When temperatures dip across Massachusetts, keeping your home warm without breaking the bank becomes a top priority. It’s natural to look for ways to save on heating costs — but not all “money-saving” tricks are safe or effective.
In fact, some common heating mistakes can backfire, driving up your energy bills and even putting your home and family at risk.
To help you stay warm, safe, and energy-efficient this winter, here are three heating mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
If you have a forced-air furnace, it might seem logical to close the vents in rooms you rarely use. After all, why heat a guest bedroom or storage area, right? Unfortunately, this is one of the most common — and costly — heating misconceptions out there.
Your heating system is designed to heat your home evenly, maintaining a balanced airflow. When you close vents, that airflow gets disrupted. Instead of conserving energy, you’re forcing your furnace to work harder to push warm air through fewer outlets. That extra strain can shorten the lifespan of your equipment, increase wear and tear, and even lead to higher heating bills over time.
Even worse, closing vents in cooler parts of your home can increase the risk of frozen pipes. Rooms without proper airflow can drop to dangerously low temperatures, especially if they’re already prone to drafts or have limited insulation.
The better option: Keep your heating vents open and your home’s temperature consistent. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home. This method helps conserve energy without sacrificing safety — or comfort.
Your thermostat is one of the simplest tools you have for managing energy use, but many homeowners either overlook its potential or misuse it entirely.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat by just 7°–10°F for eight hours a day from its normal setting.
For example, setting your thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and lowering it by about 8°F when you’re asleep or away can yield noticeable savings.
Why does this work? The lower the interior temperature, the slower your home loses heat to the outside air. Maintaining slightly cooler indoor temperatures for part of the day means your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard overall.
But be careful not to take it too far. Some homeowners set their thermostats below 60°F during the winter to try to save even more. This is risky, especially if your home has water pipes running near exterior walls, in crawl spaces, or other unheated areas. At low indoor temperatures, these pipes can freeze and burst, leading to costly water damage.
The best option: Use your thermostat strategically, but don’t let indoor temperatures fall too low. It’s better to save energy consistently through smart thermostat scheduling than to push your heating system — or your plumbing — to dangerous extremes.
We’ve all been tempted to Google a fix when something goes wrong at home — but when it comes to your heating system, do-it-yourself repairs are a bad idea.
Modern heating systems are complex machines that rely on precise calibration, advanced sensors, and specific safety controls. Without proper training, attempting a repair could worsen the problem or even create a hazardous situation. Incorrectly reconnected fuel lines, electrical components, or venting systems can lead to fires, carbon monoxide leaks, or complete system failure.
Professional heating oil technicians, on the other hand, have the tools, knowledge, and certifications needed to diagnose and repair problems safely and efficiently. They can also tell you if your current system is running at peak efficiency or if it’s time to consider an upgrade.
If your heating oil system is older or struggling to keep up with demand, investing in a new, energy-efficient heating oil system could save you significant money in the long run. New models burn fuel more efficiently, deliver steadier heat, and often qualify for rebates or manufacturer incentives.
Energy efficiency doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort or safety. Avoiding these common mistakes — closing vents, misusing your thermostat, or taking on risky DIY repairs — will help you enjoy a warmer, safer home all winter long.
When in doubt, talk to your heating oil professional. They can help you fine-tune your system for maximum efficiency, ensure your home stays protected, and recommend upgrades that fit your budget and comfort needs.