Small Changes Can Add Up to Big Savings
Did you know that there are many small yet important energy conservation methods you can use that can add up to impressive savings over time? Here is a look at the steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency in the cold weather.
Pay Attention to Your Heating System
Besides partnering with your heating oil service provider to perform regular, money-saving maintenance on your heating oil boiler or heating oil furnace, you can also do some self-maintenance tasks during the heating season.
For instance, if you have a forced-air system (one with vents or registers rather than radiators or baseboards), the most important self- maintenance task is to check the system’s air filter about once a month, cleaning or changing the filter when needed.
Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper guidelines. Clogged filters lower furnace efficiency by making it overwork to keep you warm. That means higher heating bills and more wear and tear on your equipment. Note: the same principle about checking air filters applies if you have a central air conditioning system.
If you have an older steam boiler, you should check the water gauge periodically. Low water levels are a leading cause for boiler shutdowns. Steam boilers should also be flushed when the water in the gauge looks rusty. If you have a modern hot water boiler, the boiler’s automatic filling system should maintain the proper water level.
Weatherize and Insulate
Apply caulk to close off any air leaks around exterior doors and windows. While you’re at it, replace any weatherstripping that might have worn away.
In terms of insulation, most homes are under-insulated. Adding enough to meet recommended R-values is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s overall efficiency and comfort. Please review the Energy Department’s Guide to Home Insulation.
Here Comes the Sun
During the cold months, keep curtains and shades open in sun-exposed rooms to absorb all that free heat and energy during the day, then close them at night to keep the heat in at night. Do the reverse in the summer by closing curtains and shades during the day to block solar heat. Smart window treatments can help manage solar energy throughout the year.
Fireplaces, Vents and Thermostat Settings
An open damper on your fireplace is like an open window; close the damper when you are not using your wood-burning hearth.
You should also move any furniture, drapery or rugs away from air vents, baseboards or radiators. This helps improve air flow and keeps unobstructed heat circulating into rooms.
Do you have a smart programmable thermostat? When used correctly, it will pay for itself in just a short time with the energy savings you can achieve. If you choose a Wi-Fi thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature from your smartphone.
In the winter, the optimal thermostat setting is 68°F when you’re home. Dial it down toward the 60°F range when you’re asleep or out of the house. Don’t go too low or you risk frozen pipes. The temperatures you ultimately choose will depend on factors like the outdoor temperature and your family’s comfort preferences. Remember, these are just guidelines.
Upgrade to High-Efficiency Heating Equipment
Lastly, you can make an even bigger impact on your home’s energy efficiency through upgrades to high-efficiency heating oil boilers and heating oil furnaces.
If your heating oil system is more than 25 years old, or if you’re spending more money on repairs than you did before, you should replace your outdated heating equipment. Today’s high-efficiency heating oil furnaces and heating oil boilers provide heat more efficiently than equipment made a generation ago.
Higher efficiency means more energy savings, which of course translates into lower energy costs. This is why it pays to learn as much as you can about today’s high-tech heating oil equipment solutions—and your New Jersey heating oil service company can help you, with all the latest information on new, high-efficiency heating oil furnaces and heating oil boilers.
They can also tell you about an equipment rebate program that can save you hundreds of dollars on your investment in a new heating oil system.
Please consult with your New Jersey heating oil company for advice.