Written on: October 16, 2023
For heating oil delivery drivers, ice and snow can turn an already tough job into a potentially hazardous one. Besides navigating slick roads, walking with a heavy hose over slippery surfaces can also be challenging. Sometimes, drivers have sustained injuries when they’ve lost their balance on icy sidewalks.
After a snow or ice storm, please clear a path to your oil fill pipe so your driver can reach it quickly and safely. You’ll also need to shovel or plow your driveway so it is free of snow and ice. Safety codes prohibit heating oil delivery drivers from trying to navigate slippery driveways. Fuel trucks also need a space wide enough for an ambulance to get through.
To make winter deliveries easier and stress-free, ask your Hudson Valley heating oil company if they offer automatic delivery service. They will use your past heating fuel usage and current weather conditions to know when to schedule a delivery before you run low. This eliminates the work and worry of managing your fuel supply on your own.
But if you still prefer to call for heating oil, you need to give your heating oil company extra time when conditions are harsh. It’s best to call for more fuel when your heating oil tank falls to the one-quarter mark.
Remember that when you get a heating oil delivery, you’re getting a home heating fuel that has a remarkable safety record because it is biodegradable, nontoxic and nonflammable.
For further peace of mind, modern heating oil tanks have been designed to be virtually leak-proof. Whether your heating oil storage tank is in your basement or outside your home, the tanks being installed today are designed with corrosion-resistant materials.
Making it easier to get heating oil deliveries during winter is important. But you shouldn’t forget about paying some attention to your heating system during the cold months.
First, make sure you’re keeping the area around your heating system as clean and clutter-free as possible. Never store anything flammable, like paint or old newspapers, anywhere near your system.
If you have a heating oil furnace, check the air filter a few times during the heating season and clean/change it if it looks dirty. A dirty filter compromises efficiency and if it becomes badly clogged with dust and other debris, can force your system to shut down.
If you have a steam boiler, check the water gauge periodically. Low water levels are a leading cause for boiler shutdowns. Steam boilers should also be “flushed” when the water in the gauge looks rusty.
If you have a hot water boiler, make sure the water level of the boiler reads at half-full. The boiler’s automatic filling system, controlled by the pressure-reducing valve, should maintain the proper water level at 12 to 15 psi of pressure. If there isn’t a pressure-reducing valve, manually feed the boiler by opening the water feed valve until the boiler pressure reaches 12 psi.
If you’re concerned that your heating system is not up to the task of getting you through another winter, read about what you should look for with a new boiler or furnace installation.