Will Call Customers: Keep An Eye On Your Tank Gauge!

Written on: March 8, 2021

We’ve got a lot on our mind these days – even more than usual, with COVID complications. The busier life gets, the easier it is to forget the little things, like checking the fuel gauge on your home heating system.

The problem is that running out of heating oil or propane isn’t a “little” problem.

Besides the inconvenience and dangers of being in a cold house on a frigid day, run-outs can cause other problems. In an oil-fired system, thickened fuel from the bottom of your oil storage tank can clog filters and fuel lines – and with no heat, you could easily end up with frozen, or even bursting, water pipes that can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

If you have a propane-fired system, you’ll have other issues: if you run out of the gas, your system automatically shuts down and must be professionally restarted and pressure tested at your expense. Sudden changes in pressure caused by shutting down your system can also increase the likelihood of a propane leak.

The bottom line: a fuel run-out is something you really want to avoid.

How To Prevent Running Out Of Fuel

The good news is there are some simple things you can do to avoid a heating oil or propane run-out in your Vermont home:

• Choose automatic delivery – With automatic fuel delivery, we’ll estimate the delivery date of your fuel based on your past usage and the current weather. If you’re a propane customer and want to take away the guess work, install a tank monitor and we’ll both know exactly how much gas you have on hand at any moment. If you choose Will Call service, monitor your fuel gauge regularly, especially during a cold snap.
• Order when your tank is no less than 25 percent full (sooner if it is really cold). Don’t wait until the last minute – instant deliveries are not always possible.

If you do run out of fuel:

• Don’t panic!
• Take immediate steps to retain whatever heat you have in your house: close curtains, block under-door drafts, hang blankets over doorways, etc.
• If you have other ways to heat your space, such as fireplace, propane space heater, or electric heater, use them.
• NEVER use outdoor equipment (barbecues, outdoor stoves, etc.) indoors – carbon monoxide build up can be extremely dangerous or even deadly.
• Contact us for an emergency heating oil or propane delivery.

Getting low on heating oil or propane? Don’t panic, but don’t wait: contact Ace-Robbins today for a heating oil or propane delivery in Wyoming County, PA!