Tips For Ensuring Consistent Heating Fuel Access This Winter
As a new homeowner, you are going into your first winter managing the heating fuel on your own. It can be a little bit intimidating, and there is a lot of room for mistakes. Luckily, there are a few fundamentals that can help you to avoid some issues that can cause you to run out of fuel. Here are a few basic tips to help you manage your heating fuel delivery this winter.
Monitor Your Tank Levels
One of the easiest ways to ensure that you don't run out of heating fuel is to monitor the gauges on your fuel tanks. The gauges will tell you how much fuel you have remaining in the tanks at any given time.
Remember that the winter season can bring snowstorms at a moment's notice, and if you let your tank's fuel level drop below 25 percent, and a snowstorm comes in before you can get your delivery, it often means that the fuel truck won't be able to make it. This puts you at risk of running out of heating fuel.
Opt For Auto-Fill Instead Of Will-Call
When you contract with a fuel delivery service, you will be given the option between automatic deliveries and calling when you want fuel, known as will-call. If you opt for automatic delivery, it ensures that your tanks are filled at regular intervals so that you don't run out of fuel.
The fuel delivery company will estimate your fuel usage before the first delivery. Then, they will adjust the consumption level and your delivery periods accordingly. However, even on automatic delivery, you should still watch the weather. If you're due for a delivery soon and the weather is looking like a storm could come in, you may want to call ahead and bump up your delivery date.
Keep Your Tank Clear And Visible
The propane delivery company needs to be able to find and access your tank with ease. If they cannot access it, they will not fill it. As a result, that means that you need to keep the snow and ice free of the tank so that they have a path to get to it.
You can also make sure that the company can find your tank by marking it with a bright flag, such as a fluorescent orange or green one. That way, you can easily spot it no matter what the weather.
Finally, while you are clearing the path to the tank, you should also clear all snow away from around the tank as well. That ensures that air can move freely around the tank, reducing your chances of any carbon monoxide building up in your home.
Contact a service, like L P Gas Services Inc, for more advice.
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