5 Tips

oil sludge Salisbury, ma 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.

Preventing Tank Sludge

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:

  1. Keep enough heating oil in your tank. Having an empty or near empty heating oil tank promotes condensation build-up on its walls. An increase in the presence of condensation accelerates the growth of sludge-forming bacteria. As a rule of thumb, schedule a heating oil delivery whenever you tank is less than half full.
  2. Get professional heating maintenance every year. Lombari Energy Services offers a heating oil service plan that includes annual preventative maintenance. That maintenance can save you up to 10% on your heating bills and increase the life expectancy of your heating system. Plus, a heating tune-up includes a filter change, something your heating oil system needs. An annual tune-up also gives our technicians an opportunity to spot a sludge problem early and before too much damage is done.
  3. Drain your tank. Sludge builds up over time. If you have an older heating oil tank, consider having it drained by a waste oil contractor. Removing sludge this way can save you money on repairs and help your heating system to perform better.
  4. Use a reputable heating oil supplier. The heating oil Lombardi Energy Services delivers is premium Bioheat® fuel. Discount fuel companies, on the other hand, commonly offer fuel that is less refined and contains more contaminants.
  5. Use sludge emulsifiers. Emulsifiers can be added to your fuel to speed the decomposition of heating oil sludge.

Don’t Let Your Tank Sit Empty!

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.

Keep a Full Tank & Save Money

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:

  • Budget Plan: Regardless of how much or how frequently you order heating oil, your yearly heating costs are split into 12 easy (and predictable) payments. Your heating oil bill is the same each month—even high usage months when you might need more than one delivery.
  • Fixed Pricing Plan: Lock in a predetermined per gallon price that you’ll pay for the duration of the time you’re enrolled. You won’t have to worry about price fluctuations, because your per gallon price will be set.
  • Cap Pricing Plan: For a small fee, we purchase a predetermined amount of heating oil for you at a capped price. You’ll never pay more than the capped price for your heating oil, and if the price of oil drops, you’ll pay the lower price.
  • Prompt Pay Discount: Save money on your bill by simply paying for your heating oil within 10 days of delivery.
  • Auto Payment: Never miss another payment and take something off your to do list by signing up for our Auto Payment program. Just sign up once and your bills will be taken care of.

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.

Let Lombardi Oil & Gas Deliver for You!

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.

central air tune up Byfield, ma 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.

Lombardi Energy’s AC Service Plans

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:

  • Temperature and pressure reads
  • Cleanings and inspections of outdoor condensers
  • Inspections of inside evaporator coils, condensate drains, all line-set coverings, contractors and disconnects
  • Deodorizer and ionizer replacements, when necessary
  • Condensate drain blow outs
  • Clean Head washable filters
  • One outside condenser (up to two heads)
  • Priority emergency services that are available 24 hours a day

Air Conditioning Maintenance

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:

  • Checking your air conditioner’s filter, electrical lines and ductwork
  • Making sure your thermostat is working correctly and familiarizing yourself with how your thermostat works
  • Inspecting drain lines to check for blockage due to debris and dirt
  • Keeping an eye out for signs of a refrigerant leak, including fluid spots near the air conditioner’s condenser, a system that isn’t cooling properly and ice on the evaporator coils
  • Clearing debris, leaves, twigs and nests from the outdoor condenser unit
  • Keeping your air conditioning unit up to date with routine inspections performed by one of Lombardi Energy’s home cooling experts, which includes part replacements, system lubrication and refrigerant checks
  • 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!

    humidifiers Newburyport, ma 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.

    Why Air Quality is Important

    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:

    • Polluted indoor air is not good for your health. If you’re someone with chronic respiratory problems or asthma, polluted indoor air can make those conditions worse. It can also cause fatigue, congestion, headaches, nausea and dry eyes.
    • Dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander are all over the inside of our homes. These are all considered indoor pollutants. This is in addition to all the chemicals from cleaning and personal care products that are part of our everyday lives. Then there are the outdoor air pollutants that are all around us, such as pesticides, radon and gas emissions. The pollutants that build up inside a home can actually make indoor air be two to 100 times more polluted than outside air.

    How You Can Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

    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:

    • If remodeling or doing housework, select materials that are mold resistant and healthy for your home such as low-voc paint.
    • Make sure your HVAC system is properly maintained and serviced regularly. This will keep fresh air flowing throughout your home. You should also regularly clean your home’s ducts in addition to removing allergens and mold.
    • Instead of using cleaning products that are filled with toxic ingredients and chemicals, opt for more natural and organic products that release fewer toxins.
    • Decrease the amount of toxins that are in your home by keeping fresh plants around as their leaves soak up chemicals and their roots and soil help to minimize toxic vapors.

    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.

    Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier

    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.

    Why Maintenance Matters

    water heater service massachuestts 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).

    Water Heater Maintenance

    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.

    Delivering Comfort

    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.

    Winter Survival Guide

    hvac service massachusetts 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.

    What Do I Do When There’s No Heat?

    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:

    1. Check how much heating oil you have. If you have less than 1/8 of a tank, call Lombardi Oil & Gas immediately for a heating oil delivery. If you have more than 1/8 of a tank, go to step 2.
    2. Raise the temperature on your thermostat to at least five degrees higher than the current room temperature. (You might also need to set your thermostat to “auto” or “heat” and the fan switch to “on” or “auto.”) If your heating system doesn’t start up after a few minutes, go to step 3.
    3. Make sure all your system’s power switches are set to the “on” position. If they are, go to step 4.
    4. Check your fuses and circuit breakers. If everything is as it should be, go to step 5 if you have a boiler and step 6 if you have a furnace or heat pump.
    5. If you have a hot water boiler, go to step 7. If you have a steam boiler, check the water level in the gauge glass. It should be at least ½ full. If it is, go to step 7.
    6. If you have a furnace or heat pump, turn off the system’s power and then make sure your filters are clean and all vents are open and unobstructed. Confirm that the gas control valve to the furnace is open. If everything is as it should be, go to step 7.
    7. Press and hold the “reset” button on the burner for 3 seconds. Make sure you never push this button more than once. If your heat still doesn’t come on, it’s time to contact Lombardi for service.

    Other Signs It’s Time to Call for Heating Repair

    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:

    • Your heating system is producing a strong and persistent weird smell.
    • Your heating system generates insufficient heat or has trouble starting.
    • Your heating system is making strange noises.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    heating oil tank massachusetts 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.

    What Are Common Heating Oil Tank Sizes?

    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:

    • 110 gallons (29 x 28 x 44 inches)
    • 165 gallons (29 x 28 x 61 inches)
    • 275 gallons (43 x 28 x 61 inches and 51 x 30 x 54 inches)
    • 400 gallons (64 x 30 x 68 inches)

    Is It Okay to Have an Empty Tank?

    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.

    How Do You Read Your Oil Tank Gauge?

    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:

    1. Look for a clear glass or plastic cylinder near the top of the tank. It should look like your car’s fuel gauge with the following symbols: F, ¾, ½, and ¼. There should be a red marker or float indicating the tank’s fuel level. If it’s not visible, you tank is either empty or almost empty.
    2. Make sure the gauge is working properly. Remove the outer case and gently press down on the float. It should bob back up to where it was. If it doesn’t, the gauge isn’t working properly, and you should call for service.
    3. When your gauge gets close to ¼, it’s time to order more fuel. The colder it gets and the larger your home is, the faster your heating system will go through oil and the sooner you should order more.

    What Brand of Heating Oil Tank Is Best?

    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:

    • They’re double walled for maximum leak protection.
    • They’re easy to handle and transport, with wide handles.
    • They have a removable base.
    • They’re up to 50% lighter than their conventional counterparts.
    • They have double ring caps that eliminate odor during fill-ups.
    • They feature a unique expansion system. This allows for easier fill-ups.
    • They are tested with incredibly high standards.
    • They’re specially lined to remain rust-free.

    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.

    Let Lombardi Energy Services Deliver for You!

    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.

    water heaters massachusetts 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.

    Water Heater Types

    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.

    Maintenance Matters

    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).

    Delivering Comfort

    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.

    An Important Reminder for Our Heating Oil & Natural Gas Customers

    heating service massachusettsProfessional 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.

    Heating Oil Service Plans

    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.

    Natural Gas Service Plan

    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.

    Why Do I Need Annual Maintenance for My Boiler or Furnace?

    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:

    • A check of the safety and operating controls
    • An extension of the life of your heating system
    • An increase in your system’s operating efficiency
    • A lowering of your heating costs by up to 10%
    • The maintenance of your warranty coverage
    • A reduction in the need for emergency service and costly repairs

    Why Do I Need Annual Maintenance for My Water Heater?

    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 Oil & Gas Delivers Comfort

    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.

    5 Tips for Lowering Your Energy Costs

    vacation energy savings massachusettsIf 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.

    5 Money-Saving Tips

    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.

    1. Adjust the temp on your AC. Don’t waste money and energy keeping an empty home cool. Set the temperature on your AC to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of your trip. If you have a programmable thermostat with a calendar feature, you can change the settings for the dates you’ll be away and set your regular settings to resume a few hours before your return. That way you’ll save energy, but you’ll also come home to a comfortably cool home. Want to save money after your vacation is over? Schedule a maintenance visit for your AC system. A well-maintained system lasts longer and runs more efficiently. And efficiency saves you money.
    2. Adjust the temp on your water heater. Heating water can account for up to 30% of your home’s energy costs. There’s no need for your water heater to work as hard when no one is home. Many water heaters have a vacation setting. If yours doesn’t, set the temperature to 70 degrees Fahrenheit before you leave on vacation. Lombardi Energy Services also provides water heater maintenance and repair.
    3. Unplug energy-sucking appliances. We call certain appliances “energy vampires,” because they suck up energy even when they’re not being used. Unplug anything with a digital display or indicator light or that is usually on standby mode rather than completely off. Here are some things you can unplug: coffee makers, toasters, miscellaneous kitchen appliances, chargers, power strips, TVs, washers & dryers, computers, printers, clocks, radios, virtual assistants, and gaming consoles. If you aren’t planning to record shows on your DVR, you can also unplug your modems, routers, and cable boxes too.
    4. Make use of timers and motion sensors. Unplugging your appliances will help you save on your energy bill, but you don’t want to unplug everything. A home that is always dark can attract burglars. For some cost-effective ways to deter burglars, add motion sensors to you outdoor lighting and put a few indoor lights on timers.
    5. Close your blinds and curtains. This is a good money-saving habit to keep when you’re back from your trip as well. Close your home’s blinds and curtains to the sun. That will put less demand on your AC. It’s also a good safety measure because outsiders won’t be able to see into your home.

    Let Lombardi Oil & Gas Deliver for You!

    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.

    Lombardi Delivers Comfort

    hvac tech massachusettsHave you noticed a rise in your energy bills? If it’s not due to an increase in usage, there’s a good chance your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system has lost some of its efficiency and is overdue for maintenance. Lombardi Oil & Gas delivers the highest level of service on heating and cooling equipment.

    HVAC Maintenance Is Important

    Getting regular professional HVAC maintenance is a good idea for the following reasons:

    1. Savings: You’ll save money by getting ahead of avoidable and costly breakdowns. You’ll extend the life of your system and delay the cost of replacement. You’ll also maintain the efficiency of your system (which will keep your energy bills as low as possible).
    2. Health: You’ll improve the air quality of your New England home. This is especially important if you or anyone in your household has allergies or asthma.
    3. Comfort: A well-maintained HVAC system will do a better job of cooling and heating your home efficiently and effectively, so everyone will be more comfortable.
    4. Safety: Regular HVAC maintenance can identify any potential problems that might lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home.
    5. Eco-Friendly: An HVAC system that receives regular maintenance is better for the environment versus one that doesn’t because it consumes less fuel.

    The Lombardi Oil & Gas Air Conditioning Service Plan includes an annual tune-up. You’ll also save 15% on parts and labor. Click here to learn more.

    Do You Need HVAC Repairs?

    Here are some of the tell-tale signs that your HVAC system needs repairs:

    • An unexplainable rise in your utility bills
    • Inconsistent airflow
    • Increased allergy symptoms when inside
    • Strange noises coming from your system (buzzing, clanging, popping, rattling, whistling, etc.)
    • Strange smells (e.g., musty or scorched odors)
    • Uneven temperatures throughout your home

    If you’ve noticed any of the above, contact Lombardi Oil & Gas to request service.

    Lombardi Oil & Gas Delivers Comfort

    Whether you need HVAC equipment installed or repaired, Lombardi Oil & Gas delivers comfort 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 neighborhood.

    Contact us today for reliable, friendly service.

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