20 Tips to Lower Your Energy Prices this Winter

Looking for ways to save money this winter? We can help! If you’re like most residents in New Jersey, cutting down on energy prices is important to you. You might already be doing some things to cut costs like lowering the heat at night, but to save you even more, our heating and cooling experts have put together this list of 20 simple things you can do now to make your home more energy efficient (without sacrificing comfort).

Decrease Energy Prices Heating Your Home

Heating a home can be one of the largest energy drains; but it offers the biggest opportunity to save since about 30 percent of home energy budget goes toward heating. Try these quick tips out today:

1. Have your heating system inspected and regularly maintained by a professional at Princeton Fuel every season. Heat loss from a poorly maintained system can add up over time costing you much more in the long run: as much as 2 percent a year.
2. Clean and replace your air filter regularly to allow the furnace to “breathe” more easily.
3. Move furniture, rugs and curtains out of the way from heat registers and ducts.
4. When it’s time to replace your furnace, look for those that are ENERGY STAR energy-efficient.
5. Lower your heat at night and add an extra blanket for warmth.
6. Prevent drafts by keeping your attic, basement and garage doors closed.
7. Turn on your ceiling fans at a slow setting to push warm air away from the ceiling and allow it to move that warm air around the room without creating the breeze.
8. Set a programmable thermostat to automatically turn the heat up before you get out of bed, down when you leave the house, and back up again before you get home.
9. For every degree you dial down on the heat, you can save 1-3 percent on your heating costs.
10. Set your thermostat at 68 degrees when you’re home and 65 degrees when you’re away for a short period of time.
11. If you’re away for longer (over 4 hours), lower the setting to 58 degrees.
12. Reduce hot water heating by taking a shower instead of a bath.
13. Install a low-flow aerator on your shower head to use less water.
14. Place an insulating blanket around your water heater to hold the heat in.
15. Set your water heater at 120 degrees to cut water heating bills without sacrificing a warm shower.
16. Remember to turn off the faucet when you don’t need it (for example, when you shave).
17. Stop heat from escaping out your window by using drapes with an insulating liner.
18. Open curtains to let the sun shine in and close them on cloudy days and at night to keep heat from leaving.
19. Add an extra insulation to floors by covering them with a rug.
20. And finally, sign up for automatic oil delivery: a worry-free option that will save you money and time.

To set up your oil delivery service with Princeton Fuel, please get in touch online or at 800.253.9001.