Emergency
Service Tips:
Energy
Saving Tips
U.S.
Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency Tips:
Oil
Heating Efficiency Tips Service
your system annually: Oil combustion produces soot that
insulates heat exchanger and flue pipe surfaces over time
and must be removed. This is part of an annual service routine
that includes nozzle and filter replacement, safety control
testing, and a combustion efficiency test (measurement of
stack temperature and flue gases plus a calculation). Ask
your serviceman for the efficiency test result: if it is less
than 80%, ask why? If it cannot be increased with minor tuning/changes,
it may make economic sense to consider replacing your heating
system. New systems typically produce 85%+ efficiency test
results.
Consider
replacing older systems. If your system is over twenty
years old, and efficiency is low, consider replacing it. It’s
not unusual for homeowners to experience a 20% fuel saving
after upgrading from an old system to a new high-efficiency
system.
Ask
your serviceman if your nozzle can be ‘downsized’.
Smaller nozzles allow the system to run longer while burning
the same amount of fuel, thus increasing the on-time and operating
efficiency. This is a no-cost option.
Inspect
your oil tank regularly for any sign of leakage. Oil tanks
tend to leak from the bottom first; run your hand under the
bottom to detect any areas of dampness. If you suspect water
in the oil (particularly with outside tanks), ask your serviceman
to ‘dip’ your tank. This test will reveal the amount
of water, if any, sitting on the bottom of your tank. If necessary,
it can be pumped out to prevent corrosion. Some newer tanks
have the outlet at the bottom of the tank to ensure that water
is removed as soon as it forms, thus preventing corrosion.
Contact your fuel oil supplier for details.
Make
sure the air filters are replaced/cleaned as required
on warm air distribution system. With hot water distribution
systems, fix leaks promptly and ensure air locks are not compromising
water movement.
Tips
for Equipment upgrades and replacements:
- The
difference in cost between good equipment and poor equipment
is surprisingly low, make sure to buy a high-quality
product. Check out our manufacturer's
page.
- Don’t
buy a brand that isn’t commonly serviced by local
dealers. They turn out to be more expensive in the long
run.
- Today efficient
systems use less fuel, keeping heating bills down. They
can pay for themselves within 5 to 8 years.
- A new heating
system is one of the top five investments you can make
in your home. This is an excellent advantage when selling
your home.
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