5 Ways to Save Money on Heating Oil

Heating oil is a primary energy source for many homes in the U.S., especially those located in the Northeast. If you use oil heat in your home, you are already accustomed to your energy expenses increasing in the winter months as the cold weather sets in. But the good news is that there are several ways you can save money on heating oil. Here is how.

1. Opt Out of Automatic Deliveries

The fastest way to lower the heating oil prices you receive is to opt-out of automatic deliveries. Automatic deliveries have been popular for decades because they provide homeowners with the convenience of not having to think about checking their oil tank. Because of this convenience, oil companies will charge an average of $0.50 – $0.90 more per gallon for automatic deliveries vs. the alternative of just purchasing fuel as needed.

This increase cost also covers the baked-in expenses for servicing. If you do a good job of upkeeping your furnace, your annual maintenance cost will be cheaper than what you’re paying for when you sign up for automatic delivery contracts.

Star Home Heat has built a network of will-call (or “COD” fuel companies) for this exact reason — to provide homeowners with the cheapest heating oil prices in their area.

2. Install a Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat.

A “smart” thermostat is a great idea if you are serious about saving money on your heating bill. Programmable thermostats like Nest allow you to pre-schedule your home’s ideal temperature settings for each part of your day and night. Some even learn your habits and build a schedule for you. For example, it may learn that you like to sleep at 68 degrees but need the house warmed up to 72 degrees by 9am. Utilizing technology like this will definitely maximize your energy savings.

3. Never Shut the Heat Off Completely

Many cost-conscious homeowners default to simply turning the heat off to save on their energy bill. We see this happen most frequently when homeowners are heading out of town or leaving for vacation. This is a misconception. Turning your heat off during winter puts you at risk for frozen pipes, which can lead to a whole slew of damage and additional costs. Leave your thermostat between 58 to 62 degrees when you are gone. This will help you save on your energy bill while also protecting the integrity of the water in your pipes.

4. Seal Drafty Doors, Windows, and Chimney Flue

This goes without saying, but sealing drafty areas is a must. This is often skipped because of how obvious it is. Double check the bottom of your doorways. Get up close to all your windows to see where you are feeling any drafts. Identify spots that need more insulation, caulk, or weather-stripping as these small areas can drain a lot of heat from the house. Lastly, don’t forget to check the chimney flue. An open or unsealed chimney is just as conducive to heat loss as a cracked window that is open 24/7.

5. Keep Your Blinds & Shades Open During the Day

Don’t forget about sunlight! Even in the coldest of weather, sunlight gleaming into your home can have a huge impact to help heat your home naturally. As soon as you wake up in the morning, life your blinds and open your curtains. You will be surprised at how much more warmth you naturally feel in sun-flooded rooms if your home. When the sun goes down at night, close your curtains and blinds back up. This will help preserve the natural heat captured throughout the day in the room by adding another layer of insulation at no additional cost to you.

Reduce Home Heating Costs

Here at Star Home Heat, we are proud to offer our network of discounted fuel dealers. Search your zip code to find reliable, top-notch fuel oil providers in your area at low prices.