Winter in New England brings freezing temperatures, snow, and icy conditions. As the cold weather settles in, it’s important to make sure your home is ready and your propane system is prepared for the season ahead. A little planning can go a long way toward keeping your family safe, your home comfortable, and your propane deliveries on schedule.
Keep these important winter propane tips in mind throughout the season.
1. Keep a Clear and Safe Path to Your Tank and Fill Pipe
Snow and ice can make it difficult to access your tank or fill pipe during the winter months. Please keep a clear and safe walking path from your driveway to your tank or fill pipe, and remove snow and ice as needed. This can mean not only clearing the path, but sanding as well. Clear access also helps ensure that, if service is ever needed unexpectedly, our delivery drivers and service technicians can respond quickly and without delay.
2. Prepare Your Driveway for Safe Deliveries
Our delivery trucks need a clear, well-maintained driveway to reach your home safely. Please make sure your driveway is properly plowed and, when necessary, sanded or salted to help prevent slippery conditions.
Our drivers prioritize safety. If a driveway or access road is considered unsafe for delivery, we may need to postpone your scheduled delivery until conditions improve. Keeping your driveway clear and safe helps us serve you more reliably throughout the winter.
3. Plan Ahead to Avoid Running Low
The best time to prepare for winter is before the temperatures drop. If you haven’t already, make sure your tank has enough fuel to help keep your home warm when you need it most.
Consider enrolling in Eastern’s Automatic Delivery program for added convenience and help managing your propane supply. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
If you monitor your own supply, check your tank gauge regularly. We recommend calling Eastern Propane when your tank reaches 30% full. Ordering before your supply gets too low gives you more time to plan your delivery, especially during periods of extreme cold or heavy snowfall.
4. Know When to Schedule Your Delivery
If you’re a Cash on Delivery (COD) or Will Call customer, be sure to keep track of your delivery schedule and contact us when it’s time to order. If you don’t have a schedule or aren’t sure when to call, reach out to our team so we can help you get the information you need. Planning ahead can help you avoid the stress of running low on during the coldest days of the year.
5. What to Do If You Run Out
If you run out of, contact Eastern immediately. For your safety, a qualified technician must inspect and test your system before the gas can be turned back on. This helps ensure your system is operating safely before service is restored.
6. Keep Vents, Chimneys, and Flues Clear
Snow and ice can build up around outdoor vents, chimneys, and flues, potentially interfering with the safe operation of your heating equipment. Check these areas regularly and keep them clear of snow, ice, and debris, following your equipment manufacturer’s safety instructions.
7. Your Official Winter Checklist to Stay Safe & Warm
- Replace batteries in your thermostat, carbon monoxide (CO), and combustible gas, and smoke detectors at least once a year.
- If your combustible gas and/or CO detector is more than 5–7 years old, it’s time to replace it and we are here to help. We have a version we trust available to you at our locations and on our service technician vans.
- If you haven’t already, switch your thermostat to “Heat” mode and test that your heating system kicks on.
- If your home is unoccupied for stretches of time, especially a second home or cabin, consider installing a Wi-Fi smart thermostat. These allow you to monitor and adjust the temperature remotely — a great way to prevent frozen pipes and energy waste. Please note the home must have power for these to work effectively.
- Ensure your property stays accessible after snowfall this winter, including access to your tanks and/or fill pipes.
- Ensure any unused propane lines are closed and properly capped.
- Protect outside propane lines and oil equipment from the weight of snow and ice throughout the winter to prevent damage.
Never use outdoor appliances indoors. Propane grills, portable generators, and patio heaters must remain outdoors and be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using these appliances inside your home, garage, or another enclosed space can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
We’re Here to Help You Stay Warm This Winter
At Eastern, we want you to feel confident and prepared throughout the New England winter. Taking a few simple precautions can help support safe use and smoother deliveries all season long.
Have questions about winter deliveries or your account? We’re happy to help!
Call us at 800-523-5237 with any questions or to discuss your delivery needs.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and stay warm this winter!
