Money-Saving Tips for the Winter Season in VT

Looking for ways to save a little extra on your energy bills this winter season? The team at Packard Fuels is here to help! Try out these suggestions to help save money on your Central Vermont heating bills while keeping your family and home safe and cozy.

Winter Energy Saving Tips:

Seal Any Drafty Windows and Doors

Holding a candle to your windows and doors can uncover any sneaky drafts, as the candle will flicker and smoke will be affected by the subtle airstream. If you find draftiness, be sure to seal any air leaks with caulk or weather stripping. This will keep your precious heat inside where it belongs and reduce the amount of fuel you need to keep your Vermont home warm.

Create a Storm Emergency Kit

You can never be too prepared! Winter storms pose the risk of power loss. Keep a tote somewhere easily accessible that holds the essentials—flashlight, batteries, nonperishable food, water, pet food, medication, a portable phone charger, and a first aid kit. These items are often marked up before winter storms hit, so preparing ahead of time will help you save money on goods that can be extra costly when demand is high.

Protect Your Pup with a Pedicure

Before going on walks, use petroleum jelly or booties to keep your pet’s paws clean and safe from ice and salt. After your walk, wipe their paws clean so they don’t accidentally ingest any chemicals. You can also pick up pet-safe ice-melt from your local hardware store to make your property more dog-friendly. Being proactive about your pup’s health is a great way to keep Fido safe as well as reduce the stress of a hefty vet bill on top of your holiday expenses.

Utilize Tips from Chefs

We all become chefs when the holidays roll around! Keep these kitchen-essential tips in mind as you navigate your seasonal menu and cooking schedule:

• Cover food and pots with lids to keep heat inside and reduce the cost of reheating
• Use ceramic or glass pans, which hold heat and continue warming the food even after they’ve been removed from the oven
• Thaw turkeys and hams in water rather than the fridge to consume less energy
• Set up beverages in a cooler so guests don’t have to constantly go in and out of the refrigerator
• Schedule dishes strategically so they can fit side by side in a hot oven
• Leave out leftovers until they reach room temperature, so your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard to cool them down

Schedule Your Heating System Tune-Up

An annual safety check and tune-up can save you upwards of 10% on annual heating costs. Plus, proactive maintenance can catch small issues before they turn into large, costly problems. If you haven’t already, there’s still time to book an annual tune-up for your boiler or furnace. Get in touch with us to find a convenient appointment time that works for your busy schedule!

Related Post: Reasons to Not Skip Your Heating Tune-Up in Central VT

Upgrade to High-Efficiency Equipment

If your furnace or boiler needs more than just a tune-up, it might be best to plan for an overhaul and replacement of your heating system. The great news is that you can save as much as 30% when you upgrade an old piece of equipment to a new high-efficiency model. Contact us for a quote on your installation. We promise, no strings attached.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Wi-Fi thermostats are little devices that can deliver big energy savings. Program your thermostat to automatically lower while you are asleep or out of the house, so you are only using your heating oil when you really need it.

Like these tips? You can find more right here: Energy-Saving Tips in Central Vermont.