Saving On Heating One Dime At A Time

The rising cost of everything these days is causing many people to find every way possible to save a dime wherever they can. When it comes to the cost of heating your home, the story is the same. So, what can you do to reduce your heating costs this year?

Oil Delivery Services

Have you compared prices between the oil delivery services in your area? When comparing prices, you need to look into more than just the cost of oil. The quality of oil can vary from company to company. Some may burn longer and cleaner than others, but cost a little more. Do some research about the quality of the oil you are considering prior to making any decision.

Also, look into any delivery and service fees that may be added to the cost of the oil. Some services offer free delivery, others may charge. You may also find discounts for auto-delivery services. These services provide you with a delivery date. When that date comes around, you don't have to do anything but pay the bill — no more worrying about the tank running dry — and you may save some money.

Maximize Air Flow

It's easy to forget about the air vents that are hidden behind curtains and under furniture, but those vents could be causing an increase in your heating costs. When the home's HVAC system was designed and installed, it was done so with air circulation in mind.

The cool air return vents feed the furnace the fresh air it needs to produce the heat being released through the heat ducts. If blocked, the system will get less air and work harder to pull in what it can. If the heat vents are blocked, it will slow the flow of air into the room, decrease the amount of heat actually filling the space, and put a great deal of strain on the system trying to force air into the home.

There are vent covers designed for use under furniture. They are angled so that they stick out from under the furniture and release the heat without disruption. Don't close the vents in rooms that are unused without first talking with your HVAC technician. Those vents may be necessary for optimal flow.

Reducing heating costs even by 1% could be substantial. Contact your home heating oil supplier and heating service professional for assistance finding weaknesses in your system and making a plan to resolve them. By this time next year, that 1% savings could be even more.

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