Winter is more than just a season of dark skies and thick clothing for many people; it’s also a period when energy expenses soar. We want to offer you some advice before you open your monthly bill with a gasp. These energy-saving strategies are tailored to address many of the difficulties of winter energy usage.
1. Look for gaps in all of your doors and windows.
The last thing you want to feel when sitting on the couch is a blast of chilly air squeezing through the window frame as the wind speeds up. Those drafts are caused by gaps in your home’s façade that must be addressed immediately if you don’t want to heat the block.
2. Make your thermostat do the heavy lifting for you.
It’s critical to ensure your thermostat works properly throughout the winter, regardless of the type. If you have a manual on-off switch, set your heat at roughly 50 degrees anytime you’ll be gone for an extended amount of time. When no one is home to enjoy it, your furnace will not use any home heating oil. Take a few minutes out of your day to learn how to configure your programmable thermostat properly. Most models allow you to set separate profiles for weekdays and weekends, ensuring that your furnace is always on when it should be and off when a warm house isn’t required.
Smart thermostats expand on this idea. Rather than program numerous intelligent thermostats, they automatically understand your consumption patterns. You’ll need to educate your thermostat on your routines for the first few weeks by treating it like a manual model. When you’re home, turn it up; when you’re leaving, turn it down. You won’t have to touch it for a long time, and your home will always be welcoming when you walk through the door.
3. Make your home more comfortable by using blankets and sweaters.
A few degrees lower in your home can save you money on your energy bill. The higher you raise the thermostat, the more money you’ll have to pay to maintain it that way. Get some blankets out of the linen closet and leave them in living spaces where you’ll be able to use them if you’re trying to save money on your home heating oil bill in winter. Even in a chilly area, wearing an additional blanket and a sweater will keep you warm.
4. Stay away from space heaters.
Space heaters should be on your list of things to avoid in the winter unless you only have electric heat in your home. If not utilized properly, space heaters can provide a fire hazard and burn a lot of energy with little impact. While having a warm spray of air on your feet while sitting at your desk may feel nice, is it worth the risk and cost? Instead, consider purchasing an electric blanket.
5. Examine your insulation to check if it’s adequate.
Keeping track of the condition of your insulation is a good idea, even if you’re not a handyman. You’ll end up losing a lot of the warm air you’re paying to heat if your house isn’t well-insulated. Insulation is a relatively inexpensive material, and a fresh covering can go a long way toward assisting you in meeting your energy-saving goals. If you’re not sure whether or not you should replace your insulation, you should get advice from a reliable home heating oil provider.