Energy Saving Tips And Advice For Late Spring

Heating and cooling systems consume about 60% of the average home’s energy usage. That’s why it’s so important to maintain this equipment properly—and invest in a replacement system when your home comfort equipment has reached the end of its life span. But it also makes sense to look beyond your HVAC systems and find other ways to conserve energy.

The key to saving energy and money is improving efficiency! And when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of your heating system, one of the best things you can do is schedule an annual heating system tune-up.

Tune-ups (sometimes called “system cleanings”) are typically recommended once a year. Not only do they ensure that your heating oil system is running properly, this preventive maintenance will ensure that the system is operating at peak efficiency. In fact, a tune-up can help reduce heating oil usage by up to 10%!

Five Do-It-Yourself Tips

1. Check your air filter on a regular basis Be sure to change it if you see that it’s necessary to do so. Talk to your service technician if you need assistance in deciding whether you need a new filter. If you do, your technician can also talk you through the steps of replacing the filter.
2. Look to your windows: Lock the hot air out and hold the cool air in by sealing windows. You’ll save money in the long run with this step, which you can accomplish with caulk for nonmoving parts and weatherstripping for moveable joints. During the cold months, keep curtains and shades open in sun-exposed rooms to absorb all that free heat and solar energy during the day, then close them at night to keep it in at night. Do the reverse in the summer by closing curtains and shades during the day to block solar heat. Smart window treatments can help manage solar energy throughout the year.
3. Use ventilating fans to run in the hot weather. Get rid of the hot air in your house quickly—possibly in an hour or less—by setting up ventilating fans in your bathroom, kitchen and other rooms. Be cautious using ventilating fans during the cold months, however, since these fans could draw in exhaust fumes when your heating system is operating.
4. if you’re looking for an all-weather, year-round solution, install a smart programmable thermostat. Whether you’re away or just sleeping through the night, one of these devices will help you conserve energy and save on your bills. In fact, a smart programmable thermostat can cut up to 10% from your energy usage! In the spring and summer, the U.S. Energy Department recommends setting your central air conditioning system to 78°F when you’re at home. Program your A/C system to shut off 20-30 minutes before you leave home each day; return the temperature setting to normal comfort levels 20 to 30 minutes before you come home. In the winter, the optimal setting is 68°F when you’re at home. Dial it down toward the 60°F range when you’re asleep or out of the house. The temperatures you ultimately choose will depend on factors like the outdoor temperature and your family’s comfort preferences. Remember, these are just guidelines.
5. Clear away any unnecessary items in front of your baseboards or vents. Whether there are pieces of furniture in the way, a too-thick rug, or assorted kids’ shoes and toys on the floor, you’ll want this area to be clear in order to make the most of your South Carolina home’s energy usage. Finally, for safety’s sake, keep the area around your heating system as clean and clutter-free as possible. Never store anything flammable near your system.

To learn about how you can positively impact your home’s energy efficiency through upgrades to systems like heating oil boilers and heating oil furnaces, please visit our website.