decrease your heating expenses without compromising the comfort level of your home.
Below are some helpful techniques you can put to use to accomplish this goal:
Winterize Your Home To Lower Your Oil Costs
Almost all homeowners anticipate seasonal changes each year, as this is a normal part of life. However, it also means that it is vital to perform standard maintenance tasks during spring and fall to ensure your home is comfortable and safe during extreme temperatures. Carry these tasks out, and you will be able to reduce your home heating costs, including your heating oil expenses.
Complete an Energy Audit To Manage Heating Expenses In Your Home
As previously mentioned, before the arrival of winter, you must ensure that your dwelling is ready for frigid temperatures. An energy audit is a great method to determine whether or not this is the case. Audits of this kind assist you in identifying gaps or other parts of the home where there is a loss of heat. If there is a discovery of leaks in doors and windows, you should install insulation to correct the problem. Additionally, it is a wise course of action to insulate pipes so that you can avoid costly repairs resulting from frozen pipes.
Locating Air Leaks and Drafts To Prevent Heat Loss
There are also tune-ups, practical tips that can be utilized to minimize winter heat loss. These include removing air-conditioning wall units. In addition, close fireplace dampers and kitchen vents any time that they are not in use. Furthermore, make sure you install adequate insulation in various parts of your home. These areas include the basement, attic, and walls. Seal doors and windows if they have leaks, as the latter will allow heat to escape during winter.
Utilizing all of the tips mentioned above to prevent your heating system from having to labor excessively. Doing so will ensure that you use less heating oil. Naturally, when you use less oil, your energy bills will decrease as well.
Use Natural Heat As Often As Possible
An excellent way to heat your home naturally is to open your curtains to let sunlight into the house. Be sure to close your drapes at night. Closing them at night will make sure there is a buffer between the cold night air and the interior of your home.
Your heating system does not have to work as hard when your home is heated naturally by the sun. The less it needs to run, the lower your energy expenses will be regularly.
It is also wise to refrain from placing furniture or other household items where they will hamper heat circulation, such as on top or in front of air vents.
Get Fuel Smart And Lower Your Heating Oil Costs
Whenever the demand for heating oil increases, such as is the case during the winter months, the cost of such oil will naturally rise. Nevertheless, you can reduce your energy bills in several ways.
One simple and effective activity you can do to save on oil prices is having your tank filled during summer. Contact your provider and compare quotes of several different suppliers.
You should also ask about automatic delivery options as these are typically budget-friendly plans. Automatic delivery plans almost always save you money on your heating oil costs.
Be sure to contact the Better Home Heat Council to find the most reputable oil dealers in the area.
Reduce Your Energy Bill By Using Your Thermostat Appropriately
You can lower your heating costs by merely lowering your home’s thermostat at night and whenever you are away from home. You should also consider a programmable thermostat installation for your home. This device allows you to schedule temperature changes ahead of time. A programmable thermostat enables you to conserve energy and ultimately decrease the cost of your heating oil.
Improve Efficiency By Scheduling HVAC System Maintenance
Regular maintenance for furnaces and boilers helps to make sure they are working at the most efficient level possible. It is also a way to guarantee that your unit is ready for the winter season. You should schedule tune-ups of this kind before the cold months.
However, it is never too late to make such an appointment, even if winter has already started. The Energy Communications Council– ECC– states that yearly tune-ups help to significantly lower heating costs and also enhance your system’s performance.
If your HVAC system is over two decades old, a more efficient, newer model should be installed. Doing so is your best course of action if you want your home to be comfortable during winter. Simultaneously, it will reduce your heating oil costs.
Additionally, using an energy-efficient heating unit reduces your carbon footprint. Today’s HVAC systems are far more efficient than old, outdated models. Typically, they will save you up to 25% on your energy bills. Therefore, you will receive a quick return on your investment.
Conclusion
One of the top objectives at the Better Home Heat Council is to offer homeowners an education about heating oil. Our goal is to provide information on the economical and efficient use of oil. In addition, we assist individuals with issues and questions regarding energy efficiency. The Better Home Heat Council offers their support to Lehigh Valley oil companies that provide a wide array of services and products. Click here to find a reliable home heating oil supplier in your area. Many of our suppliers also offer HVAC services.
If you have concerns or questions concerning your HVAC system, fuel costs, or are interested in finding out about your various oil delivery options, contact us without delay and we will be happy to assist you.
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, contact us today.