5 Signs That You're Spending Too Much On Home Heating Oil

Automotive Blog

Although you can obviously expect to dedicate a portion of your household budget to home heating oil during the winter months, you shouldn't let your need for oil put you in a financial bind. There are a lot of people out there who spend way too much on heating their homes during the cold season, so look for these five signs that you are one of these people. Luckily, there are a few easy changes that you can make so that you can spend less on heating oil for your household.

1. You Don't Fill Up Your Tank at the Beginning of the Season

If you wait until the middle of the cold season to refill your heating oil tank, there's a chance that you're spending way too much on oil. By filling up before the season starts, you can generally get a lower price. Plus, you won't have to worry about running out when it's really cold outside.

2. You Don't Buy Full Tanks at Once

Although cutting a check for a full tank of oil can really put a damper on your wallet, doing so is generally the best way to score low prices on oil. Since many companies charge delivery fees for each trip that they make, you can save by getting it all at once. Plus, your oil company might sell you the oil at a lower rate if you agree to buy it in a larger quantity.

3. You Haven't Called to Ask About Discounts

Many oil companies offer discounts to senior citizens, members or veterans of the military and more. Make sure that you call customer service and ask about any discounts that you might qualify for; then, you can enjoy a lower rate on oil for the rest of the season.

4. You Buy Oil on Weekends or Holidays

Before the weekend or any upcoming holidays, make sure that you check the levels on your oil tank. If you have to call and have your tank filled up on a non-business day, there's a chance that you'll pay a significant surcharge.

5. You are Using Too Much Oil to Heat Your Home

Make sure that you are proactive about conserving oil. Consider installing a programmable thermostat so that you aren't keeping your home warm when no one is home during the day, and seal up any drafts by caulking around your windows and putting draft protectors around your doors. These small changes can help you drastically reduce the amount of oil that you use each winter.

It's true that heating oil can get expensive, but you shouldn't let high prices get you down. Instead, look for these five signs that you're spending too much, and make changes as necessary to help reduce costs.

For more information, contact Cardinal USA Fuel Oil or a similar company.

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18 November 2014