The holiday season is over, and we are at the very beginning of a new year. A new year means opportunities for positive change. While most of us abandon New Year’s resolutions by the end of January, we are here to offer resolutions that you will keep because, unlike unused gym memberships and tasteless diet foods, our resolutions will save you money rather than spend it. So here are some resolutions that you can keep.
3 Essential Heating Resolutions
- Turn Down the Heat at Night
January nighttime temperatures across lower New York and Long Island tend to be cold. But you don’t need to have the temperature in your home set at daytime levels at night when you’re asleep. Keep your thermostat set at 60-62 degrees overnight and schedule it to increase to a comfortable daytime level of 68 or so during the day. A programmable thermostat means that you won’t forget to readjust the temperature and their cost usually begins at about $25. The EPA estimates using a smart thermostat can save you anywhere from 10% to 30% of your winter heating cost.
- Schedule Regular System Maintenance
As part of your overall winter maintenance plan, be sure that you get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified technician. They will service and inspect heating system components to ensure they are in top shape before they break down. An inspection can also identify and address any potential issues before they become problems or, worse, dangerous. Keep in mind that some furnace and heating system manufacturers require regular inspections to maintain active warranty status.
- Avoid Running Out of Oil
While running out of oil in the middle of the night can cause physical discomfort, it can prove to be financially costly. Emergency oil deliveries come with a premium price attached. If your pilot light goes out, there will be an increased charge to relight it and restart your furnace during the service call. The most expensive cost could come if your pipes burst from the cold. While temperatures usually need to be in the 20s for at least four hours before this becomes a possibility, it is not a risk to take. Aside from the water damage, replacing destroyed items be expensive, and if you don’t clean it up fast enough, mold and mildew remediation can run into thousands of dollars.
How can you avoid running out of oil?
There are two ways. You can estimate how much oil your home uses daily by calculating the time between oil deliveries and your oil levels. Generally, a 2,500 square foot home burns through 6-7 gallons of oil per day. This usage is based on an outdoor temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that although many homes have a standard 275-gallon tank, they are considered full at 225. That means that a 275-gallon tank that reads ¼ full has 56 gallons of oil left, not 68.75 gallons as the math would indicate. Using the 6-7 gallon a day rule of thumb, 56 gallons of oil would be adequate for about a week’s use at freezing temperatures.The next time you get an oil delivery, make a note of how many gallons you receive and when you receive the following delivery. Calculate what you use daily and schedule deliveries based on that information.
The second way to monitor your oil tank usage is much simpler but requires a small financial investment. Digital oil gauges can keep you apprised of your tank’s fill level. Digital monitors range in price from about $75 to about $180. They usually have apps that will alert you when your oil tank level is low, so you can schedule a delivery and avoid running out of oil.
Call Express C.O.D and Keep Your Oil Tank Full
When it’s time for heating system maintenance or upgrade, call the experts. Our parent company Tragar Home Services, offers extensive oil heat and gas heat system services. Express C.O.D has been keeping Nassau County and Suffolk County residents comfortable for more than 60 years. For information about heating system upgrades or scheduling a COD oil delivery, call Express C.O.D today at (516) 221-2559.
