Save money while staying warm!

Here in Western New York, we’re used to harsh winter weather.

But with the potential for higher fuel prices this winter, you’re probably looking for ways to keep your heating oil, natural gas, or propane costs down without giving up comfort. We’ve put together a few easy tips to help you do that.

Do some work around the house

Drafts around doors and windows, and through walls, aren’t only uncomfortable. They can cause heat loss that’s the equivalent of leaving a window open 24/7 and can raise your heating costs by as much as 20%!
Fortunately, there are simple projects you can do around your home to significantly cut down on drafts and heating expenses. Here are a few suggestions.

• add weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows
• caulk and seal up air leaks that come from plumbing, wiring, and ductwork coming into a room through walls and floors
• install foam gaskets behind switch plates and outlet covers
• add door sweeps

Another thing you can accomplish on your own is take advantage of solar heating. Keep the curtains and windows open during the day to allow sunshine in, then close them at night to retain the heat inside. Because your heating system will not need to be switched on as frequently, you will be using less energy.

If you have a furnace, go around your home and make sure furniture, curtains, and other items aren’t obstructing the heated air coming out of the vents from circulating fully.

Prepare your heating system

It’s time to stop delaying and contact us to have your home’s furnace or boiler serviced if it hasn’t had its annual maintenance tune-up!

A tune-up is essential for keeping your boiler or furnace in top operating condition. That means it will need the minimum amount of energy possible to keep your home warm. A poorly maintained heating system is less efficient, so you’ll pay more for heating. Maintenance allows our service technicians to discover and fix problems before they lead to breakdowns and costly repairs. A tune-up is included in our affordable service plans.

Program your thermostat properly

It’s easy to save money on your heating bill while still keeping your home warm and comfortable these days thanks to programmable and smart thermostats. You might save up to 10% on your heating costs by programming your thermostat to maximize efficiency!

Here’s what the U.S. Department of Energy recommends:

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

If you don’t have a programmable or smart thermostat, they’re a great investment in lowering your heating costs. Some smart thermostats even let you know if your heating system needs service.

NOCO is here for all your home heating needs. Become a customer and get reliable delivery of heating oil or propane to keep your home warm and comfy all winter long!