How to Save Hundreds of Gallons of Heating Oil Annually
Reducing the amount of heating oil that you use every winter is a good way to save hundreds of dollars every month. Most of the ways you can reduce your energy usage are very easy to implement, and cost very little. You can save hundreds of gallons of heating oil if you are willing to make a few changes to your lifestyle in the wintertime.
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Instructions
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Inspect the furnace or boiler. An inefficient or improperly functioning furnace or boiler will waste heating oil.
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Section off a portion of your house and heat only that part. Effectively section off a room of your house by closing all doors leading to it and hanging a blanket or comforter in any open doorways. Close the vents to any rooms that are not being used.
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Turn off your central heat at night and use a space heater in the bedroom. If temperatures are not prohibitively cold, pile on blankets and down comforters and only turn on the heat in the morning. An electric blanket can boost warmth at night without boosting your heating oil bill.
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Compare the cost of electric heat with that of oil heat. In some areas of the country, heating with electricity may be cheaper, allowing you to save a considerable amount of money by not using heating oil or using it minimally.
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Maximize your passive solar heating. Open your blinds or draperies and let the sun in during the times it shines through the windows the strongest. Trim any tree branches that shade your roof, as these prevent the sun from heating your home.
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Insulate your home. The attic is the place where most of a home's heat escapes. Crawl into your attic and see if it is fully lined with insulation. If not, or if there are any gaps in the insulation, have insulation installed. Check around windows and doors for drafts. Apply weatherstripping or caulk to any small openings that are letting in cold air.
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Install a wood stove with a blower. Today's wood stoves are very efficient, and many of them qualify for a tax credit. If you have access to cheap or free wood, you can heat over 1,000 square feet essentially for free.
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Tips & Warnings
According to the National Association of Home Builders, homeowners can claim up to a $1,500 tax credit for making energy-efficient changes to their primary residence in 2009 or 2010.
Be cautious when using space heaters, as they can be a fire hazard when used improperly.
