If you forgo the maintenance on your heating system for too long, you could end up with some unexpected problems. One of the things that can happen is a build-up of thick black gunk in the fuel filter. That gunk is commonly referred to as heating oil sludge. It’s created when bacteria oxidize the fuel in your tank.
Where do the bacteria come from? They live in the fuel and grow wherever there’s water present. When your tank isn’t full, water condenses on the walls of your tank if there’s a temperature change outside. It’s a common occurrence when a cooler night is followed by a hotter day.
Why is heating oil sludge a problem? Heating oil sludge limits the efficiency of your heating system. And, if left untreated, it could even cause the breakdown of your oil-fired heating system.
If the sludge in your tank gets into the fuel mix and then into the supply line, it will clog your filters and cause problems for your heating system.
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with heating oil sludge. There are ways to prevent it. Here are five ways to prevent heating oil sludge:
Now that things are finally warming up, you may be tempted to stop thinking about your heating oil tank or to let it run down to less than you would in the winter. As we already discussed, that’s not a good idea. Especially since condensation is more likely to happen as the temperatures rise. Keep your tank at least half full all year long to help prevent an excessive buildup of heating oil sludge.
At Lombardi Oil & Gas, we offer our customers several ways to manage their bills so that keeping a fuller tank year-round isn’t a financial burden. Here are some of the payment plans, pricing plans and discounts we offer our customers:
So avoid the problems (and additional costs) that can arise when you allow your heating oil tank’s level to get too low. With so many ways to save on and manage your heating oil bills, it’s a good idea to keep your tank full all year long.
Lombardi Oil & Gas delivers comfort and peace of mind to our customers in Massachusetts or New Hampshire in Amesbury, Byfield, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Seabrook, West Newbury, and surrounding areas.
Contact Lombardi Energy Services today to sign up Heating Oil Plan, to enroll in one of our payment plans, or to learn more.
While all of us in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire areas know how important heat is in the dead of winter, we also know how important air conditioning is for those warm, hot and humid spring and summer months. Lombardi Energy has been offering reliable air conditioning services to members of the greater Newburyport community for over 60 years. Currently, we are proud to offer our customers an air conditioning service plan that helps air conditioners last longer and operate at peak performance level.
A quality and reliable air-conditioning system is not cheap and regular payments on maintenance and repairs can really start to add up. The air conditioning service plan that Lombardi Energy offers is a financially smart package that helps to cover maintenance costs as well as repair service costs for your central air system or ductless mini-split system. The annual fee for the package includes an annual air conditioning tune-up in addition to 15% off labor costs and equipment parts. You can also combine the air conditioning service plan with one of our heating oil service plans. Not only does this service save you money, but it is also a great choice when it comes to energy efficiency seeing as it helps reduce carbon emissions.
The annual system maintenance that customers with this plan receive includes:
Whether or not you are partaking in Lombardi Energy’s air conditioning service plan, there is routine maintenance you can, and should, do to ensure that your home’s air conditioning system is working to the best of its ability. These include:
o Replacing old air conditioner units (usually 15 years or older), which will quickly translate to saving you money
If you are in the greater Newburyport communities, Lombardi Energy can help get your air conditioning system ready for summer. We offer reliable and quality air-conditioning installation and maintenance. Contact us today and let us know how we can help!
When it comes to keeping our homes clean and comfortable, things like vacuuming, dusting and washing dirty dishes easily come to mind. Ensuring proper indoor air quality(IAQ) is often further down on the list even though it’s as equally important as the everyday household chores we do.
Considering the average individual spends almost 90% of his or her time indoors and typically takes in about 15,000 quarts of air per day, we are naturally prone to inhaling air that isn’t necessarily so good for us. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re breathing quality, clean air in your home because:
While your home’s IAQ may not naturally be up to par, do not fear – there are ways to help it improve and no major modifications need to be made. The solutions are typically quite simple and often times only involve putting more thought into the household products that you purchase for your home.
Here’s how you can easily improve your home’s air quality with little stress:
You can also add a whole-house humidifier. These help keep a home’s IAQ healthy by regulating moisture levels and decreasing mold and mildew growth.
The benefits of a whole-house humidifier do not end with improving the health of your home’s air. Healthy air will keep you healthier as well as you’ll be less susceptible to illnesses such as the common cold, respiratory issues and the flu. The proper amount of moisture that a whole-house humidifier provides ensures that the air isn’t too dry, which helps your throat, nose, asthma, allergies, furniture, floors and artwork.
In addition to the health benefits, you’ll also see cost savings with a whole-house humidifier since your home will feel warmer and you will, in turn, be using less heat.
Lombardi Energy Services is able and ready to help you improve your Newburyport-area home’s IAQ. Contact us to learn more about whole-house humidifiers and the service plans we offer today.
Water heating accounts for a lot of your home’s energy costs. In fact, for the average home, heating water is responsible for up to 30% of the home’s energy costs. Think about how much your water heater does for your Newburyport-area household. You depend on it for warm and hot water for bathing, laundry, washing dishes, washing hands, and more. And the winter season is when your water heater has to work even harder. That’s because it’s in a colder environment, the water it needs to heat is starting off colder, and your household is probably using more hot water.
Given the large impact heating water has on your energy bills each month, it’s extremely important to have a water heater that’s as efficient as possible. Otherwise you’ll be losing money and energy due to lower efficiency.
The best way to keep your water heater running at peak efficiency is to see that it receives regular professional maintenance. One annual maintenance visit for your water heater will save you money all year long.
Lombardi Energy services offers a water heater service plan as an add-on to our other service plans. Our water heater service plan includes an annual tune-up and 15% off parts and labor costs (other than a system replacement).
Maintenance is an integral part of keeping your water heater running as efficiently as possible. And Lombardi Energy can take care of all your oil-fired water heater needs. What does a water heater need in terms of maintenance? Let’s take a closer look.
Tankless water heaters need to be cleaned as a means of offsetting the effects of hard water. Any buildup of minerals in your water heater can lower its efficiency and longevity. Hard water doesn’t have to be common in your area for a mineral build-up to occur. All tap water contains minerals that can accumulate over time.
Conventional or storage water heaters require more maintenance than tankless water heaters. They need to be flushed twice a year (more often if there’s a hard water issue). The tank needs to be drained and emptied of sediment. Regular checks need to be made to for leaks, the anode must be checked, and the temperature release valve needs to be tested.
Don’t take your water heater for granted. It’s too important a part of your North Shore-area home. In addition to helping it run efficiently, maintenance for your water heater will also minimize the need for repairs. Let Lombardi Energy Services keep your water heater in top working order. Or let us help you upgrade to a new and more efficient system. You can depend on us for all your oil-fired water heater needs. We handle water heater installation, maintenance, and repair.
Lombardi Energy Services delivers comfort to our customers in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Whether you need a new water heater or simply want the water heater you already have maintained or repaired so it’s running optimally, we’re here to help.
Contact Lombardi Energy Services today for reliable and friendly service.
We’re in the thick of winter now. Having a comfortable and warm home is critically important. Hopefully your heating system is up to the challenge. But it’s important to know how to tell when your heating system isn’t working as well as it should be and what to do if it fails altogether and you find yourself without heat.
Know this, whatever you need, Lombardi Energy Services is here for you. We install, maintain, and repair boilers and furnaces. So whether you need your system repaired or maintained or whether it’s time to replace your boiler or furnace and upgrade to a more efficient and reliable system, we can handle it.
No heat on a cold day is a real problem. It’s uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for you and your family. And it could lead to frozen or burst pipes that require costly repairs. Should you call for heating repair when the heat in your home isn’t coming up? You certainly can, but first, we recommend that you take the following troubleshooting steps:
Your heating system doesn’t have to fail completely to need attention. The best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns and repairs is to make sure your heating system receives annual maintenance. This will also help your heating system run as efficiently as possible, which is good for your budget. An annual tune-up for your furnace or boiler is included in Lombardi’s Heating Oil Service Plan.
Your heating system may be in need of repairs, and you should call Lombardi Energy Services if you notice any of the following:
Lombardi Energy Services delivers comfort and peace of mind to our customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Whether you’re in Amesbury, Byfield, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Seabrook, West Newbury, or any of the surrounding areas, we’re here for you.
Contact us today to learn more about our Heating Oil Service Plan and get the most out of your boiler or furnace.
This month marks the beginning of winter. However, chances are you’ve already turned up the thermostat in your North Shore area home to get comfortable. And you’ll find yourself relying even more on your heating system to keep you warm and comfortable all winter long. However, keeping your home warm enough isn’t just about comfort, it’s also about health and safety. Having no heat on an extremely cold day is dangerous and could lead to expensive problems like frozen or burst pipes.
Especially this season, it’s important to know at least the basics about your heating oil system and keep an eye on your heating oil tank. So Lombardi Oil & Gas is here to answer some frequently asked questions about heating oil tanks.
Heating Oil tanks come in a variety of sizes. Which is right for your home will depend on your family’s needs and your budget. Here’s an overview of the most common residential heating oil tank sizes:
You never want to let your heating oil tank get close to empty. When that happens, debris can clog your oil filters. That can reduce the efficiency of your heating system or cause it to fail. So by keeping enough oil in your tank, you can avoid some very costly problems as well as a no-heat emergency.
Especially if you haven’t signed up for Lombardi Energy’s Automatic Delivery service, keeping an eye on your heating oil level is very important. And you’ll need to check your gauge with more frequency as it gets colder, because your heating system will be using more and more heating oil to keep you and your family warm.
Here’s how to check your heating oil gauge:
At Lombardi Energy, we recommend Roth heating oil tanks. And we’re here to help you decide which tank is best for you. The compact tanks we sell offer the following characteristics:
Additionally, all of the tanks we sell are kid-safe, have a 30-year warranty, and come with a cover for outside use. These durable tanks are constructed to be corrosion resistant and leakproof.
Lombardi Energy Services delivers comfort and peace of mind to our customers in Amesbury, Byfield, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Seabrook, West Newbury, and surrounding areas. Whether you need reliable and convenient heating oil delivery or a new heating oil tank, we’re here for you.
Contact Lombardi Energy Services today to learn more about heating oil tanks or to request a free consultation.
Lombardi Energy Services doesn’t want you to take your water heater for granted. Your water heater is an important part of your Northeastern Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire home. It’s an easy thing to forget about when it’s working well, but take a moment to consider how important a role it plays in the comfort and function of your household. It generates all the hot water you and your family need to bathe, clean your clothes, wash your hands, clean your dishes, and more.
Consider this as well, up to 30% of the average household’s energy costs go towards heating water. So in addition to having the right water heater for your home, you also want to make sure it’s working as efficiently as possible.
You can depend on Lombardi Energy Services for all your oil-fired water heater needs. That includes water heater installation, maintenance, and repair.
If you’re in the market for a new water heater or simply want to better understand how the water heater you already have works, keep reading for a summary of the different types of water heaters.
Conventional or Storage Water Heaters have a tank that stores and keeps water hot until it’s used. They usually cost less to purchase and install than tankless water heaters, but they’re also less efficient than tankless water heaters. That’s because any hot water in the tank that isn’t used and cools below a certain temperature has to be heated again. Sometimes again and again and again.
Tankless Water Heaters heat water on demand to efficiently provide a virtually endless supply of hot water. With a tankless water heater, gone are the days of waiting to take a hot shower because all the hot water has been used up. And since a tankless water heater doesn’t have to expend energy reheating water that has cooled down in a tank, it could save you up to 40% on your water heating costs versus a conventional water heater. Tankless water heaters also take up less space (they’re about the size of a carry-on suitcase) and last twice as long as conventional water heaters. And since there’s no tank, there’s also no risk of tank corrosion or tank failure.
Indirect-Fired Water Heaters use your home’s boiler to heat your water. They’re very efficient, especially when your heating system is already running to warm your North Shore-area home. In fact, when your boiler is running to heat your home, it doesn’t cost you anything more to heat your home’s water with an indirect-fired water heater. However, because they must be integrated with your home’s heating system, installation is more expensive than with conventional or tankless water heaters.
Direct-Fired Water Heaters are a type of conventional water heater found in homes with furnaces. With a direct-fired water heater, heating oil gets burned in a combustion chamber under the tank. The heated flue gases then heat the water in the tank. The tank’s insulated walls help keep the water as warm as possible. The water heater turns on automatically whenever the water in the tank falls below a predetermined temperature.
Since water heating accounts for so much of your home’s energy costs, you literally can’t afford to have an inefficient system. Regular maintenance keeps your water heater running at peak efficiency, and that saves you money all year long.
Lombardi Energy services offers a water heater service plan as an add-on to our other service plans. Our water heater service plan includes an annual tune-up and 15% off parts and labor costs (other than a system replacement).
Lombardi Energy Services delivers comfort to our customers in Amesbury, Byfield, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Seabrook, West Newbury, and surrounding areas in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Whether you need a new water heater or simply want the water heater you already have maintained or repaired, we’re here to help.
Contact Lombardi Energy Services today for reliable and friendly service. We’re here to help with all your heating needs.
Heating season has begun. We’ve already seen temperatures take a dip in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Now that your furnace or boiler will have to start working harder and harder to keep you and your family comfortably warm, you’ll also see your need for heating oil increase. That means more frequent heating oil delivery.
If you’re a Lombardi customer, then you’re in good hands. You have a heating oil provider that has decades of experience providing dependable, personalized service and competitive prices.
As part of our commitment to providing top-notch service with a focus on efficiency and conservation, Lombardi Energy Services is proud to offer our customers Bioheat®. Safe, clean, and healthy, Bioheat® fuel blends with ultra-low-sulfur heating oil to create a fuel that offers several benefits over traditional heating oil. It reduces your carbon footprint while also extending the life of your heating system.
Let’s take a closer look at what heating oil is and why it’s a good choice for your home—especially when it’s Bioheat®.
Heating oil comes from crude oil that has gone through a refining process called distillation. During the process of distillation, hydrocarbons are removed from the crude oil and become a substance that can be further purified and blended to make the heating oil that fuels your home’s furnace or boiler.
As we mentioned earlier, Lombardi offers our customers an ultra-low-sulfur heating oil called Bioheat® that’s cleaner and more efficient than traditional heating oil. It’s good for your budget and the environment. It should also help your heating system last longer and need fewer repairs.
Bioheat fuel is the product of combining standard #2 heating oil with renewable or reusable resources such as plant oils and recycled grease. It’s biodegradable, nontoxic, and reduces greenhouse emissions.
Now that you know what heating oil and Bioheat® are, let’s explore some of their benefits:
Lombardi Energy Services delivers comfort and peace of mind to our customers in Amesbury, Byfield, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Seabrook, West Newbury, and the surrounding areas.
We’re here to help! Contact us today and speak to one of our friendly and reliable staff members about all we have to offer.
Professional maintenance is important. It helps keep your appliances running efficiently. Some appliances lose 5% of their efficiency every year they don’t receive maintenance. Appliances that run efficiently save you money on your energy bills and do a better job of keeping you and your family comfortable.
Professional maintenance can also catch small problems before they become larger and more expensive to fix. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises this winter. Maintenance now will give you peace of mind that you’ll have a comfortable winter.
Make sure your appliances are running efficiently and problem-free. Don’t put off getting a tune-up this fall.
Lombardi Energy Services offers service plans for our heating oil and natural gas customers. Our service plans include maintenance for boilers, furnaces, and water heaters.
These plans help you maximize your savings and benefits all year long. Choose the one that best suits your needs. Each one also includes an annual maintenance visit. Sign up to keep your home heating equipment running at its highest efficiency.
Regular maintenance for your heating system could save you as much as 10% on every heating bill. It will also increase the longevity of your heating system and save you money on repairs and replacement.
You can enroll in our Natural Gas Service Plan alone or combine it with any of our other plans for additional discounts. In addition to an annual tune-up, you’ll receive 24-hour emergency service. Maintenance will keep your system running efficiently and safely.
Receiving annual maintenance will keep your boiler or furnace running smoothly. Given how harsh the winters can get in the North Shore area of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, you want to know your heating system is up to the task of keep you and your family comfortably warm all season long.
With regular maintenance, you minimize the need for repairs for your boiler or furnace. Regular maintenance is so important, we include it in our service plans.
Here is an overview of the benefits of regular maintenance for your boiler or furnace:
Especially once winter hits, you don’t want to be in a home without warm water. That’s why it’s important to get maintenance for your water heater now. Your water heater could be responsible for up to 30% of your home’s energy costs. With water heating accounting for so much of your home’s energy costs, you don’t want to pay more than you have to due to an inefficient system. Regular maintenance will help ensure the efficiency of your water heater, and that will save you money all year long.
You can get a water heater service plan as an add-on when you sign up for one of our other service plans. Our water heater service plan includes an annual tune-up, which will offer you the peace of mind you deserve throughout the year. You’ll also get 15% off on any parts and labor (other than a system replacement). This will help minimize the need for other repairs and will keep your water heater running smoothly and efficiently all year long.
Lombardi Energy Services delivers comfort to our customers in Amesbury, Byfield, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Seabrook, West Newbury, and surrounding areas in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Contact us today for reliable and friendly service.
If you’re planning a summer get-away, almost every part of it is going to cost you more than it would have a year or two ago. Everything from gas to airline tickets to car rentals prices has increased this year. Lombardi Energy Services offers pricing and payment programs that fit a range of budgets. If you sign up for our budget plan, we’ll estimate your heating costs and divide it into 12 equal payments. If you sign up for our fixed pricing plan, you can lock in a predetermined per gallon price. We also offer a discount to customers who pay promptly.
Our pricing and payment plans can help you stay in control of your budget all year long. Want to save on your energy costs while you’re away on vacation? We can help you with that as well. Here are our five tips for saving energy (and money) while you’re away on vacation.
Add the following five items to your pre-vacation checklist, and you could save a significant amount of money on energy costs while you’re away. Every bit counts.
Lombardi Oil & Gas delivers comfort and peace of mind to our customers in Amesbury, Byfield, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Seabrook, West Newbury, and surrounding areas. Click here to see if we serve your Massachusetts or New Hampshire community.
Contact us today to sign up for automatic delivery, to enroll in one of our payment plans, or to learn more.