How To Reduce Heating Oil Consumption In South Eastern Massachusetts

May 25, 2013

When it comes to keeping your home warm and comfortable in the fall and winter months, concerns about home heating oil costs can often become a factor with many homeowners. However, there are many ways that you can reduce energy consumption and lower your home heating oil bill just by making a couple of common-sense changes to your normal routine. Energy costs are a concern for all homeowners, particularly in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, where the cold season can drag on much longer than in other parts of the country. Check out our list of the ten things you can do today to make a big difference in your monthly home heating oil consumption.

Step One – Get In-Tune!

Contents

0.1 Step One – Get In-Tune!
0.2 Step Two – Window Treatments
0.3 Step Three – Thermostat Control
0.4 Step Four – Check for Leaks
0.5 Step Five – Check Vents
0.6 Step Six – Upgraded System
0.7 Step Seven – Worry-Free Payments
0.8 Step Eight – Tank Sure Program
0.9 Step Nine – Residential Service Plans
0.10 Step Ten – Automatic Delivery

1 Call Columbus Energies and Get Started Today!

An annual tune-up of your heating and air-conditioning system is the best way to keep energy costs down all year long. Contact your local HVAC service provider to schedule a thorough inspection and tune-up of your equipment to make sure it is performing as it should.

Step Two – Window Treatments

Your shades and draperies should be opened during the day when the sun is shining to help warm up your home in the daytime. They should be closed up tight in the evening after the sun goes down to reduce heat loss through windows.

Step Three – Thermostat Control

Consider getting a programmable thermostat to keep temperatures in check at night when you are away from the home during the day or away for the weekend. In the meantime consider dropping your thermostat slightly to conserve energy. Even a couple of degrees can make a big difference in your monthly bill.

Step Four – Check for Leaks

Check doors and windows to make sure that there aren’t any air leaks. Use insulating materials made specifically for your type of doors and windows to seal leaks and caulk or re-caulk any windows to ensure that warm air isn’t leaking outside.

Step Five – Check Vents

Check your fireplace damper, kitchen vent, and even air conditioning unit vents when not in use. They can be a huge source of incoming cold air from outdoors and a method for your warm air to get out. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking radiators and vents to improve warmth throughout the entire house.

Step Six – Upgraded System

If you have a heating system that is over 20 years old, consider updating it. Modern technology makes it possible to reduce your home heating oil costs by as much as 15-25 percent. Speak with your HVAC service technician about getting an efficiency check for your system to see if you would benefit from an upgrade.

Step Seven – Worry-Free Payments

Check with Columbus Energies, your home heating oil supplier, to find out more about their Worry-Free Payment Plan, which is designed to reduce your monthly energy bill by distributing payments over a 12-month period. No more surprise wintertime bills!

Step Eight – Tank Sure Program

Sign up for the Tank Sure Program through Columbus Energies, which is designed to monitor, protect and maintain your home heating oil equipment to minimize leaks and improve value. The Tank Sure Program features a $1,000 tank replacement warranty to help reduce unexpected costs. Talk to your representative for details!

Step Nine – Residential Service Plans

Get on the Columbus Energies residential service plan which provides regular check-ups and tune-ups of your home heating oil appliances to ensure that they are in proper working order. A free annual cleaning and equipment-specific services can also be included to provide effective and efficient operation of your equipment year-round.

Step Ten – Automatic Delivery

Join the automatic delivery program through Columbus Energies and you will never run out of heating oil this winter – no matter what! Enjoy the confidence that comes from our no-run-out guarantee. No more monitoring your fuel supply and then waiting for a delivery, we track your supply and make sure that your home has sufficient oil whenever you need it.

Call Columbus Energies and Get Started Today!

Contact one of our professional and experienced representatives at Columbus Energies to get started on a comprehensive home heating oil delivery program and residential service plan that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Columbus Energies has been providing home heating oil delivery service and maintenance to residential and commercial property owners for over 50 years. Call 1-877-674-1492 to find out more about all of the programs, services, and plans available to our customers in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

HVAC expert checking home central AC unit

Seven HVAC Tips For A Smooth Transition From Winter To Spring

April 15, 2024

$HVAC units play a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and safety of modern building environments. Yet, these indispensable systems are not immune to the challenges of power surges. Such surges, frequently resulting from events like lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the electrical grid, can unleash a rapid influx of electrical current. This sudden surge can inflict severe damage on vital components of the HVAC system, including the compressor, fan motor, and control board. The repercussions of such damage can range from expensive repairs to the necessity of replacing the entire HVAC unit. Given these risks, implementing surge protectors and adhering to electrical safety best practices to safeguard HVAC systems effectively is paramount. Is Your HVAC System Secured Against Power Surges? Pondering over protecting your HVAC system against power surges often indicates a need for proactive measures. Seek the expertise of a seasoned HVAC technician who is ready to evaluate and enhance your system's resilience against power surges. Their guidance and recommendations will ensure that your HVAC system is well-prepared to withstand the challenges posed by unexpected power surges and outages. Understanding Power Surges: What Are They? A power surge represents an abrupt spike in electrical voltage, surpassing the standard levels within a power supply system. These surges can manifest for various reasons, including sudden disruptions in the electrical current flow. Common triggers for these surges include events like lightning strikes, power outages, or the switching on and off of large electrical appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and elevators. Power surges, often lasting merely a fraction of a second, can nonetheless wreak significant havoc on electrical devices and appliances. The surge's excessive electrical energy overburdens and damages the sensitive electronic components within these devices, potentially leading to malfunctions or total failures. Differentiating Power Surge, Power Outage, and Brownout While power surges, power outages, and brownouts all stem from electrical power supply disturbances, they each describe distinct phenomena: Power Surge: This is a brief, intense increase in electrical voltage, due to lightning strikes, outages, or high-powered equipment. A power surge can potentially damage electronic devices and appliances hence surge protectors are essential to safeguard them from potential damage. Power Outage: This event happens when there's an interruption in the electrical power supply to a location, leading to a total loss of power. Numerous factors, such as severe weather conditions and electrical equipment failure, can trigger power outages or even planned maintenance activities. Brownout: Characterized by a reduction in voltage within the electrical power supply, a brownout manifests as dimming or flickering lights and reduced power to appliances. Causes range from high demand on the power grid to equipment malfunctions or issues within the electrical system of a specific building or area. Don't let power surges damage your HVAC system. Contact Columbus Energies now for professional surge protection solutions and ensure your system's longevity and performance! HVAC Components Vulnerable to Power Surges Here are several parts affected by power surges: HVAC Control Board Often referred to as the system's "brain," the HVAC control board is critical for communication with the thermostat. A power surge can damage this component, disrupting its function. Such damage impairs the HVAC system's ability to regulate temperature effectively, leading to insufficient heating or cooling. This can result in discomfort, especially during periods of extreme temperatures. HVAC Compressor Motor This crucial part of your HVAC system, recognizable as a box with wires protruding, plays a pivotal role in refrigerant compression. It converts low-pressure, cool refrigerant into a high-pressure, heated state. The motor, integral to the compressor, is prone to power surge damage. It consists of numerous wires that transform electrical energy into kinetic energy. A surge can cause these wires to overheat, potentially leading to combustion. Furthermore, a compromised motor affects the compressor's performance, hindering its ability to function efficiently. HVAC Capacitor This essential component, typically oval-shaped, serves as a storage unit for electrical charge, crucial for powering the electrical components in your HVAC system. Vulnerable to power surges, the capacitor can sustain damage when exposed to such events. This damage may result in operational difficulties for your HVAC system. HVAC Relay Switch This switch plays a crucial role in your HVAC system, acting to turn on or off components that require high-voltage power. A key feature of most relay switches is an electrical contactor surrounded by a coil. In the event of a voltage exceeding a specific threshold, as in a power surge, the coil is likely to burn out. This can lead to a broken circuit, causing the relay switch to malfunction. Keep your HVAC system safe from power surges with Columbus Energies' comprehensive surge protection services. Reach out to us today for peace of mind and reliable protection! Preventing Power Surge Damage to Your HVAC System Power surges pose a severe risk to HVAC systems, potentially leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Listed below are several tips to protect your HVAC system from power surge damage: Install Surge Protectors: Placing surge protectors on your HVAC unit and electrical panels offers crucial defense against unexpected power surges. These devices act as a barrier, safeguarding your system. Unplug Appliances During Storms: As a precaution, disconnect your HVAC system and other appliances during thunderstorms or severe weather. This simple action can prevent potential damage from lightning-induced surges. Utilize High-Quality Wiring: Implementing top-tier wiring and components is crucial in safeguarding your HVAC system against power surge damage. For optimal safety and efficiency, it's advisable to have these elements installed by a skilled electrician. Regular HVAC Maintenance: Consistently maintaining your HVAC system is a proactive way to prevent surge-related damage. Key practices include cleaning and replacing air filters, ensuring proper refrigerant levels, and inspecting electrical connections. Install a Whole-House Surge Protector: Consider a whole-house surge protector for comprehensive protection. Installed at your main electrical panel, it shields your entire home, HVAC system included, from power surges, thus securing all your appliances. Ensure your HVAC system's safety and longevity with Columbus Energies' top-notch surge protection services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your investment! HVAC Power Surge Damage & Warranty Limitations Warranties from HVAC manufacturers typically exclude coverage for power surge damage. Relying on homeowners' insurance can be complex, as proving surge-related damage is often difficult, especially when it accumulates over time. Consequently, homeowners might find themselves responsible for expensive HVAC repairs arising from incidents like lightning strikes, overloaded electrical circuits, or appliance-related issues. Conclusion HVAC systems represent a significant investment crucial for home comfort. Proactive prevention is vital to avoid incurring high costs from power surge damages. Investing in protective measures is a wise choice compared to facing the expense of repairs or replacements. Consult trusted HVAC professionals to ensure your system is well-protected and maintained. Contact Columbus Energies for All Your HVAC Needs Columbus Energies is a premier heating and cooling service provider in Southeastern Massachusetts and the Rhode Island region. Our professionally certified technicians are highly skilled in various HVAC services, including tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Rely on our expertise for accurate and efficient servicing of your system. As a highly sought-after service provider in the region, we are always prepared to meet your HVAC needs. We pride ourselves on offering the area's most affordable heating and cooling solutions. Columbus Energies is synonymous with quality service and cost-effectiveness. lightening storm and hvac surge protection$