Five Simple Ways to Boost Your Home Heating Efficiency

You can improve your energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that some months of the year are more expensive than others for homeowners in Riverhead and throughout Suffolk County. Certainly, the summer in our part of New York involves high air conditioning usage and ballooning electricity bills to match it.

In winter, there is an increase in heating oil usage for power boilers and furnaces. At Burt’s Reliable, we can offer some simple suggestions to lower your fuel spending by boosting your home heating efficiency. Here are five simple ways to do it.

1. Use ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans in the winter? Believe it or not, these simple home fixtures can really help your heating efficiency. Ceiling fans have a switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Running your fans clockwise at a low speed in cooler months pushes warm air down where you can feel it. This simple trick can lower your heating costs by about 2% by letting you keep your thermostat a bit lower — and you won’t feel a difference.

2. Plug air leaks in your house.

Your furnace or boiler works harder if the warm air escapes from your home. Take some time to check for air leaks and fix them with door sweeps under external doors, weatherstripping on door frames and fresh caulking around windows. It’s also smart to assess your home’s insulation. Improving the R-value (how well it regulates heat) or the insulation in your attic, crawl spaces and basement can save you money.

3. Take advantage of the sunshine.

Let sunlight naturally heat your home by opening curtains and shades in sunlit rooms during the day. This simple step reduces the workload on your heating system, helping it cycle less frequently while keeping you cozy warm. Remember to close the shades after sunset to trap in the warmth and prevent heat from escaping overnight.

4. Program smart temperature reductions with your thermostat.

By lowering your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day, you could save up to 10% on heating costs. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to schedule these adjustments while you’re asleep or away from home. You won’t have to sacrifice any comfort in the process. For even greater convenience and energy savings, consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat, which can automatically optimize temperature settings for you.

5. Have Burt’s Reliable service or upgrade your home heating system.

Scheduling an annual tune-up for your boiler or furnace with a Burt’s Reliable technician can help you save money throughout the season. Here’s why:

• A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption.
• Our technicians can catch lingering issues early, preventing costly breakdowns.
• Bringing in a professional technician for regular maintenance work can extend the lifespan of your heating system.

Additionally, annual service is often required to maintain the validity of your manufacturer’s warranty, providing extra peace of mind.

If your heating system is over 15 years old, it’s likely less efficient, leading to higher fuel costs and frequent repairs. Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency boiler or furnace can enhance your comfort while lowering heating expenses by up to 20%.

Burt’s Reliable is the most trusted heating service, equipment installation and heating oil provider on the North Fork and East End of Long Island. Experience the responsive service and personal touch of being a Burt’s customer.