Winter Storm Tips for Homeowners with Heating Oil in NH
Being prepared for winter storms and weather in New Hampshire is a must. Cold weather events can increase oil usage and strain home heating systems. Taking a few proactive steps before a storm hits can help protect your home and make life easier.
Winter Homeowner Tips
Regularly Check Your Tank Levels
New Hampshire experiences harsh winters, so it’s important to check your heating oil tank levels regularly. You should be monitoring your levels at least once a week, and you can bump it up to twice a week if the weather is particularly cold.
Order Oil Before You Get Too Low
To prevent a heating oil runout during the coldest days of the year, it is suggested that you schedule a heating oil delivery when your tank gauge reads ¼ full or less. This will help ensure that you have fuel remaining while your local heating oil provider fits your order into their already busy schedule.
Enroll in Automatic Fuel Delivery
Automatic heating oil delivery is a great way to simplify your heating needs. Instead of frequently checking your tank levels and placing orders manually, your local fuel company will use degree-day calculations and your fuel usage history to accurately estimate when your home will need fills and schedule these deliveries on your behalf.
Related Post: Why New Hampshire Homeowners Choose Automatic Delivery
Prepare Your Home for Your Next Delivery
It’s important that your local heating oil delivery drivers can complete a fill safely and efficiently. Be sure to take these steps before your next delivery, especially following heavy snowfall.
- Plow your driveway and any necessary walkways
- Clear a path to your fill pipe
- Remove snow and ice from around vents
- Unlock any access gates and keep pets indoors
Program Your Thermostat Appropriately While Traveling
When traveling during the winter months, it can be tempting to lower your thermostat as much as possible to save on energy and your heating bill. In these conditions, setting it too low can put your home at risk. Extending periods of freezing temperatures can cause interior pipes to freeze and burst, leading to costly water damage.
Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to help maintain enough warmth, and consider setting it slightly higher if you’re expecting cold snaps.
Related Post: Winter Energy-Saving Tips for New Hampshire Homeowners
Contact a Local Oil Provider for a Fill
Having a dependable supply of today’s heating oil is one of the most crucial ways to stay prepared. Working with a local oil provider can help ensure timely deliveries, better communication during storms, and service from people who understand New Hampshire’s climate and road conditions. Maintaining an adequate supply offers peace of mind and helps keep your home and loved ones warm.