How to Save Oil on a Furnace
Oil is expensive, especially in the winter. There are a lot of ways to save oil on a furnace that can add up to reducing the cost of heating your home by as much as 50 percent per season if you follow all recommendations. Some of these recommendations can be put into use this heating season, other ways to save oil are larger projects that may need to be fit into a budget. However, money spent on reducing home heating expenses is money that will save a lot more money over time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Programmable thermostat
- Weather stripping
- Door sweep
- Caulk
- Furnace air filter
- Outlet and switch insulation
- Attic insulation (R-30 to R-60)
Instructions
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1
Schedule a service technician to check the efficiency of your oil furnace. Worn parts, such as the oil burner nozzle, and improper settings for air to fuel mixture can increase oil consumption. Regular maintenance of the furnace saves up to 10 percent of annual fuel costs.
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2
Replace or clean the furnace air filter once a month during the heating season. This improves airflow and reduces dirt in the blower and air intake motors.
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3
Install a programmable thermostat to reduce the temperature while sleeping or at work. Lowering the temperature by one degree saves approximately 2 percent off annual fuel costs. A programmable thermostat costs an average of $50.00 but will save more than that in one heating season.
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4
Seal doors with weather stripping to reduce airflow around doors. Install a door sweep to reduce air flow from the bottom of doors.
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5
Caulk around doors and windows to reduce cold air from entering the home and warm air from escaping. Also, caulk around pipes for outdoor spigots and vents. This will reduce fuel costs by an additional 10-20 percent.
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Purchase insulation designed for outlets and switches to retain heat in the living area instead of between the walls.
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Insulate the attic with insulation that has an R factor of at least 30.
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Check ductwork for gaps and holes where the ductwork may have separated and allow air to escape. Insulate ductwork in areas that are not heated, such as an unfinished basement to prevent cooling of heated air.
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9
Close doors to rooms that are not used frequently.
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Tips & Warnings
Fill your oil tank in the spring or summer when oil prices are at their lowest.
