One way of keeping your home warm is using heating oil. However, this is not a very environmental way as it leaves much carbon footprint. Still, many people use heating oil because it is their only option. This is especially true for people living in rural areas.
If you are a heating oil user, there are still ways you can do to stay green and environment-friendly. Keeping the environment healthy is more important now more than ever. With these simple ways, you can reduce your carbon footprint even when you are using heating oil at home.
Making simple changes can make a huge difference in the long run. Here are some tips you can follow to say green while using heating oil:
Order heating oil in bulk
Try to store as much heating oil as you can by ordering large quantities. The reason for this is that ordering in smaller amounts means more deliveries. More deliveries mean more carbon emissions. Save the heating oil tankers some trip and cut some carbon emissions.
Use a timer for your thermostat
Heat your home wisely. You don’t need to turn the heating system on 24/7. If you are not at home, then don’t keep the heater on. The best way to manage this is to program your thermostat so that it turns on about an hour before you get home. That way, there is ample time for it to warm your home before you arrive. This is not only environment-friendly, but it is also practical and cost-efficient.
Seal any cracks around the doors and windows
The thermostat will not heat up your home effectively if there are cracks around your doors and windows. The heat may escape through these cracks. Cracks may cause a draft, which can make the house feel cold. By sealing up the cracks, you are actually helping your thermostat to easily warm up your home and thereby reducing heating oil usage. With less oil usage, you will be able to save some money and reduce your carbon footprint in the long run.
Insulation and double glazing
It is also recommended that you add 270mm loft insulation. This helps retain heat better, which means that you will reduce the consumption of heating oil. Another option is cavity wall insulation. By insulating, you will conserve energy and reduce the release of carbon dioxide.
Double glazing helps retain heat in the home as well. It works both ways: retaining the heat inside the home during cold weather and reducing outdoor heat from outdoors during warm weather.
Use the right oil
There are some heating oils that contain components that reduce carbon build-up and soot deposits. As a result, your boiler can stay cleaner for a longer period. This can result in better boiler efficiency and lesser consumption of heating oil. This helps lower your carbon footprint and save you money as well.
There are environment-friend heating oil companies as well. Some companies help you offset your carbon footprint by planting trees in return. With this option, you’ll sleep better, knowing that the oil company is planting trees to help save the environment.
With the climate crisis that we are facing, it is important, now more than ever, to be more environmentally-conscious in our everyday dealings. What we use at home, no matter how small, can have a huge impact on the environment. In our little ways, we can contribute to the lessening of carbon emission that is destructive to the environment.
Last but not least you can also use Biodiesel. Biodiesel is an advanced bio-fuel that is renewable and biodegradable, so it is cleaner burning. It is not only use in vehicles but also used in heating systems.It meets the U.S. EPA’s definition of an Advanced Biofuel.
If you are a heating oil user, you can do your part in lessening oil consumption and ultimately reducing your carbon footprint. By following the tips given above, you can do your small part in fighting off climate change and making the environment a better, healthier, greener place.
