As your energy savings partner, Petro Home Services is committed to providing you with the best information on reducing your heating costs and conserving oil. These simple, effective steps from the Energy Communications Council*, can help you save money, lower your heating bill, and reduce your environmental impact.

1. Get an annual heating system tune-up.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “properly serviced boilers and furnaces will burn less fuel, reducing heating costs by up to 10%.” A heating system tune-up is a low-cost investment that can pay for itself throughout the winter, making it a smart choice for homeowners looking to conserve oil and lower heating bills.

2. Enroll in a budget payment plan.

Consider signing up for a budget payment plan with automatic delivery. This spreads your heating oil costs across 12 months, making it easier to manage expenses, especially during the winter. As Kevin Rooney, spokesperson for the Energy Communications Council (ECC), explains, “Many oil heat consumers across the country use budget billing because they like the convenience and certainty of having one heating expense figure to plug into their monthly home or business budget.”

3. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat.

Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to easily lower your heating bill by adjusting temperatures when you're away or asleep. It can help reduce heating costs by as much as 10% over time.
Read: Tips for choosing the right thermostat for you.

4. Insulate your home.

Sealing gaps around windows and doors, insulating pipes, and adding insulation to your attic and basement can prevent heat loss. This helps you conserve oil and reduce heating costs. Simple measures like using caulk around windows can greatly impact your heating bill.
Read: Ways to keep your house warm in the winter.

5. Replace outdated heating systems.

Consider replacing heating systems that are over 20 years old. Modern systems are significantly more efficient, potentially reducing heating costs by 15% to 25%. As the ECC highlights, “new heating systems have come a long way in terms of fuel conservation,” and can lower your heating bill while reducing your carbon footprint.

6. Use automatic heating oil delivery.

Automatic heating oil delivery ensures your heating oil tank stays full without the stress of monitoring your oil level. This service helps you maintain a consistent supply and manage heating costs more effectively.

7. Ask about Bioheat® fuel.

Bioheat® is a cleaner, renewable fuel that blends seamlessly with traditional heating oil, helping lower emissions. In states that offer ultra-low sulfur heating oil, biofuels can be blended to create a cleaner-burning option, supporting both your energy savings and the environment.

8. Upgrade or seal windows.

Installing storm windows or sealing drafty windows with an insulator kit can significantly reduce heat loss. This small step can make a big difference in how much energy you use, helping you save on heating costs and conserve oil.

9. Wrap pipes and insulate exposed areas.

Adding insulation to your pipes and exposed areas in your home like attics and basements will prevent heat loss and conserve oil. It’s an easy, effective way to reduce heating costs during winter months.

10. Maximize sunlight.

During the day, open curtains to let sunlight naturally warm your home. Close them at night to retain heat and avoid drafts. This can contribute to lowering your heating bill.

11. Close vents and doors when not in use.

Be sure to close fireplace dampers, kitchen vents, and closet doors to prevent heat from escaping. This step can help conserve energy and reduce heating costs.

12. Move furniture away from radiators.

When heat is trapped behind furniture or heavy drapes it doesn't distribute evenly, leading to cold spots in your home and forcing your heating system to work harder. Keep furniture and drapes away from radiators to allow heat to circulate freely throughout your home.

13. Lower your thermostat.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to save on your heating bill is by adjusting your thermostat. Even a slight reduction in temperature can make a noticeable difference in energy use and costs. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you can save about 2% on your heating bill. Over time, this adds up to significant savings without sacrificing too much comfort.

Here’s how you can make this strategy work for you:

• Lower the temperature at night when you’re sleeping
• Turn down the thermostat when you’re not home
• Set a comfortable base temperature
• Use zoning to control heat distribution

14. Explore green heating options

Switch to Bioheat® or ultra-low sulfur heating oil for a cleaner, more eco-friendly way to heat your home. These renewable fuel options can help reduce both your heating costs and your environmental impact.

Contact your local HVAC pros at Petro today.

At Petro Home Services, we’re proud to help communities across DC, CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, and RI find practical solutions to conserve oil, reduce heating costs, and stay comfortable this winter.

Find your local Petro location.

*The ECC is funded in part by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA). **Bioheat fuel options may not be available in all areas. Source: The ECC is comprised of the New England Fuel Institute, the Delaware Valley Fuel Dealers’ Association, the Empire State Petroleum Association, the Massachusetts Oilheat Council, Oil Heat Comfort