Contents
- 1 Best Methods For Reducing Oil Delivery Costs
- 1.1 Is Your Home Ready For The Frigid Winter Months?
- 1.2 What You Should Know About Performing An Energy Audit
- 1.3 Fix Air Leaks & Remove Drafts
- 1.4 Take Advantage Of Using Natural Heat
- 1.5 Use Your Fuel Oil Effectively
- 1.6 Adjusting The Thermostat Settings Correctly
- 1.7 Maintaining The HVAC System For Improved Efficiency
- 1.8 Conclusion
As temperatures continue to fall, your demand for better heating rises. Getting your home warm and cozy is necessary during these cold months, but that also means that your energy and heating oil bills will start climbing significantly. On top of that, you will, without any doubt, have a negative impact on your environment and leave behind a bigger carbon footprint.
Why not rectify these issues and learn the best steps to bring down your heating costs and save money?
Best Methods For Reducing Oil Delivery Costs
When your home is ready for the winter, you know that you can rely on it to keep you safe and comfortable. When temperatures are low, you can expect heating costs to spike. Finding ways to reduce your heating costs without compromising comfort does not have to be difficult. Let’s take a look at the techniques you can utilize this winter.
Is Your Home Ready For The Frigid Winter Months?
Seasons change, and it is inevitable that the warmer months will give way to the colder months. Regardless, your home should remain a safe, cozy, and comfortable haven. Regular checkups and maintenance should ensure that your heating system is up to the task. So how do you get ready? Here are steps you should take.
What You Should Know About Performing An Energy Audit
Your first step should be to check your home before the winter months. Do a basic checkup during autumn or before the season ends. An energy audit is critical to help you identify problems in your home. Small cracks, gaps, and holes in the home can cause heat loss. This issue forces your heating system to work harder and, consequently, increases your energy costs.
Fix Air Leaks & Remove Drafts
Sometimes, air leaks could be fixed by the simplest and most basic solutions. When performing an energy audit, keep air conditioning vents, fireplace dampers, and kitchen vents closed when not in use. Check the insulation in your attic, basement, and exterior walls. If necessary, install new ones to keep the heat inside.
Take Advantage Of Using Natural Heat
The sun is a natural (and free) source of light and heat. On sunny days, open the drapes to let in light. This helps keep the rooms in your home sunny and cozy. Once the sun begins to set, simply close the drapes. Also, remember to place furniture away from air vents to ensure efficient circulation.
Use Your Fuel Oil Effectively
Heating oil prices tend to rise in the winter months. This is because of the increase in demand. To keep energy costs down, try some smart consumer tips. Instead of buying fuel in winter, try stockpiling during the summer when the prices are lower. Monitor fuel prices prior to the winter season to see when prices are at their most affordable. You could also talk to your fuel supplier or compare prices among competitors to see which one can offer the best deal. Some suppliers may also offer budget plans that can help bring heating oil expenses down.
Adjusting The Thermostat Settings Correctly
According to experts, it is possible to reduce the cost of heating oil consumption by 2% simply by keeping the thermostat several degrees lower. A difference of one to three degrees does not necessarily have a significant effect on comfort and may, in fact, be tolerable. You could even program an automatic thermostat to switch to a lower setting at night or when you are away from home. If you have a manual thermostat, consider lowering the temperature before you leave or before going to sleep. These small steps are quite effective to help keep energy costs down.
Maintaining The HVAC System For Improved Efficiency
A well-maintained HVAC system is not only reliable, but it is also efficient. Make sure to perform yearly maintenance on your furnace or boiler to keep them working well. Tune-ups should be scheduled well ahead of winter. According to the ECC (Energy Communications Council), yearly tune-ups can ensure that your HVAC system is working at its best. If it works excellently, it can help you save on the cost of heating oil. Regular tune-ups are also important for identifying problems early and getting the right solutions on time.
If you have an older heating system, it may be time to consider buying a new one. Newer models are designed to be more efficient and do not have the problems associated with older models. You can save a lot with a newer model and even bring down your carbon footprint. Imagine being able to reduce your energy bills by about 15% to as much as 25%. Older models also need repairs from time to time while newer models only need to be checked and maintained to ensure that they work properly.
Conclusion
Wilcox Energy has been one of Southern Connecticut’s most trusted HVAC companies and heating oil suppliers. Wilcox Energy offers home services that ensure your comfort and safety.
We pride ourselves in ensuring fast, timely deliveries and the best prices in heating oil. Check out our financing options and delivery plans that suit your budget.
Our technical services are offered only by NATE-certified technicians who are the best in the area. If you require accurate and affordable HVAC tune-ups, replacements, installations, and repairs, give us a call for in-home estimates at no cost to you.
For more information about our heating oil deliveries or our heating and cooling services, such as tune-ups, repairs, or installations, contact Wilcox Energy. You can contact us at (860) 399-6218. We offer a full line of affordable and trusted HVAC services.