InspectAPedia ^®

Heating System Tuneup Priorities to Save Money InspectAPedia®  -     Heating System Tuneup Priorities to Save Money Specific tips to significantly cut heating costs

Setting Priorities Helps in Saving Money on Heating Cost

I would prioritize these heating cost savings topics in order of probable economy and work on them in that order:

1. Clean and tune the heating system. If the oil burner is not operating properly you are wasting money every time the system runs. See OIL BURNERS.
2. Set back the thermostat. We discussed this above. See THERMOSTATS and if you are actually shutting heat down in a building or in part of one, see WINTERIZE A BUILDING.
3. Buy cheaper oil in summer. Some owners install additional oil storage to take advantage of summer prices. See HEATING COST FUEL & BTU Cost Table
4. Hot Air Heat: Change the air filters monthly when the system is in use. A blocked air filter drastically reduces air flow and increases the length of time your furnace has to run to warm up the home. See FURNACES, HEATING and AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS
5. Then after these critical items, consider all of the other tune up and modification suggestions. Be sure to see Setting Overall Energy Savings Priorities.

Share this Article      

...

Technical Reviewers & References

Search InspectAPedia

• Daniel Friedman - principal author/editor of the InspectAPedia^® Website
• InspectAPedia Bookstore lists recommended books, organized by topic & available for purchase. Most of our articles also include a list of recommended books for the specific article topic as well as other references, and information sources.
• Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
• Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

HEATING SYSTEMS HOME PAGE
How To Cut Heating Costs
Book on Reducing Heating Costs
  Rising Oil Prices, Rushed Service, Home Heating Cost
  How to Read this Heating Cost Book on CD
  How to Really Save Home Heating Costs
Setting Heat Tuneup Priorities
  Setting Overall Energy Savings Priorities
  Tuning Up the Heating Book
  How to Buy the Book on Reducing Heating Cost
also see Thermal Tracking & Heat Loss
also see Insulation Inspection Guide

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

• Heating Systems
• Book Reviews construction, Building diagnosis, indoor environment, Building science, aerobiology, mold

InspectAPedia® Home & Site Map - Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair, & Problem Prevention Advice: In-depth research & advice on diagnosing, testing, correcting, & preventing building defects & indoor environmental hazards. Unbiased information, no conflicts of interest.

The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems

Use this simple, economical mold test kit by following our instructions on how to collect and mail mold samples to our lab

Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence.

Building Inspection, Problem Diagnosis, Forensic Investigation & Testing, Repair Consulting

Contact Daniel Friedman for website content suggestions or for fee-paid consulting