How do i make my steam heating use oil more efficiently?

i moved into a house where there is steam radiator heating.


i keep the house temp at 64 degrees.





my question had to do with each individual radiator. they are all turned up as high as they can get. the boiler goes on for a shorter amount of time as the house reaches 64 degrees faster.. but is that more or less efficient then turning the nob on the radiators half way and letting it take longer to heat them up?How do i make my steam heating use oil more efficiently?
In most HVAC systems, what you're describing is called short cycling and it's mostly not good. You want longer slower cycles to more evenly distribute heat/cooling. This is why in forced air application the variable speed blower motor is more common because it ramps up and down in speed. this allows for a lower avarage use of electrcity for the motor and distrbutes anywhere from a 'trickle' to heavy volume air movement. I would think a boiler system would be similar. Of course if you have zoning that comes into play.





Plus, how efficient is your boiler?How do i make my steam heating use oil more efficiently?
Would it be better to zone each room with higher heat in the ones your in, lower in those that get little use.


Like a spare bedroom with no one in it could be set at 60*, but your bedroom at 68*, saving you lots of money.


I saw it on, this old house.


Your way will not save much.
Replace the boiler to a newer unit.