Get matched with top energy efficiency auditors in Presho, SD

You can save money on heating oil through a combination of improving home efficiency and smart purchasing strategies.

Home Efficiency and Usage:

• Improve Insulation: Ensure your home, especially the basement and attic, is well-insulated and sealed against drafts to prevent heat leakage.

• Manage Your Thermostat: Use a properly calibrated and programmable thermostat. Lower the temperature by a few degrees, particularly when you are away from home or asleep.

Purchasing Strategies:

• Buy in the Off-Season: Order heating oil during the summer months when prices are generally at their lowest. This strategy is most effective if you have a large primary tank or a separate storage tank to accommodate bulk deliveries.

• Consider a Delivery Contract: Some companies offer contracts with a set price for the term. This can lead to savings if market prices for oil increase, but you might pay more if prices drop.

The difference between an energy auditor and a home inspector is primarily in the purpose of the inspection. The energy auditor conducts tests in your home to determine the energy efficiency levels in areas like windows, insulation, and doorways. The auditor then makes recommendations for ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency. 

A home inspector examines various structures of your home to determine that everything is up to code and gauge the condition of features like the roof, foundation, HVAC, and electrical. The home inspector reports on the overall home and makes repair recommendations.

After you receive your audit and report, review the findings and determine which of the prescribed changes you want to make to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Start by contacting the type of professionals recommended by the auditor who can help you remedy the issues discovered during the audit. Prioritize the projects by urgency, importance, and budget. Then, gather estimates from several professionals, remembering to verify any necessary licensing and experience information.

Replacing a window frame will improve your home’s energy efficiency if the old frame is cracked or damaged in a way that allows unconditioned air from the outside into your living space or if you upgrade to a more energy-efficient window frame material. Aluminum is the least energy-efficient window frame material, followed by vinyl and wood. Fiberglass and composite frames are the most energy-efficient.