With inflation on a sharp rise and the cost of living increasing, it's more important than ever to take steps to save money. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can lower certain costs, including your heating oil and gasoline expenses. This guide goes into more detail on what you can do to bring fuel bills down.

Home Heating

Smart Oil Gauge

A smart oil gauge uses a sensor to detect the amount of heating oil in your tank and sends the measurement directly to a Wi-Fi-enabled device. This allows you to monitor the tank no matter where you are and see how much oil is being used hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. With this information, you can identify and adjust your oil usage to save money. For instance, you might find that the heater is running and consuming a lot of oil while no one is home during the day.

Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is especially useful when used in tandem with the oil gauge. Using the data from the gauge, you can adjust the thermostat to optimize HVAC usage. If people are out of the house during the day, a smart thermostat can be programmed to lower the temperature by several degrees during that time, preventing the heater from using as much oil when the home is unoccupied.

Insulation

Increasing insulation in your home will reduce the transfer of heat and help keep interior temperatures warmer without relying so much on the heater. Inspect the sealant around all windows and doors and replace any cracked, missing, or loose areas of caulking or weatherstripping. You might also consider having a professional assess your insulation and replace or add to it as needed to increase its protective capabilities.

Gasoline

Recent international events have led to notable increases in the cost of gasoline, but making small changes to your driving habits can save you a considerable amount on fuel costs. Avoid rapid acceleration and short stops, and drive at slower speeds when possible.

A well-maintained vehicle tends to have better fuel economy, so keep up with routine maintenance, such as oil changes and engine tune-ups. Keeping your tires inflated to the manual-recommended psi can also help, as properly inflated tires can improve your gas mileage by 3.3%.

When you need heating oil or fuel delivery, contact Bradigan's Incorporated in Kittanning, PA. Since 1952, this company has provided home and business owners throughout Armstrong and surrounding counties with the petroleum products they need to keep their properties and vehicles running smoothly. They also offer several area refueling stations. Call (724) 548-7654 to request a quote, or visit their website to explore their services in more detail.