Efficiency Tips

1. Talk to your dealer about participating in a budget billing option to stabilize your monthly bill.
2. Obtain a home energy audit to ensure that your furnace and appliances are running efficiently.
3. Replace old systems with more efficient Energy Star heaters.
4. Install a programmable thermostat and reduce temperature settings at night or when you are not home.
5. Check the filters in your heating system monthly and replace or clean them when they become dirty.
6. Have your heating system checked periodically by a licensed professional.
7. Adequately insulate ceilings, walls, and floors to reduce the loss of heat.Use extra blankets to stay warm at night.
8. Close the doors to rooms that are not in use.
9. Maintain humidity for comfort at a lower thermostat setting.
10. Do not block or place items on top of registers.
11. Do not turn your thermostat up to 80 degrees in hopes of heating up the house faster. The house will warm up at the same rate no matter what temperature you set the thermostat. Setting it higher will only cause it to overshoot the desired temperature, wasting energy.
12. Install ceiling fans on vaulted ceilings to push the warm air down.
13. Install storm windows and doors.
14. Replace old windows with double glazed or thermopane windows.
15. Place clear plastic across windows during the winter.
16. Apply caulk and weather-stripping around windows.
17. Sunshine: Open shades and drapes during the afternoon to let the warmth of the sun heat your home. When the sun sets, close things up and trap in the heat!
18. Air Conditioning Window Units: Remove units during the winter, or make sure that they are securely covered.
19. Turn Back the Thermostat by 10 degrees: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this can save homeowners as much as 10% a year!
20. Wrap Your Pipes: This will guard against heat loss and prevent them from freezing.
21. Upgrade Your Oil Burner: An updated burner can cut costs by as much as 15%.
22. Heating System Tune-up: It will ensure you get maximum performance from every drop of oil!
23. Avoid Space Heaters: They can be expensive to operate; not to mention dangerous!
24. Check Your Front Door for Gaps: If your house is drafty, check to see if there is any space at the bottom of your door. If so, you're losing a lot of heat! Purchase a seal to add to the bottom of your door, or simply roll up a towel and place it at the base of your door.

Oil-Heated Hot Water

1. Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.
2. Once a year, empty a gallon of water out of the bottom of your water heater tank. This will reduce sediment that can block the water from the heating element.
3. Insulate your hot water pipes.