A steady supply of home heating oil ensures the comfort of your family in the winter. If oil levels decrease faster than usual, there might be an issue causing waste. Follow these tips to conserve oil and boost your furnace's efficiency.

Why Is My Furnace Using So Much Home Heating Oil?

1. Dirty Air Filter

Your furnace has a filter that catches much of the dirt, dust, dander, and other containments in the air, preventing them from circulating through the vents and into the home. When an air filter is clogged, the furnace has to work harder to push air through, burning off excess heating oil.

Fortunately, this is an easy fix. The air filter is usually located inside the return air vent. If you have a replaceable filter, install a new one. A permanent filter can be removed, vacuumed off, and replaced.

2. High Thermostat Setting

The higher the temperature you set your thermostat to, the more home heating oil your furnace will use. For a warm home that doesn't demand excessive oil, set the thermostat to 68 degrees. 

If you need extra warmth, bundle up. Cover feet with socks to prevent heat loss, and get cozy under a blanket.

3. Drafts

Drafts aren't necessarily evident every time you walk through a certain part of the home. Sometimes, air leaks are barely perceptible, allowing treated air to seep out through tiny gaps around windows and doors. In all cases, drafts lower the temperature inside your home and force your heating system to run for longer and more often to maintain the desired temperature.

Walk around the perimeter of your home and see if you notice any cold spots. Hold a lighted candle around window and door frames; if the flame moves in one direction, drafts are getting in. You can remedy this issue by replacing weatherstripping and adding more caulk around affected frames.

When you need home heating oil delivery in the Rochester, NY, area, contact State Fuel Company. They have offered fuel to residents of Monroe County since 1939. This family-owned and -operated company offers affordable rates and friendly service. Call (585) 247-2380 to schedule a delivery, or visit them online to learn more about their products.