The deep chill of a New England winter often brings with it the shock of a high utility bill. But after over 90 years of keeping homes warm in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, the team at Townsend Energy knows that small, simple adjustments can make a big difference in your monthly energy costs. Ready to fight back against those escalating expenses? Here are five practical, easily actionable ways to start saving money on your heating, plumbing, and electricity use today.

Don't wait for a crisis! If you suspect your high bills are due to an aging or failing system, contact Townsend Energy right away for professional service. Call us at (978) 717-0490 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an inspection.

1. Optimize Your Thermostat and Home Sealing

This is the most common and effective advice, and for good reason: a properly set thermostat and a well-sealed home work together to lock in comfort and savings.

Adjust for Sleep and Away Time: Lowering your thermostat by 7–10 degrees for eight hours a day (when you are sleeping or away from home) can save you up to 10% on your annual heating bill.
Identify and Seal Leaks: Check around doors, windows, electrical outlets, and where pipes enter your home. These drafts force your heating system to run longer. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or plastic film to seal up those air leaks.

2. Switch to Automatic Fuel Delivery for Guaranteed Savings

For our heating oil and propane customers, switching to automatic delivery is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. With decades of experience navigating New England fuel markets, Townsend Energy designed this service to benefit you.

Avoid Emergency Fees: When you run out of fuel, you often pay a premium for rush delivery and system restart service. Auto-delivery prevents this costly emergency entirely.
Access Better Pricing: Many fuel providers, including Townsend Energy, offer customers on automatic delivery access to better pricing programs and payment plans, insulating you from market price spikes.

3. Service Your Water Heater Annually

It might be out of sight, but your water heater is a massive energy user. If it’s working inefficiently, it’s costing you money every time you turn on a hot tap.

Flush the Sediment: Sediment buildup is a leading cause of inefficiency. Schedule an annual Water Heater Maintenance service to flush the tank. This removes the material that forces your heater to work harder and longer, reducing your overall energy use.
Adjust the Temperature: Most water heater thermostats are set higher than necessary (often 140°F). Lowering it to 120°F is safer, prevents scalding, and significantly reduces the energy required to heat the water.

4. Schedule That Necessary Electrical Panel Upgrade

Your home’s electrical system may be leaking money if it’s struggling to power modern appliances and HVAC equipment.

Prevent Overload: Older electrical panels may not be rated to handle the electrical demands of high-efficiency heat pumps or modern appliances. An overworked system uses energy inefficiently and poses a safety risk.
Invest in Efficiency: Upgrading your electrical panel ensures your system is up to par, delivering power safely and efficiently to all your major equipment, including your HVAC system. Learn more about our Electrical Services on our dedicated page.

5. Tune-Up Your Heating System Now

After 90+ years in the industry, Townsend Energy can confirm that a neglected heating system is a guaranteed money-waster. An annual tune-up is not an expense—it’s an investment in efficiency.

Boost Efficiency: A routine cleaning and adjustment of your boiler or furnace ensures it is operating at its maximum efficiency, burning fuel cleanly and using less of it to heat your home.
Catch Problems Early: Our skilled technicians will spot minor issues—like a worn blower motor or a dirty filter—before they turn into costly breakdowns and major money sinks.

Ready to Start Saving?

Don't let another month of winter pass by with wasted money flowing out of your home. The experts at Townsend Energy are here to help you secure your comfort and your wallet, relying on the expertise we’ve built across our decades of service in New England.

Contact us today to schedule your annual HVAC tune-up, fuel delivery, or electrical service! Call us at (978) 717-0490 or fill out our online contact form.