There’s no crystal ball when it comes to predicting your energy costs each winter. The global crude oil market plays a big role in the price you pay per gallon, but the weather is a big factor, too, and Long Island winters can be long and raw. A lot of that is out of your hands. But there are some factors that affect how much heating oil you might use on a daily basis that you can control.
If your heating system is running properly, it should use between 0.8 and 1.7 gallons of heating oil per hour during cold weather. That works out to about 20 gallons per day if you keep your thermostat set at a constant temperature.
Another way to estimate your daily heating oil use is to look at past consumption. You can divide gallons by days to estimate your daily heating oil use. We can save you some math: If you have a 2,000-square-foot home and a 275-gallon heating oil tank, a full tank (that would be 230 gallons to allow for expansion) should last between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the weather.
The main thing to remember is that every home is different. High-efficiency heating equipment in a well-sealed and well-insulated home will use less fuel than an aging boiler or furnace in a drafty house, no matter how cold it gets. Improving efficiency is a proven way to keep your daily fuel use on the low side of that range.
Turning down the thermostat and layering on the sweaters is not the only way to save energy. Of course, that’s one way to do it, but you can stay comfortable and warm all season while still keeping heating costs under control. The secret is to make it easier for your furnace or boiler to do its job. The harder it has to work to warm your home, the more fuel it will burn. (That’s why good insulation improves efficiency.)
The best way to do that is with annual maintenance by a pro and regular attention to filters—an easy DIY project. A tune-up keeps your heating equipment running smoothly, so it will use less fuel to keep your home warm. Our service technicians check for and fix problems that can decrease performance and efficiency, or that could lead to breakdowns, no-heat emergencies, and expensive repairs.
Other no- and low-cost ways to improve efficiency include reversing the direction of ceiling fans to push warm air down, and using your smart thermostat to adjust the temperature according to your schedule.
A weekend of DIY projects, like sealing up drafts with caulking, weatherstripping, and expanding foam, can help save you 20% or more on heating costs.
If your heating equipment is old or breaks down frequently, investing in a new, high-efficiency heating system can drastically cut energy costs, while improving your comfort for years—and improving the value of your home. Our experts can help you choose the best equipment for your needs and your budget.
No matter how much heating oil you may need, you want a company that puts customers first. That inherently means offering fair, transparent pricing, but it also means offering true reliability and on-time deliveries. Find out why so many homeowners and businesses across central Long Island choose Southville.
Contact us for more information or to schedule a delivery today.