How to Burn Less Heating Oil: Ten Quick Tips
Wouldn’t you like to burn less heating oil this winter so as to save money for that special long-awaited vacation?
As winter approaches, many of us will ask ourselves, “why am I using so much heating oil?. Let us help you to lower the inevitable higher heating oil consumption. There’s no need to shiver in the cold if you want to save money. You can still use oil heating efficiently and reduce oil heating expenses with these easy and affordable techniques:
Burn Less Heating Oil Tips
1. Plastic bubble wrap
If you don’t find any leftover wrap in your closets, purchase it from an office supply or hardware store. Measure and cut bubble wrap into strips that cover your window glass. Attach them to windows with the bubbled side facing outward. This material allows warm sun rays and light to pass through, but the air pockets will act as insulation. They not only keep cold air at bay but also help your home retain heat.
2. More efficient equipment
If you run electric space heaters to warm a particular area like an office or bedroom, consider using a ceramic or infrared unit instead of a coil-based heater. Ceramic models perform well, consume less electricity, and often cost under $75 new. Keep in mind that a more efficient heater can pay for itself in energy savings.
3. Weatherstripping
Any hardware store will carry self-sticking insulation strips (weatherstripping) that you could use to seal drafty door and window frames. One side of the strip is adhesive; the other side is a soft foam substance that your door or window will fit snugly against. This prevents cold air from entering the building. Simply follow the directions on the package; you can cut each strip to a suitable length.
4. Heating assistance
Many utility companies, nonprofits, and state governments help seniors and people with limited incomes who can’t afford enough oil. Requirements vary from one region to the next, and assistance budgets are sometimes tight. Nevertheless, there’s nothing to lose by calling and finding out if you could qualify for help.
5. Sleeping under an electric blanket
This device may allow you to reduce the temperature setting on your thermostat while remaining pleasantly warm in bed during the night. Be sure to carefully inspect old electric blankets for dangerous defects.
6. Blocking drafts
Chilly air from empty rooms or the outside can often enter homes by passing under doors. Put your hand at each door’s base; you might feel a cool draft. You could also light a match, blow it out, and immediately hold it at the bottom of the door. If there’s a draft, the wispy smoke will blow inward.
An easy solution is to roll up an old towel and place it against the base of the door. A bunched-up rug also works fairly well. If it’s an exterior door that you use daily, set the towel aside during the day and replace it before bedtime
7. Swamp cooler winterization
If you use an evaporative cooler during the summer, ensure that the opening into your house is tightly sealed and the exterior of the swamp cooler is covered by a well-secured plastic tarp or other form-fitting covers. Measure and cut a thick piece of cardboard so that you can place it over the opening on the inside of your home. You may secure it with duct tape.
8. Close the chimney
If you have a fireplace that connects to a chimney, remember to tightly shut the flue when you aren’t using fire to heat your home. Considerable amounts of cold air can enter the house through open flues
9. Heating pad
If you have a favorite chair for listening to music, reading, or browsing the internet, consider using a heating pad set to “low.” This will allow you to decrease the room temperature and stay comfortable with a heating pad at your back. A small blanket may improve the results.
10. Shades
Don’t forget to close your drapes and/or curtains at night and during particularly cold, overcast days. This will provide another layer of insulation and keep indoor air as warm as possible.
Start To Burn Less Heating Oil Now
Although you might need to spend up to $250 as you follow the above 10 Tips To Burn Less Heating Oil, you can look forward to much greater savings when reduce heating oil consumption throughout the winter.
Do you have additional questions or concerns? All American Environmental is your environmental consulting and contracting firm. We specialize in oil tanks, their installation, removal, cleaning, and sweep. Get in touch today! We will be happy to address any of your oil tank questions.
