Table of Contents
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Heating Oil Costs
- 1. Use a Smart Oil Gauge
- 2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
- 3. Replace the Air Filters Regularly
- 4. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-up
- 5. Secure or Seal the Perimeter Openings
- 6. Improve Home Insulation
- 7. Exclude Vacant Rooms
- 8. Order Heating Oil During the Summer
- 9. Minimize the Need for Emergency Oil Deliveries
- 10. Reduce the Use of Bathroom Fans
- Conclusion
- Call Lake Region Energy For Superior Heating Oil Delivery Services
Living in southwestern Maine, residents face the undeniable realities of low temperatures and high heating expenses. During the cold winter months, furnaces and boilers become essential for comfort and warmth. While turning off the heating system is not an option, there are ways to minimize the cost of heating oil. This article presents practical ideas for reducing heating oil expenses without compromising safety and comfort.
10 Ways to Save Money on Heating Oil Costs
Read on to discover ten effective tips for reducing your heating oil expenses and energy bills.
1. Use a Smart Oil Gauge
Making informed decisions requires accurate data. This principle applies not only to businesses but also to household heating. By using a smart oil gauge, you can monitor your heating system’s consumption rate on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. Automatic monitoring streamlines oil tank management, allowing you to determine whether your tank is running low or almost full. This information enables you to implement fuel-saving tactics and see immediate results.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Consider installing a programmable thermostat to optimize your home’s heating system. Every household has its unique schedule and heating needs that change throughout the day. For instance, some families are busiest in the morning as they prepare for work and school, while others are more active around dinnertime. Using a programmable thermostat, homeowners can set specific times to turn on or off their heating system based on their daily routine. This technology also allows temperature adjustments to enhance energy efficiency, ultimately improving the heating system’s performance.
3. Replace the Air Filters Regularly
To ensure the optimal performance of your heating system, it is essential to maintain it regularly. A diligent approach to maintenance can prevent most issues. Start by cleaning the area surrounding the furnace and oil tank and inspecting them for any leaks, rust, or other irregularities. Make sure to replace the air filters every few months, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you notice thick dirt accumulating on the filters, consider changing them more frequently.
4. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-up
Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up to ensure the optimal functioning of your heating system. These systems consist of multiple intricate components that work in unison to generate warmth in homes. Any malfunctioning parts can impede the entire heating process. Hiring a professional to perform regular maintenance and inspections can help identify any issues early on, such as loose electrical connections, accumulated dirt within the system, and worn-out parts. It is advisable to arrange a comprehensive tune-up annually, preferably in the fall when temperatures are moderate enough to allow for a lengthy furnace shutdown.
5. Secure or Seal the Perimeter Openings
To minimize heat loss and reduce oil consumption, it is vital to seal any gaps around the doors and windows of your home. Small gaps and holes allow cold outdoor air to seep inside even when closed. To identify these gaps, run your hand along the sides of the doors and windows and feel for any drafts. By using caulking and weatherstripping to seal these openings, you can prevent cold air from entering and reduce the workload of your heating system in achieving your desired thermostat settings.
6. Improve Home Insulation
To improve your home’s warmth and energy efficiency, it is vital to assess your insulation. If your current insulation is not keeping you warm, it may be beneficial to add more insulation to better protect against the cold. If moisture or pests have damaged your existing insulation, it may need to be removed and replaced with fresh insulation. Proper insulation helps prevent the movement of heat, keeping your home warm for extended periods and reducing the workload on your furnace. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in oil consumption and energy savings that can pay for the cost of the insulation over time.
7. Exclude Vacant Rooms
To decrease energy consumption, consider excluding vacant spaces in a large house, such as guest rooms and storage areas, from the heating system load. This can be done by closing the vents leading to those areas, so they will receive warm air once the vents are opened again. By doing so, the furnace is likely to use less oil. However, it is essential not to overdo this measure as it increases pressure and overworks the system, leading to higher energy costs.
8. Order Heating Oil During the Summer
Commodity prices are subject to variation based on supply and demand. Prices are likely to decrease when there is an oversupply of a product and low demand for it. During the winter, the need for heating oil rises considerably, but during the summer, fewer individuals contemplate purchasing it since the hot weather already keeps them warm. Oil suppliers tend to lower their prices to lure in buyers. This presents an opportunity for you to contact them and schedule a fuel oil delivery at a reduced rate. Take advantage of this by refilling your oil tank while prices are discounted.
9. Minimize the Need for Emergency Oil Deliveries
Although a full heating oil tank can typically last throughout the winter, some may run out before the end of the season, necessitating a mid-season refill. Schedule your fuel oil delivery during standard business hours to avoid extra fees for emergency services, such as nighttime, weekend, or holiday deliveries. These additional fees are necessary to compensate workers for their time outside regular working hours. Reserve emergency deliveries for emergencies where you have entirely run out of fuel. Prevent emergencies by filling up your tank before it becomes empty. As a general rule, contacting your supplier when the tank reaches approximately 30% capacity is a wise practice.
10. Reduce the Use of Bathroom Fans
Bathroom fans are essential for improving air circulation, controlling humidity, and eliminating unpleasant odors. However, they can also cause considerable heat loss by expelling air at a high rate. It’s crucial to use them judiciously and avoid running them longer than necessary. Some fans have a built-in timer that automatically shuts off after a set period. Experiment with the settings and reduce the timer duration to determine whether the results are acceptable. By reducing the use of bathroom fans, you can decrease both oil and electricity consumption, resulting in energy savings.
Conclusion
Simple changes in your household can lead to reduced heating costs. Making minor adjustments to your habits, home improvements, and installing valuable devices in your heating system can significantly impact your oil consumption. These changes require little time, money, or effort. It’s unnecessary to undertake these changes alone because HVAC professionals can provide affordable annual tune-ups, help with persistent issues, and offer valuable heating advice. By implementing these simple changes, you can lower your heating costs easily.
Call Lake Region Energy For Superior Heating Oil Delivery Services
If you’re looking for a reliable fuel oil delivery service in southwestern Maine, look no further than Lake Region Energy. Our fuel deliveries are prompt, affordable, and provided with a friendly touch.
We take pride in providing unmatched service every time. Contact us today to learn about our various delivery plans and financing options. We offer a comprehensive range of HVAC services to improve your home’s energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall comfort. Our services include heating and cooling tune-ups, repairs, installations, and more. Don’t hesitate to call us now!
For more information about our fuel deliveries and HVAC services, be sure to contact Lake Region Energy. You can click here to contact us, or you can call us at (207) 839-5500 to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations.