Energy-Saving Tips
If you live in Connecticut, you know winter heating costs can add up quickly. In this guide, we’ll share practical, energy-saving tips for oil-heated homes. When the temperatures drop, your oil-fired heating system works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable — but that doesn’t mean your energy bills have to skyrocket.
From small DIY changes to professional tune-ups, you’ll find ways to stretch every gallon of heating oil and keep your home cozy all season long.
At Yankee Oil, we’ve been helping local homeowners get the most from their heating oil for decades. We understand the challenges of unpredictable New England weather, and we know that comfort and savings can go hand in hand with the right strategy.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters
Energy efficiency isn’t just about saving money — though that’s a big benefit. Improving the efficiency of your oil-heated home can also:
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Reduce your household’s environmental footprint
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Extend the life of your heating equipment
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Prevent mid-season breakdowns and costly repairs
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Improve indoor comfort by maintaining steady, even heat
When you treat your heating system as an investment — and care for it regularly — you’ll enjoy reliable performance all winter long.
Schedule a Professional Heating System Tune-Up
One of the best ways to save energy in an oil-heated home is to have your system professionally serviced every year. A tune-up can:
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Clean soot buildup from the burner for more efficient combustion
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Check and replace filters to improve airflow
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Calibrate the system for peak performance
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Identify small issues before they become costly repairs
A clean, well-tuned system can improve efficiency by up to 10% — which translates directly into savings on your heating bills. At Yankee Oil, our expert technicians perform thorough maintenance so your system is ready for the coldest days of the year.
Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Your thermostat is the “brain” of your heating system. If you still have an old manual dial thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the easiest energy-saving moves you can make.
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Programmable thermostats let you set a schedule, lowering the temperature when you’re asleep or away and bringing it back up before you wake or return.
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Smart thermostats go further by learning your habits and making automatic adjustments to save energy without sacrificing comfort.
Even dropping the temperature by just 7–10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% annually on heating costs.
Seal Drafts and Insulate
Drafts and poor insulation are like leaving a window open in winter — your heating system has to work overtime to make up for the loss.
Where to check:
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Around doors and windows
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Attic hatches
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Baseboards and electrical outlets on exterior walls
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Gaps where plumbing or wiring enters the house
Use weatherstripping, caulk, and spray foam to seal leaks. Consider adding insulation to your attic, basement, or crawl spaces if they’re under-insulated. This one-time investment can pay off in lower bills year after year.
Bleed Your Radiators or Baseboards
If you have a hot-water heating system with radiators or baseboard heaters, air can get trapped inside, reducing efficiency. Bleeding your radiators at the start of the heating season can restore proper circulation and ensure every room gets warm evenly.
Keep Vents and Radiators Clear
Furniture, curtains, and rugs can block heat flow. Make sure vents, baseboards, or radiators are unobstructed so warm air can circulate freely throughout your home.
Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
Many ceiling fans have a reverse setting that pushes warm air down from the ceiling during the winter months. Running your fans on low in reverse can help distribute heat more evenly and reduce the need to raise the thermostat.
Monitor Your Oil Tank Level
Running out of heating oil can cause system shutdowns, air locks, and even damage to your equipment. Monitoring your tank regularly ensures you don’t run dry — and allows you to take advantage of price dips by ordering when rates are lower.
Consider signing up for automatic delivery with Yankee Oil to take the guesswork out of tracking your oil level. Our system monitors your usage and weather patterns to deliver oil right when you need it.
Consider a System Upgrade
If your boiler or furnace is more than 15–20 years old, it may be running at 60–70% efficiency — far below today’s modern systems, which often reach 85–95% efficiency. Upgrading your heating system can:
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Lower fuel consumption significantly
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Qualify you for rebates or incentives in Connecticut
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Increase home comfort and reduce noise
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Provide peace of mind for years to come
Yankee Oil can help you choose the right system and guide you through financing or rebate programs.
Manage Humidity Levels
Dry winter air can make your home feel cooler than it actually is. Using a humidifier helps your home feel warmer at a lower temperature — and protects wood furniture and floors from drying out.
Layer Up & Zone Heat Strategically
Sometimes, saving energy is as simple as changing your habits:
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Wear cozy layers at home to keep the thermostat lower
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Close doors and vents in unused rooms to avoid heating empty spaces
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Use space heaters in frequently occupied rooms (safely and sparingly)
Keep Up with Air Filter Changes
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder. Check your filters monthly and replace them at least every 1–3 months during heavy heating season.
Take Advantage of Budget Plans
Energy-saving tips aren’t just about reducing usage — they can also help you manage costs more predictably. Yankee Oil offers budget payment plans so you can spread heating costs evenly across the year, avoiding winter bill spikes.
Work With a Trusted Local Heating Partner
Having a reliable local company on your side is one of the best investments you can make in your home comfort. With decades of experience serving Eastern Connecticut, Yankee Oil is here to:
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Deliver high-quality heating oil right when you need it
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Provide expert maintenance, repairs, and emergency service
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Offer honest advice about upgrades and efficiency improvements
We care about keeping your family warm — and your bills as low as possible.
Improving the efficiency of your oil-heated home doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking small steps like sealing drafts, upgrading your thermostat, and scheduling a professional tune-up, you can save money, stay warm, and extend the life of your heating system.
Ready to prepare your home for the season? Contact Yankee Oil today to schedule your annual heating system tune-up or learn more about our automatic delivery and budget payment plans. Let’s make this winter your most comfortable — and efficient — one yet.
