As the seasons change, so do your propane usage needs. But keeping deliveries safe, easy and efficient is important any time. Here’s what you need to know!
Winter weather in our area can run the gamut, from relatively mild to fierce cold, ice and snow. But you know it only takes a little ice or frozen slush to make the walkway to your front door treacherous. Now imagine navigating a path while maneuvering a heavy hose to deliver propane. No thanks! Winter weather means extra challenges for our drivers. Our guys can make wrangling a delivery hose look easy, but they can lose their footing on slippery surfaces and even sustain injuries.
Here’s how you can make deliveries safer for our drivers when winter temps fall and even a little slush, mud or ice can make getting to your propane tank more challenging.
Shovel or use snowmelt to keep your driveway clear after snow. Remember that our trucks need a 9- to 10-foot-wide path to maneuver safely—and we cannot deliver fuel if your driveway isn’t clear. If you have a steep drive, be sure it’s ploughed or put down sand. Remember, just because you can get your car down your driveway doesn’t mean our 15-ton fuel truck can make it too.
Be sure the path to your tank is free of debris and branches, and shoveled if we’ve had a big snowfall. Mark the fill pipe for your underground tank with a flag so it’s easy to spot.
Don’t forget to check around exterior vents. Be sure they aren’t blocked by snow, ice, or fallen leaves. Your heating system won’t work effectively. It also increases the risk of carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
Propane deliveries in summer are always easier. But it’s still important to make sure the path to your tank is clear of branches and debris. Also keep an eye on your tank and vents and remove any nest made by insects or critters.
While snow and ice are not a problem in summer, you still need to be sure your driveway is clear and accessible. When you’re expecting a delivery, put away bikes and trikes, wagons and play equipment. Also, while we love your pets, we ask that you make sure they’re inside or penned when our drivers arrive. Even if they are friendly, your pets underfoot can make hauling a hose to your tank more challenging for our drivers.
One big factor with propane use from season to season is that your usage can change—a lot! If you use propane for heat, or for a propane-fueled fireplace, as well as for other appliances and water heating, you may use more propane in the winter than in the summer. If not, you may find your propane use is steady and predictable.
Checking your propane tank gauge is one way to make sure you always have enough propane to meet your day-to-day needs. Or, you can take advantage of our convenient wireless propane tank monitor service. With or without our automatic delivery service, it helps you track your usage and know when you need a delivery—avoiding the inconvenience and expense of a propane runout.
Want to learn more about all the convenient propane services we offer for your northern North Carolina and southern Virginia home or business? Contact us for more information and to become a customer today!
