New Jersey winters can be unpredictable. One day the sun is shining across the Garden State, and the next day sleet, snow, and ice make everything much more difficult. That includes delivering heating oil.
While your fuel delivery driver is always committed to keeping your home warm, winter weather can make their job far more hazardous. And it’s not only about navigating slick roads from Bergen County to Cape May. Carrying a heavy hose across icy sidewalks, steep driveways, and frozen yards can be risky too.
Unfortunately, drivers are sometimes injured simply trying to reach a fill pipe after a storm. A few simple steps can make a big difference with their safety and help ensure your delivery happens smoothly and on schedule. Here is what you can do:
These small efforts go a long way in helping drivers who work long hours in tough weather so New Jersey families can stay warm.
Running out of oil in January is not something any New Jersey homeowner wants to experience, especially during a cold snap. To make life easier, ask your local heating oil company about automatic delivery. Many New Jersey fuel companies use a combination of your past usage and real-time weather conditions to calculate when you are due for a refill. This takes the guesswork off your shoulders and greatly reduces the risk of a runout.
If you prefer to call for deliveries, remember that winter is the busiest time of year. When roads are bad, schedules can be delayed, so call before your tank reaches the one-quarter level. Giving your company extra notice helps ensure your delivery arrives before your fuel runs low.
When you receive a heating oil delivery, you are getting one of the safest home heating fuels available. Heating oil is nonflammable in its liquid state, which adds an extra layer of peace of mind for New Jersey homeowners.
Modern heating oil tanks are also designed with safety in mind. Whether your tank is installed outdoors in your yard or indoors in your basement, modern tanks are built with corrosion-resistant materials that help protect against leaks and extend system life.
Making winter deliveries easier is important, but so is taking care of your heating system during the colder months.
Keep the area around your heating system clear. Do not store rags, paint, boxes, holiday decorations, or anything flammable nearby. If you have a heating oil furnace, check the air filter during the heating season and replace or clean it when it looks dirty. A clogged filter reduces efficiency and can even cause your system to shut down. If the filter looks gray or coated with dust, or if you notice more dust blowing through your home when the heat runs, it is time to change it.
If you use a steam boiler, keep an eye on the water gauge. Low water is one of the main causes of shutdowns. If the water looks rusty, the boiler may need to be flushed.
For hot water boilers, make sure the water level is around halfway and that the pressure typically reads between 12 and 15 psi. If your system does not have an automatic pressure-reducing valve, you may need to manually feed water until proper pressure is restored.
If you have concerns about your heating oil system’s ability to get you through a New Jersey winter, contact your local heating oil company. They can inspect your system, discuss repair options, and let you know if an upgrade may make sense.
With a little preparation, cooperation with your delivery driver, and some basic system care, you can enjoy a warm, safe, and worry-free winter at home in New Jersey.