Homeowners who are new to heating oil may not know how they should prepare to use this type of heating system for the first time. In order to have a smooth transition to using this type of heating system, there are a few basic tips that can go a long way in helping you to avoid significant problems.
Service The Heating System
As with any other type of heating system, improving energy efficiency without sacrificing performance is often a key concern. For furnaces and boilers that use heating oil, this will involve having the unit serviced before the winter. This is especially important when you have recently purchased a home with one of these systems as you will not know when these components were last professionally serviced.
Decide On A Heating Oil Delivery Service Before Winter Arrives
Throughout the winter, your home will need to receive deliveries of heating oil if it is to have enough fuel to continue powering the heating system. Deciding on a heating oil service provider before the arrival of winter can provide you with a number of advantages. For example, you will have more time to thoroughly shop around to compare deliveries fees and other costs. Additionally, you can better evaluate the amenities and services that these providers offer, such as prepaying for fuel. By prepaying for fuel, you can lock in your heating oil when the price is lower in the summer. The heating oil provider will store or otherwise reserve this oil for you so that you can use it during the winter. If you fail to buy enough oil for the entire winter, you will be switched to the market rate once your prepaid fuel runs out.
Document The Amount Of Heating Oil Your Home Uses During The Winter
Knowing how much heating oil your home is going to need for the winter is important information for any homeowner with an oil-burning furnace or boiler. In addition to making it easier to budget for the coming winter months, this information can also make it easier to recognize when there is a problem with the system that is resulting in an increase in fuel usage. In addition to recording the amount of fuel that your system is using, you may also want to record the price that you paid as the costs of heating oil during the winter months can increase substantially. By recording this information, you will find that you are better prepared to budget and manage your home's winter heating needs.