How To Spend Less On Heating Oil
The price of heating oil goes up as the colder months approach. Many homeowners worry about how to properly budget their heating costs without having to compromise their comfort and safety. Of course, no one wants to spend much to keep their home warm. This article covers some tips on how you can save money when buying fuel oil.
Reduce Heating Costs
Off-Season Heating Oil Bulk Purchases
The fuel oil market experiences ups and downs. This leads to rising and falling heating oil prices based on the season. Nevertheless, prices do tend to follow predictable patterns. It is true that fuel oil prices are generally higher during winter months when compared to the summer. It reaches a peak from October to March. The trick is to understand the trends and purchase fuel oil at the right time. You are more likely to save money by purchasing during the months when the prices are lower.
Furnace Tune-up
Before the winter months hit, get preventative maintenance by scheduling a furnace tune-up with your HVAC technician. This regular maintenance ensures that the furnace continues to perform energy efficiently through the winter months. It will consume less heating oil, keeping your home comfortable, and your energy costs low.
Slash Water Heating Costs
DOE studies show that about 12% of energy costs are spent on heating water in your home. It is not always necessary to invest in a new water heater to reduce this expense. This goal can be achieved with a few changes in your water use habits.
- Don’t spend as much time in the shower
- Use cold water for most of your laundry needs
- Refrain from wasting hot water
- Reduce the water temperature down to 120°F instead
Ensure The Energy Efficiency Of Your Home
You can save a ton of money on heating costs just by adding to the energy efficiency of your home. Here are some things you can do.
Optimize Thermostat Settings
According to the DOE, you should keep your thermostat set between 68° F and 70° F when your family is home. At night or when no one is home, set the thermostat at 60° F. This will reduce your energy costs by up to 2% for each degree lower you set it during the winter. You might be surprised at how much this can save!
By investing in a programmable thermostat you can maximize your savings. Such thermostats control indoor temperatures automatically according to the way it is programmed. This means that you won’t have to remember to turn the temperature up or down on your thermostat because it does it automatically for you.
Seal Leaks
Every home has some gaps where heated air escapes and cool air makes its way into your home. There are small gaps around windows and doors. These gaps contribute to loss of heat during the winter. The result is that your heating system is forced to work harder to keep your home comfortable. When this happens, extra heating oil is used. According to experts, this loss can amount to as much as leaving a window open. Fortunately, there is something you can do to seal these leaks and keep the cold air out. Caulk, weatherstripping and expandable foam are great ways to seal drafts.
Discount Heating Oil & Fuel Oil Prices Nazareth PA
R.F. Ohl Online offers discount heating oil options to residents throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. We offer the lowest prices for fuel oil and provide 24/7 ordering capabilities. Our deliveries are fast and reliable. This is a great option when it comes to ordering fuel oil to heat your home with. It means that you can pay less for high quality oil and delivery service. By following the above steps as well as ordering our discounted fuel, it is easy to keep your home warm during cold winter months without spending a fortune. We also maintain heating systems and can ensure the optimal performance of your heater. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Some of the areas we service include: Ackermanville, Bath, Bethlehem, Easton and these zip codes: 18010, 18014, 18015, 18040 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.