What To Do if You Run Out of Home Heating Oil This Winter
Winter is on its way, and as temperatures begin to fall across New York, the Blueox Energy team wants to share some important reminders of how to stay safe in the cold. For decades, we have been the area’s trusted propane supplier, keeping Oxford homes and businesses stocked with propane, kerosene fuel, and home heating oil. In today’s post, we’re going over what you should do if you run out of fuel this winter — and how to get a fuel oil or propane refill fast.
Read on to learn more, and if you want to make sure you stay safe and comfortable all winter long, create a free account with Blueox On-Demand: our online ordering platform for home heating oil, kerosene, and propane delivery. We have streamlined the system to make it as easy as possible to get the heating oil you need right when you need it.
However, we all make mistakes, and if you accidentally run out of home heating oil this season, here are the steps you should take to stay safe:
1. Contain as Much Heat as Possible
First of all, you should make sure that all of the doors, windows, and other openings to your home or business are completely closed. If you have a front door that opens often, or does not close automatically, put up a sign politely asking people to make sure to close the door behind them.
If there are areas where you can feel cold air leaking in, seal them up with towels or blankets unless or until you can pursue a more permanent solution with sealant or caulk.
In a true emergency, you can temporarily cover your windows with tin foil. Aluminum foil reflects heat, so it will drastically slow any heat loss through your windows. You can use only the foil, or tape it to cardboard slabs cut in the shape of your windows.
2. Use Other Heating Sources at Your Disposal
If you have a wood stove, space heater, fireplace, or any other type of heating system — now is your chance to use it! Use it as much and as often as possible to maintain a safe and comfortable temperature inside the building. Just be sure that you are always operating heaters safely and within the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Make Sure You Are Actually Out of Oil
Before you order replacement fuel oil, make sure that you are actually out. Sometimes, you may have no heat due to some other cause, including a blockage in the line between the heating oil tank and the burner. (This tends to happen most often in systems that are not regularly maintained, which is one reason why it’s important to routinely service your heating systems.)
If you can’t find anything amiss, and your oil supply is normal, you can contact a heating technician to come and take a look.
If you are low on oil, it’s time to place an order — although you may be able to use kerosene or diesel fuel in the meantime.
4. Use Kerosene or Diesel as a Quick Fix
If your home heating oil tank is completely empty, then you can add kerosene or diesel fuel as a temporary fix until your replacement heating oil arrives. Kerosene and diesel fuel are more expensive than home heating oil, but they will burn safely until you can replenish your tank, and five to ten gallons will last for a day or so.
5. Place an Order for Emergency Delivery
Go to your online Blueox On-Demand account and place your order. You can select “emergency delivery” for an additional charge, and our team will work to get fuel to you ASAP, even outside of normal business hours.
If you have run out of oil completely, then you’ll probably need to schedule a Prime and Start service in order to remove any air from the fuel line and safely re-light the burner. Be sure to order this service at the same time that you place your heating oil order, and make sure that you can be home to grant us access to your boiler or furnace.
If emergency delivery and/or Prime and Start services are not available in your area, you should contact a local heating contractor to schedule a service call ASAP.
Stay Cozy and Warm with Blueox Energy
Blueox Energy is proud to be a propane company that keeps you in mind. Our online ordering and delivery system is simple, easy-to-use, and 100% free, so be sure to sign up today to take advantage of exclusive member discounts and stay fully stocked with fuel oil this winter. We can get you a quick propane tank refill in Oxford when you need it!
Contact us today to learn more or place an order for fuel oil today.