Energy Saving Tips to Use This Fall

Posted on September 23rd, 2015 by Devine Bros

Fall is officially here! Before we know it, the leaves will be gone, the days will be short, and the weather will be cold. With temperatures already starting to cool off in Connecticut, it won’t be long before many of us fire up our heating systems for the first time of the season.

Heating our homes isn’t cheap – in fact, it accounts for more than 20% of our utility costs during the winter months. If you are looking for ways to reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing your comfort this fall, check out these tips:

• Get your furnace tuned up. Now is the perfect time to call a local HVAC service and get your heating equipment tuned up. A tune up will improve your furnace’s energy-efficiency and can prevent future breakdowns; something you don’t want to deal with in the dead of winter.

• Utilize your windows. Save energy by keeping your window curtains open during the day time – particularly the ones on the south-facing side of your home. The sunlight provides a free source of heat, just make sure to close the curtains at night to reduce heat loss through your windows.

• Seal any air leaks. A significant amount of heat is lost through your windows, doors, and walls due to small cracks and holes that allow warm air to escape. A little bit of caulking and weatherstripping can go a long way towards preventing this.

• Change your air filter. Did you know that your furnace has an air filter, and that it needs to be changed regularly? Changing your filter can improve air flow and increase energy-efficiency; refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific model.

• Turn down the thermostat. Does your home really need to be 75°, or is 70° sufficient? For every one degree Fahrenheit you lower your thermostat, you could save 3-5% on your monthly heating bill.

• Invest in a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is a great way to save energy. Turn your heat off before you leave your house for the day, but program it to turn on an hour before you come back so that your house is warm by the time you get home. These require a small up-front investment, but can pay for themselves in under a year.

• Switch heating oil providers. If you use oil to heat your home, consider switching your provider. Consider finding one with a fixed price plan so you won’t be affected if heating oil prices go up.

If you are searching for a heating oil provider in Norwalk, CT or the surrounding Fairfield County area, look no further than Devine Bros! For almost 100 years, Connecticut residents have depended on us to keep warm. Click here to visit our website or call us at (203) 866-4421 to learn more.