In Alaska, it’s never too early to prep your home or business for winter. The end of summer is the perfect time to have your heating system checked for any efficiency issues that could leave you freezing in the middle of snow season. And because heating oil prices tend to go up with increased demand, summer is also the best season to fill up your tanks. Here’s how you can conserve heating oil as the weather cools down.

How to Reduce Heating Oil Usage

1. Perform a Tuneup

Keep your furnace in good working condition by having it cleaned and serviced by a professional once a year. A heating expert can run a comprehensive check on the furnace and look for broken parts or loose connections that may affect its energy efficiency and heating oil consumption. Change dirty filters regularly as well for better performance.  

2. Schedule an Energy Audit

To know which part of your property is losing heat, call an energy auditor to perform an extensive inspection. They use high-tech equipment, such as infrared imaging and an air pressure system, to assess where you can improve insulation and correct air leakages for better energy efficiency.   

3. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature according to your settings. It can turn down the heat at night or when the place is empty, reducing your heating oil consumption.

4. Weatherproof

Minimizing air seepage in and out of your property is another way to cut heating costs, so plug up those leaks with caulking and weatherstripping. Find leaks or drafts by holding a lit incense stick by the doors and windows; if the smoke shifts, there’s an air leak. To prevent drafts, caulk windows, door frames, and other stationary components like electrical outlets and vents.  

5. Keep the Vents Clean

To get more warm air into the room, make sure the vents are unobstructed by furniture, drapes, and other items. Keep them clean with regular vacuuming, and close them in rarely used rooms. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, light it up for additional heat—but don’t forget to keep the damper closed after using it.

Summer is a convenient time to refuel your heating equipment. For your heating oil needs, rely on Alaska Petroleum in North Pole, AK, for timely deliveries. Since 1981, they have been providing quality products, such as heating oil, diesel fuel, and unleaded gas, throughout the Alaskan interior. Call (907) 488-2575 to schedule a delivery or visit them online to learn more about their fleet.