Winter brings joy and excitement as the preparation begins for Christmas with wrapping gifts, finalizing the dishes, planning for holidays and family get together to meet all the family members. All these make the winter months exciting; however, at the same time, you should not overlook the practical aspect of making arrangements for fuel delivery during winter, whether you run a business relying on fuel power to run the machines or a homeowner.
During the colder months, preparing to receive fuel deliveries is essential to brace for the winter season, so you should know everything about fuel deliveries in winter. Let's go through the write-up for more insights.
Proactive Fuel Strategies to Reduce the Disruption Risk
- Testing - Timely testing of your fuel for cloud point, water content, and other elements helps ensure timely intervention.
- Proper treatment - Make use of specialized additives to lower the cloud point and ensure oil remains fluid even in freezing conditions.
- Regular cleaning of the tank - Clean the tank regularly to prevent the accumulation of contaminants and microbial growth. Tank cleanliness will ensure smooth functioning.
Tips for Fuel Deliveries in Winter
The Location of Your Home Should Be Visible
Visibility is the primary concern during the winter months, so it is advisable to ensure your home location is visible to the driver. Clear the address number of dust and debris, if any, for clear visibility of the house number. This will ensure delivery is made at the right address.
For instance, people who live in Long Island, NY, have experienced that Romeo's Fuel on Long Island, NY, provides them great prices for home heating oil delivery. They also offer free instant price quotes and money-saving heating oil deals, making it a convenient and affordable option for residents in the area.
You Should Know the Location of the Tank
If you have recently moved to a new house, make sure you know the exact location of the fuel tank. Don't mistake your water heater for an oil storage tank, which is a common mistake committed by many homeowners. In the Long Island properties, fuel storage tanks can be outdoors, buried underground, or inside the basement, so be mindful of the location.
Clear the Pathways to the Tank
Make sure the pathways to the oil storage tank are clear for smooth and seamless refill delivery.
Clear the Pathway of Snow and Ice on the Delivery Day
On the delivery day, remove snow and ice from the pathway before the driver reaches your location. This will ensure safe and efficient delivery of oil, making the driver's task easy. Your car may easily move on the pathway, but the fuel truck with so much oil can't move on the pathway full of snow and ice. The driver will promptly deliver next time when you may need oil in winter months because your little efforts leave a larger impact on them.
Unlock the Gates
Unlock the gates that go to fill pipes and make sure the fuel delivery drivers have easy access to fuel storage tanks in Long Island.
Keep the Pets Indoor
Check the surrounding areas for pets when the driver enters the long island. If pets come out, send them inside the home because when the driver refills the tank, it's not safe for pets to be around.
Call for Oil Delivery in Advance
If you are signed up for automatic deliveries, there's nothing to worry about. However, if not, call for oil delivery when the oil level in the tank reaches the one-quarter mark. This will give enough time for the fuel vendor to arrange for delivery, especially in bad weather. Winter months are busy times for oil delivery. Proper planning will always help in the timely delivery of oil.
If you are signed up for automatic delivery, but there's a sudden change at your home due to a sudden visit by extended family members, the birth of a baby, or the arrival of new propane appliances, call the vendor immediately to avoid last-minute hassle.
Fasten a Bright Color Flag on the Top of the Tank
If you are a propane customer, secure a colorful flag on the top of the tank so that the driver can locate the storage tank easily in the snow and on low visibility days. It will also help you locate it easily if you have recently moved into the house.
Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- Make sure the path is at least a foot wide for easy entry of the oil truck.
- The fuel truck needs a 9-10-foot wide path for a safe driveway. Ensure the pathway is wide.
- Mark the edges of the driveway for easy navigation.
- Remove any downed trees or branches from the way to equipment.
- Sign up for automatic delivery to avoid last-minute rush.
Don'ts
- Never forget to mark the underground tank.
- Never let ice or fallen leaves block the vent because any blockage will disrupt the functioning of the heating system.
