Winter is coming, and with it, freezing temperatures, higher energy bills, and potential headaches for homeowners. Whether it’s sealing up drafts, protecting your pipes, or optimizing your heating system, preparing your home for the cold season is crucial to staying comfortable and avoiding costly surprises.
At Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of a warm, energy-efficient home during the harsh winters of DE, PA, and MD. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide with 9 actionable tips to help you winter-proof your home and keep your family cozy all season long. Let’s dive in!
#1: Protect Your Plumbing
Prevent freezing pipes from turning into costly disasters. Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like attics and exterior walls. For outdoor faucets, turn off the water supply, disconnect hoses, and drain the remaining water to avoid burst pipes.
#2: Maximize Window Coverings
Let sunlight naturally warm your home during the day, and close curtains at night to retain heat. The Department of Energy reports that smart management of window coverings can reduce heat loss by up to 77%.
#3: Keep Garage Doors Closed
Garage doors are major culprits of heat loss. Keeping them closed not only conserves energy but also deters unwanted critters and potential burglars. Protect your stored valuables and keep the cold at bay.
#4: Seal Air Leaks
Stop paying for wasted heat. Use weather stripping, caulk, or window insulation kits to seal gaps in doors and windows. Even small leaks can lead to significant energy loss. Protect your home from drafts and high heating bills.
#5: Check Your Heating System
Schedule a professional tune-up before winter hits. A well-maintained heating system runs efficiently, lasts longer, and prevents untimely breakdowns. Sign up for Hillside’s Annual Heating Maintenance Plan for peace of mind all season long.
#6: Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Flip the switch on your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in the winter. This creates an updraft, redistributing warm air trapped near the ceiling throughout the room.
#7: Budget Billing
Avoid peak season bill shock with Hillside’s Budget Billing Plan. Spread your heating costs evenly across the year for predictable, manageable payments.
#8: Optimize Thermostat Settings
Install a programmable thermostat to save energy and money. For winter, aim for:
- 72°F during the day when home.
- 66-62°F when asleep or away.
Find the balance between comfort and cost savings with strategic adjustments.
#9: Automatic Fuel Delivery
Never worry about running out of heating oil. Hillside’s Automatic Delivery Service uses advanced forecasting to ensure you stay warm without monitoring your tank.
Bonus Tip: Let the Sun Shine In
Winter sunlight is free heat! Open curtains during the day to soak in the sun’s warmth and close them at night for insulation. It’s an energy-efficient way to boost your mood, cut costs, and keep your furry friends happy.
Choose Hillside’s Worry-Free Winter Packages
From ensuring your heater runs efficiently to managing your fuel deliveries, we’ve got you covered. Winters in DE, PA, and MD can be harsh—let us handle the stress so you can stay cozy.
📞 Call Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling at 302-738-4144 (DE & PA) or 410-398-2146 (MD)
Prepare your home for winter, the worry-free way!
