Although heating oil is far less expensive than heating with electricity, you may still be looking to cut costs where you can. To help reduce your expenses without sacrificing comfort, take the following steps this winter.

How to Reduce Your Heating Oil Costs

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat

You can save up to 10% on heating costs each year by lowering the temperature seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day while you're working or sleeping. To help with this, get a digital thermostat that lets you program various temperatures throughout the day. That way, your HVAC system will automatically turn on or shut off depending on programmed settings. You can even have it crank the heat back up an hour before you awaken or return home, so you never notice the temperature drop.

2. Draw Back the Curtains

Heat from the sun enters your house through the windows and warms the floors, walls, and furniture. These items then store the heat during the day and rerelease it at night when temperatures drop to help the house stay warm with less reliance on heating oil. For the best results, remove blinds, curtains, and other obstructions from south-facing windows during the day to admit as much light as possible. Do the same with east-facing windows in the morning and windows on the west in the afternoon.

3. Seal Up Drafts

If you notice currents of cold air in certain rooms of your house, inspect the windows and doors for drafts. In particular, older homes often leak heat energy, costing you a considerable amount each winter. If the leaks around your windows are isolated, seal them with caulk. Otherwise, cover the entire window with weatherizing plastic film and add weatherstripping to doors on the sides, top, and bottom. Sealing leaks and insulating the attic can save you an additional 10% on energy costs each year.

To see if you can save more on heating oil this winter, contact Thomaston Oil in Litchfield County, CT, for a price quote. This affordable and reliable family-owned business has served residents throughout the state for more than 30 years. Learn more about their discount options by visiting their website, or call (860) 283-4878 to schedule a delivery today.