It’s an obvious statement to say we use more oil to heat our homes in the winter. There are a few routine adjustments and steps we can do to keep from burning through our finances as well as our oil.
Winter Tips for Home Heating:
• Schedule Annual Maintenance
A professional tune-up ensures your oil burner is clean, properly calibrated, and running optimally. Regular maintenance improves fuel efficiency and can catch small issues before they become big problems. Be sure to schedule your HVAC system checkup for early fall to get ahead of both the cold weather and the rush of other winter customers.
• Seal Leaks Around Windows and Doors
Cold air sneaking into your home forces the whole system to work harder to compensate. Weatherstripping on doors, using caulk on window gaps, and sealing attic leaks can help significantly reduce heat loss and fuel usage.
• Efficiently Programming the Thermostat
You can save money by spending time programming your thermostat for different times of day. Setting it lower at night when the household is less active can keep the system from over working and reduces fuel waste.
• Don’t Underestimate the Value of Curtains
Opening the curtains during the day can take advantage of natural heat from the sun and closing them at night can create an additional barrier against the cold and further block heat loss.
• Healthy Oil Tank Levels
If oil levels reach too low a level, it can actually reduce the efficiency of your system. It can also unintentionally introduce sediment into the system that can cause serious issues. Compared to a low-leveled tank, a properly filled tank is also more likely to more steadily perform during extreme cold temperatures.
• Flip Your Fans
Many people forget this one basic function of every ceiling fan. When the fan spins counterclockwise, it pushes cool air down in a column. This is perfect for warmer months when you want help cooling down. In the winter though, the fan should spin clockwise. This direction allows the blades to push the warm air toward the floor and draw the cool air up to the ceiling.
This can potentially reduce utility bills by 15 percent or more. The switch to change the rotation direction is typically on the fan itself, though there are modern fans with remotes.
• Clear Airflow Paths
Blocking vents and radiators with furniture, curtains, or seasonal decorations can cause the system to run longer than it needs to. Make sure nothing is obstructing the air flow to allow heat to circulate evenly.
• Insulate Key Areas
Good insulation can reduce the workload on an oil furnace and help maintain consistent indoor temperatures. In order to keep heat where it belongs, make sure to properly insulate attics, basements, and exposed pipes.
Express COD Is Long Island’s Trusted Source For Affordable Home Heating Oil
Express COD provides discounted oil-on-demand delivery services with the convenience of online ordering. You and your family can have peace of mind knowing that even if your heating oil runs low, a timely delivery is just around the corner. Contact us today.