How To Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

The recent weather has made us all aware of how important it is to be prepared for a sudden winter storm or drop in temperatures. Rather than scrambling at the last minute, it’s much better to be prepared for these events by having a plan already in place—especially if the weather is so bad that you have to ride out a storm until streets are passable and a fuel refill can be delivered safely.

With that in mind, Woodford Oil Company has created a Winter Preparation Guide with tips to help you stay warm in your home or business during cold weather. This blog summarizes the most important points included in the guide.

Maintain a Full Tank of Propane or Heating Oil

Running out of fuel during a winter storm can leave you without heat at the worst possible time. Weather is unpredictable, and a bad storm can deliver a significant amount of snow and ice, and cause treacherous road conditions that can affect how quickly a fuel refill can be delivered. Keep in mind that it is not safe to transport hazardous materials like fuel in icy conditions. For that reason, Woodford recommends that you:

  • Monitor your fuel tank: Check your heating oil and propane levels regularly and contact us for a refi­ll when your tank is 30-35% full. This is especially important during winter months when the weather is unpredictable.
  • Add a cellular tank monitor to your propane tank: Woodford’s tank monitoring service and handy mobile app let you remotely view the level of your propane tank 24/7, keep track of your “safety margin,” and schedule a delivery in advance. The app also provides a lot of other useful information.
  • Sign up for auto-deliveries: If you already have a cellular tank monitor, and you don’t want to manually check your propane levels, the easiest way to ensure you never run out of fuel is to sign up for automatic refill deliveries from Woodford. With auto-delivery, Woodford will remotely monitor your tank for you and schedule a refill when it’s needed.

Make Sure Your Driveway and Fuel Tank Are Accessible

You can help ensure that Woodford’s trucks and equipment can provide the service you need, when you need it:

  • Please ensure that snow, ice and debris is removed from your driveway, fuel tank, and any other areas of your property that we may need to access.
  • Even with auto-deliveries set up, we may not be able to make it to your home if you don’t ensure that your property is clear and passable for our equipment.
  • Let us know if the secondary roads to your home or business have been plowed and treated.

Inspect and Service Your Heating System

A malfunctioning furnace or burner can leave you in the cold, and you may not be able to get emergency repairs done quickly.

  • Schedule an annual system inspection before the cold weather hits. This includes checking the furnace or burner, cleaning ­filters, inspecting thermostats, and ensuring that ventilation systems are clear. If you have an oil furnace, clean the fuel ­filter and check the chimney for blockages.
  • Install a backup heating system. Invest in a portable propane heater, generator, a wood stove, or space heater as a backup. Make sure they are properly ventilated and that you have extra fuel or wood stored.
  • If you have a backup generator, ensure it is checked regularly, and set up to power your heating system in case of an extended power outage.

Insulate Your Home

Even the best heating system can struggle to keep your home warm if it is not properly insulated. Making the effort to insulate and seal your home against drafts is one of the most effective ways to stay warm without overworking your heating system.

  • Add insulation to attics and basements, and make sure any unused fireplaces are properly sealed.
  • Check windows and doors for possible drafts. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal any gaps.
  • Use thermal curtains on windows, and consider adding extra insulation around pipes that may be prone to freezing.
  • Install a programmable or smart thermostat to optimize your heating efficiency.

Create an Emergency Home Heating Kit

In the case of a sudden heating failure or extreme weather event, having a home kit readily available with cold weather essentials can keep you comfortable until repairs or fuel refills are able to be delivered. A similar kit for your vehicle is also advisable.

  • Include items like blankets, warm clothing, flashlights, candles and matches (used safely), a battery charger and a battery-powered fan to circulate heat.
  • Make sure you have a way to cook or boil water (like a camp stove) if your power goes out. For propane stoves and grills, consider keeping an extra fuel tank on hand.
  • Keep a few gallons of water stored in case pipes freeze, especially if you are in an area prone to extreme cold.

By planning ahead and taking these steps, you can help ensure you and your family are able to stay warm at home, even when winter weather throws its worst at you!

Have Questions? Woodford Can Help

Every day, thousands of customers rely on Woodford Oil Company for propane, heating oil, motor fuels, commercial and industrial lubricants, and unmatched service—24/7.

Contact us with any questions about home heating fuels and solutions, or request a quote online! Phone: 1-800-927-3688. Email: info@woodfordoil.com. Follow us @facebook.com/woodfordoil and @instagram.com/woodfordoil