The P. Gagnon & Son Blog

5 Heating Efficiency Tips for the Fall

Save Energy and Money With These Tips!

winter home preparation maineThere are so many fun things to do in the fall here in the Seacoast region, like fall foliage drives, apple picking, and Halloween.
With the money you save with these five easy tips, you’ll be able to enjoy more of them.

Make Sure Your Heating System Is Ready for Winter

Regular servicing keeps your furnace or boiler running smoothly, so you’ll use less fuel to keep your home warm. A tune-up is when our service technicians check for and fix problems that may cause decreased performance and efficiency, breakdowns, no-heat emergencies, and expensive repairs. The early fall is the ideal time to have your heating system inspected, as our schedule is more flexible. By the way, annual maintenance tune-ups are included in our service plans.

Use Your Programmable Thermostat Correctly

A programmable thermostat in your home can help you save 10% or more on your heating costs. To get the most out of it, though, you’ll need to know how to use it. Follow these two easy steps and you’re good to go.

  • When you’re at home and awake, set the thermostat for 68°.
  • Lower temperature setting by 10° for the hours you’re asleep or out of the house.

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, get in touch with us for affordable, expert installation!

Turn Down the Water Heater

If your water heater is set to 140° Fahrenheit, which is the common manufacturer’s setting, it’s too hot. That setting is not energy efficient and may be hazardous. Water that hot poses a scalding risk, and the elderly, babies, and children are particularly vulnerable. Reduce the temperature setting to 120°F. It’s hot enough for all of your hot water needs, and you can save 10% on your water heating expenses by lowering the heat!

Put an End to Heat Loss

The amount of drafts in an average American home is comparable to leaving a window open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You’ll stop ending money out the door (and windows) by sealing up the drafts with caulk, weatherstripping, and expanding foam. These easy DIY projects might save you 20% or more on your heating costs!

Get Free Heat From the Sun

Leave your curtains and blinds open during the day to absorb solar heat. Remember to close them at night to retain all of the heat you gained during the day, so you don’t have to use your furnace or boiler as often.

Get the most reliable heating oil and propane delivery in the Seacoast region. Become a P. Gagnon & Son customer today!