The P. Gagnon & Son Blog

Five Tips to Help You Save On Heating Oil

Stay comfortable while protecting your wallet

energy cost savings maineAs temperatures inevitably sink here in the Seacoast Region, our oil-fired heating systems are working more and harder to keep your home warm and comfy.

Make that comfort as affordable as possible by using these five tips to cut your home’s heating oil costs.

Sign up for Automatic Delivery

We’ll use your prior heating oil usage history and current weather conditions to accurately forecast when you will next need heating oil. With that information, we’ll make a heating oil delivery before you run low. Not only do you get peace of mind, but you also won’t get stuck with the costs of an emergency heating oil delivery because you ran out.

Show your heating system some love

To ensure that your home’s heating system is working at peak efficiency, it should be serviced by a professional service technician on a regular basis. This winter, you could save a lot of money on your heating oil costs as a result of the greater energy efficiency. Your P. Gagnon & Son service technician can also thoroughly examine your furnace or boiler and make any required repairs before problems or breakdowns arise. An annual maintenance tune-up is included in all of our service plans.

Do some house work

If you have a furnace, now is the time to clean and vacuum the registers, making sure they are in good working order and do not spread dust or allergens throughout your home. Remove any obstacles, such as drapes or furniture, so the heated air from the vents can flow freely around your home. These tasks help your furnace not to have to cycle on as often.

It’s time to get your ductwork cleaned if it has been more than three years since you’ve done so. Cleaning your ductwork not only keeps the air in your house cleaner and safer, but it will also allow duct cleaning professionals to detect and repair leaks to make your heating system more energy efficient.

To eliminate drafts from your doors, windows, and external walls, try some easy DIY work with caulk, weatherstripping, and expanding foam. This alone may save you 10% on your heating oil costs!

Be efficient with programming your thermostat

Programmable thermostats are fantastic devices to boost the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. If you don’t already have one, now is a wonderful time to get one because they may help you save money on your heating bills by 10%. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, contact us today to get one installed!

Here are the recommendations the U.S. Department of Energy for programming your thermostat in cold weather for maximum energy efficiency while keeping your home comfortable:

  • When you’re at home and awake, set the thermostat for 68°.
  • Lower temperatures by 10° for the hours you’re asleep or away from home.

Add insulation

When it comes to getting the most from investing in energy savings, upgrading your insulation is hard to beat!

Adding insulation to your home helps you keep your heated air inside your home where it belongs. You’ll need less heating oil to keep your home warm. You’ll feel more comfortable because there are fewer drafts. Your furnace or boiler won’t have to work as hard or as frequently to heat your home, so there’s less wear. Your heating system can last longer and have fewer breakdowns!

How much insulation do you need? Check this guide from the Department of Energy to learn more.

You can count on P. Gagnon & Son for reliable heating oil delivery and equipment service. Become a customer today!