Winter Warmth and Energy-Saving Tips from the Oil Heat Institute of Long Island

October 1, 2003¡KLast winter¡¦s snow and cold sent a shiver through Long Island. But, the bad news is that last year was actually closer to a ¡§normal¡¨ winter than we have had in the past five years. If the possibility of average winter weather sounds chilling, here are some important warmth and energy-saving tips from the Oil Heat Institute of Long Island.

October 1, 2003¡KLast winter¡¦s snow and cold sent a shiver through Long Island. But, the bad news is that last year was actually closer to a ¡§normal¡¨ winter than we have had in the past five years. If the possibility of average winter weather sounds chilling, here are some important warmth and energy-saving tips from the Oil Heat Institute of Long Island:

„X Inspect and tune up your furnace now to increase system efficiency and avoid the risk of system breakdown.

„X Do simple routine maintenance on your overall heating system, including changing air filters and sealing ducts with tape.

„X Unblock heat registers by moving furniture, especially beds and couches, tying back drapes, and repositioning carpets and rugs.

„X Weather-strip and/or caulk windows, doors and attic accesses and frames, preferably from the inside.

„X Repair broken or cracked glass; re-putty older windows and doors; check that windows, doors and vents close properly; remove or cover air conditioners.

„X Check for a tight seal on your fireplace damper and install a chimney block if it is used infrequently.

„X Install automatic setback thermostats that adjust the heat to your schedule; lower your heat to 55 degrees if you are gone for long periods. (Turning your heat down 10 degrees for eight hours can save about 10 percent of your heating bill.)

„X Insulate attics (especially attics with less than seven inches of insulation), walls, and flooring over unheated crawl spaces or basements.

„X For windows that are rarely opened, such as cellar windows, install interior storm windows or tight-sealing, insulated curtains or window coverings.

„X Keep doors of unused rooms, closets and cabinets shut and keep your garage door closed as much as possible.

The Oil Heat Institute of Long Island is a not-for-profit trade association of heating oil retailers, middle-level wholesalers and associated businesses serving the retail heating oil industry in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. OHI has provided industry analysis to members and others concerned with heating oil and its impact on the economy, including federal, state and local government agencies, educational institutions and the media. OHI also has an extensive energy conservation and consumer assistance program.
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