Eight Early Spring Energy-Saving Tips

Spring 2021 has officially begun – great news if you like warmer weather and more sunlight. But one thing that spring doesn’t mean here in the Hudson Valley is that heating season is over, considering the fact that temperatures here can dip into the 50s as late as June.

With several months of the heating season still ahead of us, and many of us on tight budgets these days, it’s a good idea to revisit some of the ways that you can keep your propane and heating oil bills as low as possible. The good news is that there are a number of cost-effective tweaks and investments you can make to get the most from your heating equipment.

Home Efficiency Tips

Here are eight of the best bang-for-the-buck ways to save energy in the weeks ahead.

1. Keep warm air moving – Move furniture, drapery and rugs away from vents and baseboards to make sure that the air you paid to heat reaches your living space.
2. Close your fireplace damper – Not using your fireplace? Close the damper.
3. Program your thermostat – Proper use of a thermostat could help you save you up to 10 percent on your home energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4. Seal air leaks – Now that the worst of the cold is over, get outside and caulk window frames that may have cracked over the winter months. Weatherstripping around doorways helps, too.
5. Insulate – Most homes – especially older ones – are under-insulated – a problem that costs you year-round. To learn more about where to insulate and how much insulation you need to reach recommended R-values, check out this link from the U.S. Department of Energy.
6. Change furnace air filters regularly – If you have a forced-air system (one with vents rather than radiators or baseboards), one of your most important maintenance tasks is to replace its air filters regularly. Clogged filters rob your furnace of efficiency by making it overwork to keep you warm; that means higher heating bills and more wear and tear on your equipment.
7. Cut down on hot water use – Since about one-fifth of your energy bill comes from heating water, reducing your hot water use will cut your bills substantially. Try resetting the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F (the factory setting is usually higher), installing low-flow showerheads and aerators, and washing clothes on the cold setting for starters. If you’re due for a replacement, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency propane tankless water heater.
8. Service your equipment – Routine maintenance will keep your equipment from losing about five percent efficiency every year, while also preventing heating repairs and keeping your warranty in place. If you’re thinking about skipping maintenance this year, don’t – it will more than pay for itself!

Stay comfortable and save money this spring with these cost-effective tips and tricks. Want another smart tip? Become a Bottini Fuel customer. Contact us today to learn more about expert heating maintenance in the Hudson Valley!