10 Home Heating Energy Tips for Winter

Winter is almost here which means many NJ residents are starting to wonder about how they can save money on their winter heating bills. Simple tips such as shortening your shower time, remembering your reusable grocery bags, sealing your heating and cooling ducts and properly using a programmable thermostat are important in effort to reduce emissions year round. Our HVAC professionals have put together some tips below to make your home more energy efficient and your family more comfortable starting with affordable home heating oil:

1. Choose Home Heating Oil – Oil heat has many advantages including safety, cost efficiency and environmentally friendly. In fact, according to the EPA, modern oil burners are among the cleanest combustion systems available.
2. Let the Sun Shine In – Open the curtains and let the sun naturally heat your home during the day. Just be sure to close them when the sun goes down to help insulate your home.
3. Rearrange your Furniture –  Move your furniture so you are sitting near interior part of the room since exterior walls can be chilly and windows tend to be drafty.
4. Keep the Fireplace Closed – Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is actually burning. This will prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney and cold air from leaking inside.
5. Turn off the Ventilation Fan – Turn off the ventilating fans in the kitchen and bath after you’re done using them. They can let warm air out if they’re left on.
6. Install a Programmable Thermostat – Most thermostats have the capability to schedule temperature changes by the hour for every day of the week. Smart thermostats are popular because you can set the temperature to reflect your particular schedule when you’re in the house and when you’re away.
7. Seal Up Leaks – Check for air leaks around the home and add caulk or weather stripping to seal any drafts around doors and windows. Even the smallest open gap around a door can cause warm air to leak out.
8. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance – A properly serviced furnace, boiler or water heater will operate more efficiently with regular maintenance; it will also extend the life of your heating equipment.
9. Insulate Piping – Insulate the water heater pipes with pipe insulation which is fairly inexpensive, easy-to-install. This is particularly helpful if the water heater is in an unheated space.
10. Insulate the Attic – Older homes may require additional insulation in the attic. Consider upgrading your insulation with spray-foam or batt insulation.

Oil and Gas Heating Professionals at Lawes Company

If you are a New Jersey homeowner interested in oil heat and how it could make a difference in your property, contact Lawes Home Comfort Specialists by calling (732) 741-6300 or filling out our online contact form.