How to Save on Oil Energy at Home

In a time of rising energy costs and diminishing investment returns, it's more important than ever to save on your home oil bill. The good thing is, there are a multitude of ways to save money. By making your home more energy-efficient, you will also be helping out the environment in an era of global warming. Employ many different methods to save on your home heating bill.

Instructions

1. Eliminate drafts in your house. Use weatherproofing kits on your windows. Open curtains during the day to let the sun in. Close curtains to at night to help insulate the room. Place a cloth snake or towel under the base of your door. Replace old windows with new windows that are energy-efficient.

2. Turn down the thermostat in your house. The lower you keep the temperature in your house, the more money you will save. Wear sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, wool socks and flannel clothes to keep warm.

3. Consider replacing your oil furnace and boiler with updated models. It's a big expense at first, but it will save you money in the long run. A new heating system will also increase the value of your house.

4. Install a thermostat that can be programmed to more efficiently regulate the temperature in your house. They're fairly inexpensive and simple to install.

5. Close the vents in the rooms you are not using. Keep vents free of dirt and dust.

6. Lower the temperature in your water heater. Shorten hot showers.

7. Make sure your heating system is operating properly prior to the winter. Tune up your furnace.

References

• The Daily Green magazine: 5 Ways to Fight Record-High Heating Oil Prices
• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Furnaces and Boilers
• Gordon Oil: Heating Fuel Savings Tips

Resources

• U.S. Department of Energy: Tips on Assessing Energy Use and Saving Energy
• California Energy Commission: Saving Energy
• Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life: 100 Ways to Save The Environment