The fall season is in full swing, and many of us on Long Island are enjoying the weather. Temperatures are cool enough to leave the windows open and the air conditioning off during the day and night. Before too long, though, we’ll need to start turning the heat on. As concerns about oil production and rising costs continue, homeowners need to know how to conserve their home’s heating oil.
How to Conserve Your Home’s Oil Use
- Install a Programmable ThermostatThe most common method of internal temperature control is a smart or programmable thermostat which homeowners can set to control the temperature of their home. Set the temperature to automatically heat your home when you are going to be there and adjust the temperature downwards when you will be asleep or will be out of the house. Some higher-end intelligent thermostats allow you to update the temperature on the go using an app on your smartphone, letting you make adjustments based on changes in your day’s schedule.
- Help the Heating System, Part 1Make sure that your heating system components are in a clear, open space. Keep an empty area of at least a few feet clear and unobstructed around the furnace, boiler, and water heater. A cleared space will help the heating system to operate at its highest efficiency by allowing maximum airflow and ventilation.
- Help the Heating System, Part 2Take a walk around your home and inspect every window and door. Replace old, cracked, or missing caulk around stationary openings and replace weather-stripping around operative openings. Properly tape and insulate all ductwork. Duct maintenance is essential as improperly sealed ducts can lead to a 20-40% loss of warm air.
- Maintain Heating Oil SystemIt’s essential to inspect and maintain your heating system regularly. While you can change your furnace filters on your own, which will help with unit efficiency, a qualified technician can perform an in-depth inspection of your system and identify more complex problems. It is helpful when reporting any issues if you note any changes in your heating system’s operation and what the conditions were at the time.
- Upgrade Old Heating EquipmentIf your oil heat system has components that are over 10-12 years old, it’s time to replace what you can. New high-efficient boiler systems can start saving you money from the day of installation. They operate up to 80% more efficiently than older systems, thanks to advances in engineering and design. With potential savings like those, not upgrading your heating system is almost literally burning up your money.
Oil Heat Maintenance, Repairs, and Upgrades
When it’s time for you to get your oil burner thoroughly checked and cleaned, call the experts at Express C.O.D. We offer a full range of professional repair services for oil heat and gas heat systems. We can diagnose, repair, or upgrade your system as needed. Our parent company, Tragar Home Services, has served Nassau County and Suffolk County residents for over 60 years with our guaranteed 5-star customer service. For information about heating system upgrades or to schedule a COD oil delivery, call Express C.O.D today at (516) 221-2559.
