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How being home more often affects your energy consumption

These are certainly unusual times. A virus, COVID-19, that is affecting the entire world in ways we’ve never imagine. Many of us are not only staying away from our favorite places and pasttimes, but we are also working from home.

This new normal has changed how we are living and working has changed significantly. Right now, many of us are may be confined to the walls we call home. Only venturing out when absolutely necessary – for groceries, supplies, etc.

You may not give it much thought, but this can significantly change your home’s energy usage. Many people are experiencing high electric bills and increased home heating fuel usage even though this heating season and last have been fairly mild. Let’s forget right now about the snow we saw just before Halloween. The following weekend had temperatures well into the mid-70’s. For November, that’s very warm.

Being home during the day when you and your family are normally at work or school means that computers, lights, water and heat are being used more. Where you may have set back your thermostat during the day while everyone is away, you now leave it set higher and may actually turn it up. Less dining out involves more cooking and dishes at home. All of these require greater energy use than what was used in the past.

Those customers who are automatic, monitored or scheduled deliveries should take a look at their tanks more often. While our technology does a great job of predicting your consumption, there is now way it can take into account whether you’re home more often or not.

There are quite a few factors that go into our estimate of your usage. Past usage history, degree days and K-Factor. Please refer to this blog post to learn more about our calculation process.

We’ve got degree days (Wow, was it warm last winter!) and K-Factor but there is nothing in anyone’s previous usage history to account for what’s going on now. Nowhere in our automatic delivery program is there a checkbox for Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.

This is where you come in. If you are on automatic delivery and have been practicing the #stayhome routine, you are undoubtedly using more energy – and perhaps blowing up the internet. Please check your propane gas and fuel oil gauges regularly. Should you notice your propane gas tank getting down towards 30% or your oil tank near ¼ give us a call.

This applies even more to customers who have moved into their second homes. Rather than have you run out because we don’t know you’re there, check your tank. Let’s #stayhomestaysafe and also let CES know when your tank is getting low. Call us at 800-874-1975 to order heating fuel.

 If you have questions about your service or products we offer, please email info@combinedenergyservices.com Do not leave a service or product question in the comments.

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Seasons are changing and so should your air filters

As summer slowly rolls to a close and everything pumpkin starts to pop up, it’s not only the leaves that need to be changing. Anyone who uses a forced air system to heat and/or air condition their home should change the system air filter.

Air filters should be changed at least every 90 days or 4 times per year. If you’re new to this type of heating/cooling system, you may want to mark your calendar to change the filter at the change of the season. Depending on the type of air handling system you have, how many pets and people, where you live (urban/suburban), and the size of your home, you may want to change the filter more often.

If you only use the air handling system for heat, change the heating system filter before you start the system up. Don’t turn the system on and blow a musty smell throughout your home. Save yourself the hassle of trying to get that smell out of the house.

The hardest part of this process is determining the filter size and then finding it at a local hardware store. The furnace filter is usually located behind the return-air vent or in a slot on the furnace itself. Before you decide the look for or change the filter, turn the furnace off. You are also going to want to have a large garbage bag handy to dispose of the old filter. If you want the particulars of your exact furnace, take a picture of the data plate and search for manufacturer videos.

Regularly changing the filter not only helps keep your air cleaner but also helps your furnace run more efficiently. An efficient running furnace saves you money.

Combined Energy Services offers a variety of furnace service contracts for both oil/kerosene and propane furnaces. Check out the options: Home Heating Oil or Propane