CONSERVATION TIPS

If you do one thing to conserve energy, do this - SCHEDULE A HEATING SYSTEM TUNE-UP!  
Your annual pre-season tune-up will guard against unexpected disruptions in service and extend the life of your heating system.  Plus, a tune-up will ensure maximum comfort system efficiency, saving you as much as 5% off your annual heating bill, according to the National Oilheat Research Alliance. 

Conservation Tips for Cold Weather:
  • Sunshine! Windows on the south side get the most sunlight. Eastern windows get sunlight in the morning. West facing windows receive 
    sunlight in the afternoon. Open shades & drapes during the day to let the sun’s warmth enter your home and close when the sun goes down.
  • Close your kitchen vent, fireplace damper and closet doors when not in use.
  • Remove air conditioning window units, or cover them well.
  • Keep radiators free of dust for top efficiency.
  • Turn the thermostat back by 10°-15°. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save as much as 10% a year on their
     heating and cooling bills.
  • Wrap your pipes, to guard against heat loss and prevent them from freezing.
  • Avoid using space heaters - they're expensive to operate, and can be dangerous, too.
  • Check your threshold for any gaps between it and the door. Use a bottom seal that can be attached to the bottom of the door -- it should brush
    up against the floor to seal up the threshold. It virtually stops drafts.
  • Get a heating system tune-up - it’ll ensure you get maximum performance from every drop of heating oil burned.
  • Make sure you have good insulation on exterior walls, ceilings with cold spaces above, and floors with cold spaces below.
  • Change the windows - consider new low-emissivity glass, which will decrease radiant heat loss without lowering visibility.
  • Upgrade your oil burner - a modern burner can cut costs by 15%. 

Year-Round Conservation Tips:
  • Use compact fluorescent lights - they last up to 10 - 13 times longer than standard bulbs and use 75% less energy.
  • Install dimmer switches - in addition to enhancing mood, they'll extend the life of bulbs and help you save up to 60% on lighting costs.
  • Lower the temperature of your water heater from 140° to 120° - you'll save 3%-5% in water heating costs for each 10° reduction. Or consider
    a timer to turn your water heater off when not in use.
  • Don't keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold - recommended temperatures are 37°-40°F for the fridge and 5°F for the freezer.
  • Don't leave the fridge door open! Every time you do, up to 30% of the air inside can escape. The same can be said for your oven.
  • Use a covered kettle or pan to boil water - it's faster and it uses less energy.
  • Air-dry dishes. Also, avoid using the heat-dry, rinse-hold and pre-rinse features.
  • Choose a high-efficiency clothes washer and dryer. High-efficiency washers use half the water of standard models. High-efficiency dryers can
    save up to 30% in energy over standard models.
  • Defrost food before cooking - you could save 30% to 50% on cooking costs. And pre-heat your oven only for baking.
  • Install water-conserving fixtures - such as showerheads, faucets and toilets.
  • Fix leaky faucets - especially hot water faucets. 1 drop/second can add up to 165 gallons/month - more than a person uses in 2 weeks.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. When properly used, it could save as much as $100 or more off your annual heating bills.