Oil Usage Question

I'm new to this oil as being the heating source of my home. I'm noticing that I'm receiving between 125-145 Gallons (275 tank) per week! I keep all my thermostats (3 in total) between 66-68 degrees. My house is about 3200 square feet and I have an older oil furnace.

I just cannot understand how I'm consuming so much oil and we haven't even peaked winter season.

Anyone else having the same problems/concerns and if so what are your plans to solve the problem besides the obvious (conversion but no $$ right now).

Re: Oil Usage Question

I get 125 gallons, and that lasts a month for us.

We have one thermostat, it stays on 55 during the day when we are not home. 62 when we are home, and 60-61 at night time.

I would suggest setting the thermostats to 55 in the areas that you are not using during the day or at night. So if your bedrooms are all upstairs, there is no reason to be heating your downstairs at night. If you are not home during the day, no reason your furniture needs to stay cozy-just need to make sure the pipes don't freeze.

Re: Oil Usage Question

As PP mentioned, a programable thermostat would be beneficial. Ours is set to 60 when we're not home, then it kicks up to 65 about an hour before we get home so the house is warm by the time we get in.

Re: Oil Usage Question

our house is 1650 sq ft, plus the basement which does not have heat... boiler room keeps it warm down there... we used like 100-125/month in the winter.

1) let thermostat drop when you are sleeping.... you are under covers, doesn't need to be at you normal temp. ours is set to 64 at night

2)if you work, let it drop down while you are at work all day, its a waste to leave it on. ours is set for 62 during the day.

3) we generally leave it at 67 when we are home.

4) keep you blinds open when its sunny.... it does wonders in our house on sunny days!

Re: Oil Usage Question

Thanks. I was told that it would take more oil if we go in between 5 degrees in either direction. I had gas in my previous house so I cannot wait until I have the $$ to convert or to purchase a more efficient boiler.

I also have a wacky configuration that has my family room downstairs controlling all the bedrooms upstairs. It's very drafty due to the amount of windows and its proximity to our front door. That's another problem I have to solve. The joy of owning your home.

Re: Oil Usage Question

We use about 100-120 gallons every month. Heat is on 63-68 . We are all home so the heat has to stay on.