* No Heat or No Hot Water? Please check before you call:
    * If oil burner won't start...Check to see that the switch is on 
                            (red switch located at top of the cellar stairs or on the boiler)
    * Make sure that the circuit breaker or fuse is not blown.
    * Check your fuel storage tank gauge to see if you have oil.
    * Press reset button one time only.

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 HOPEFULLY it use.

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.

    * 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.

Upgrade to ENERGY STAR energy efficient heating equipment, which can save 10-40% on heating and cooling bills and may also improve the comfort level in your home. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved about $50 billion on their energy bills.

•  Close your kitchen vent, fireplace damper and closet doors when not in use.
•  Remove air conditioning window units or cover them securely.
•  Correct air leaks around windows, doors and electrical outlets, and repair weather stripping and caulking.
•  Keep radiators free of dust for top efficiency.
•  Turn your thermostat back when not at home. By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save about 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill -- a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long.
•  Get a programmable thermostat, which, when used properly, can shave $100 off your annual energy bills.
•  Make sure rugs and furniture don't block the air circulation from baseboard outlets.
•  Replace any cracked glass in your windows.
•  Seal off your attic circulating fan with polyethylene and tape.
•  Make sure your ceiling has at least six inches of good thermal insulation.
•  Install a water heater blanket for greater heating efficiency.
•  Wrap your pipes, to guard against heat loss and prevent them from freezing.
•  Keep ductwork in good repair. Your home could be losing up to 25% of its hot air before it reaches the vents! A little duct tape or duct insulation could keep all your "ducts in a row."

Conserve energy during warmer months:

•  Keep drapes, blinds and shades closed during the day to block out the sun.
•  Clear furniture away from air conditioning vents, and close unused rooms and their vents.
•  Install an attic fan - it can reduce the temperature in your attic by nearly 30%!
•  Keep cool air in by installing insulation and weather-stripping.
•  Install reflective window coatings to reflect heat away from your home.
•  Cook on the grill to keep cooking heat outside.
•  When cooking inside, use a microwave instead of a conventional oven -- it uses less than half the power and cooks food in about one-fourth the time.
•  Turn the air conditioner thermostat up to at least 78° or higher, or use a programmable thermostat. Turn air conditioners off when no one is home.
•  Plant shade trees due west of west windows - this could reduce your air conditioning bills by up to 25%.

Conserve energy around your home all year long:

•  Close off rooms you don't use - and remember to shut the vents inside.
•  Turn off the lights if you leave a room for more than a few seconds.
•  Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. They last up to 10-13 times longer than standard bulbs and use 75% less energy.
•  Install dimmer switches. In addition to making for more romantic dinners, they'll extend the life of your bulbs and help you save up to 60% on your lighting costs.
•  Install motion activated switches that automatically turn lights on and off.
•  Lower the temperature of your water heater from 140° (medium) to 120° (low). You'll save 3-5% in water heating costs for each 10° reduction. Or, consider a timer to turn your water heater off when not in use.
•  Install water-conserving fixtures, such as showerheads, faucets and toilets.
•  Install ceiling fans. They could cut your energy bill by 40%. Using reversing fans for upward airflow will move warm air down in the winter!
•  Don't keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37° to 40°F for the refrigerator and 5°F for the freezer. Also, cover food in the fridge; uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
•  Use less water and use cooler water when doing laundry. The warm or cold water setting on your machine will generally do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load's energy use in half.

Last Updated: Nov. 8th. 2008 by Bert Mathews