Oil Tank and Heating Energy Tips
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Tips to Help You Save Energy
Keep cold drafts out
- The drafts from under doors and windows make up one-third of your home's total heat loss. Block drafts by laying a homemade 'snake' across the cracks:
- Make a tube out of a towel, knee sock, or several socks sewn together.
- Stuff the tube with some kind of bulky material.
- Sew the open end closed.
Don't fool your thermostat
- Your thermostat is sensitive to nearby appliances that create heat, such as lamps, TVs, and computers, which make it think your house is warmer than it actually is. Keep these items at least three feet away from your thermostat and avoid hanging Christmas lights or other decorations from it as they can also affect your thermostat's setting.
Don't heat your house when you don't need to
- It is common to set your thermostat and leave it at one setting all winter long. However, using your thermostat wisely can help you to save money. You can save up to 15% on your annual heating costs by reducing the heat to 68 degrees. Consider using a clock or programmable thermostat to turn the heat up and down for you automatically when you're not home or asleep.
Dress appropriately
- Wearing more clothes will help you to stay warm. Turning down the thermostat even one degree can save you 2-3% off your annual heating bill, and reducing it by five degrees can help you save 10-15%.
Don't let the heat go over your head
- Warm air rises, but it doesn't help you way up near the ceiling. Use a ceiling fan or regular pedestal fan pointed at the ceiling to circulate the heat.
Create humidity
- Humid air is warmer than dry air. If you don't have a central humidifier, place a shallow plan of water on your radiators or in front of your baseboards.
Take inventory of what needs to be fixed
- Winter is the time when you notice all the heating issues in your home. Don't ignore the cold drafts from loose-fitting windows and weak caulking. Consider replacing the windows if they have rotten or damaged wood, cracked glass, missing putty, poorly-fitted sashes, or missing locks. Make a list of what needs to be done to improve your home's heating efficiency so that you remember it when the weather is warmer and you can comfortably work outside.
Oil Tank Tips
Follow this checklist regarding your oil tank. If you note anything listed below that causes concern, DO NOT touch the tank. Please follow our recommendation at the end of the list.
- Look at the tank legs. Does anything concern you?
- Are there any rust spots or wet spots on the tank?
- Are there any signs of leakage around the oil filter or valves
- Is the oil line encased in protective tubing
- Are there any signs of spills around the fill pipe?
- Is the vent whistle silent while the tank is being filled?
- Do you see oil or staining around the tank gauge?
- Is your tank over 25 years old?
- If your tank is outside, is there any danger or snow or ice falling on the oil line or filter?
- Outside tanks should be enclosed in a shed or other enclosure to protect it against damage from ice, snow, and extreme cold weather.
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, please call Dunn Oil Company, Inc at (978) 897-3366 and we will send a service technician to give you a professional opinion and provide solutions.
Rebates for Energy-Efficient Systems
The Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association along with the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) have implemented a new equipment rebate program that gives homeowners great incentive to upgrade their heating system to high-efficiency models.
Massachusetts homeowners are now eligible to receive rebates up to $500 for installing a new high-efficiency heating system and new above-ground heating oil tank. Dunn Oil Company, Inc can help you qualify for these rebates. Program funds are limited and rebates are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Heating oil is still one of the best options for heating your home, and now modernizing your heating system is a lot easier and more affordable. Download your rebate coupon today and present it to your heating oil company at time of purchase.
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