Lower Your Heating Costs This Winter

In case that early December storm wasn’t enough proof, winter has arrived in the Catskills and Hudson Valley region.

We’re here to help you make your winter heating costs easier to manage with some tips to help reduce your heating bill this winter.

1. Use your thermostat properly. If you lower the temperature setting on your thermostat by eight to 10 degrees when no one is home or when you’re in bed (flannel sheets are the best!), you can save 10 percent or more on your heating bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The easiest way to make that happen is with a programmable thermostat. They’re easy to install and reasonably priced. You can set it to lower the temperature while you’re away from home or sleeping, and to warm up before you get home or wake up. And today’s programmable thermostats can even be managed with your smartphone!
2. Service your heating equipment. Skipping regular maintenance can be raise your heating bills. Each year your furnace or boiler isn’t properly maintained, it loses about five percent of its efficiency. That means it will have to work harder and use more fuel to keep your home warm, causing your heating bills to go up. If you haven’t had your annual service for your heating system, contact Bottini Fuel to set it up. And don’t forget to ask about our service plans that can help you save even more!
3. Stop drafts. Did you know that as much as 15 percent of the heated air in your home can be lost to drafts? That’s like keeping a window open! Those drafts force your furnace or boiler to use more energy to keep your home warm. Keep the heated air you paid for in and the cold air out by using weatherstripping, caulk and doorstops to block those drafts.

Bottini Fuel can help you save on your heating costs this winter with equipment service, reliable heating oil and propane delivery, and more! Contact us today to become a customer.