Winter is coming. It happens every year. Yet, somehow it always sneaks up and suddenly there is much to do. Here are some tips to keep your family safe and warm and help you prepare for the coming cold.
Our top 5 tips for winter readiness
1. Heating Equipment and Chimney Maintenance – Do it!
- Have your heating system cleaned and tuned annually. This is the best advice we have – it will ensure your equipment operates safely and efficiently in the months to come.
- Check the chimney and fireplace. If you have a wood fireplace or woodstove and use it with some regularity, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional once a year.
2. Seal up those drafts! Clear the gutters! Clear those vents!
- Reinforce windows and doors. Remove screens and install storm windows and doors if you use them. Check caulk and seals around all doors and windows.
- Feel for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. A good tip is to use a lighted candle and if the flame flickers, there is most likely a draft – or a stick of incense will show you as well. If necessary, replace seals and repair caulking around window and door frames. Consider buying heavier or insulated drapery for especially drafty windows.
- Once the leaves are down, clear your gutters – to ensure proper drainage away from your home and foundation.
- Now, and throughout winter, keep your vents clear of ice and snow – dryer vents, fuel fill vents, plumbing vents, and exhaust vents for your heating equipment.
3. Embrace technology
- Install a programmable thermostat, if you don’t have one. If you already have one, check the temperature settings. Setting your thermostat to lower the temperature automatically at night and when you’re not home, can result in substantial cost savings.
- Consider investing in high-efficiency heating equipment. We provide free estimates on new heating systems and other home comfort upgrades.
4. Get ready for the snow and ice.
- Service your snow blower and make sure it is ready to go and/or connect with whoever plows your driveway. Remember, if your driveway is impassable due to snow and ice, we will not be able to make your fuel delivery.
- Confirm you have snow shovel(s), roof rake, and other snow-clearing tools at the ready – they could be in short supply or hard to acquire when we get a big storm.
- Test your generator. If you have an emergency generator for power outages, give it a test, and make sure it’s in good working order.
- Buy extra gasoline. Purchase extra gas to have on hand for use in your snow blower or generator, so you are prepared for emergencies. Make sure you store gasoline in tanks away from fire sources and out of children’s reach.
5. Plan for your fuel bills and start earning Loyalty Points
- Get on a budget plan for your fuel and get control of your expenditures. It is not too late to sign up for our Budget Plan which divides your estimated annual fuel costs into even monthly payments. Budget Plan customers also benefit from our Price Protection Program.
- Sign up for our rewards program and start earning loyalty points for every dollar you spend. All our residential customers are invited to sign up for our Loyalty Program which automatically assigns rewards points whenever you pay for our products and services. Points are redeemable for valuable discounts, credit on your account, or leveraged gifts to community organizations.
6. Sign up for Automatic Delivery for Peace of Mind (or if Will-Call, be sure you order ahead of time)
- Automatic delivery is the surest way to stay fully fueled all winter.
- Will-Call customers be sure you order 7-10 days ahead of time so we can fit you in our regular delivery route. If not, and we have to go off-route, you may be subject to a Special Delivery Fee.
As you enjoy the latter days of autumn, make sure that your home is prepared for the coming season. Preventative maintenance now will save money on expensive emergency repairs and wasted energy costs. Properly maintaining your home also enhances its value and appeal and is less effort than managing a crisis later. When the chilly weather approaches you and your home will be ready.