Fill Your Propane Tank Early to Avoid Extreme Price Fluctuations
If you haven’t filled your propane tank in advance of cold weather, time is running out.
Because the weather in early fall can be pleasant, it can lull you into a false sense of security about the coming winter. Make no mistake, cold weather is coming, and if last year’s winter is any indication, it could be very cold for a very long time. Many areas of the nation suffered a longer-than-normal winter season last year and as a result, many propane users found themselves running dangerously low on propane to keep their homes warm. Those forced to purchase propane later in the season dealt with shortages and substantially higher rates. Don’t let this happen to you – fill your tank early!
The winter forecast
Most of us have heard the Farmer’s Almanac forecast for a snowier and colder than normal winter this year. The Farmer’s Almanac claims an accuracy rate of 80-85%, and this year’s prediction is a source of concern for those who finished the winter season in the deep freeze last year. It’s important to remember that anything can happen, weather-wise, and it pays to be prepared.
Preparing for the cold
Getting your home winter-ready means making sure the cold doesn’t come inside. Weather-stripping on your doors and windows, additional insulation in your attic, and wrapping exposed pipes in your crawl space will go a long way towards making the inside of your home more comfortable. Applying various energy upgrades to your home will also help to save you money in the long run.
Fill your tank early
One of the best ways to keep warm and comfortable during the long winter days ahead is to fill your propane tank early. By filling your tank early, you can be assured of a steady supply of propane to power your furnace, water heater, and household appliances, and eliminate the last-minute rush to obtain propane once the weather turns cold.
Lock in a price
Lin-gas offers a budgeting program that allows our customers to lock in a rate for their propane for a full year. Many suppliers do this. The deadline for signing up for our budgeting program is June 30 each year, and while our deadline for 2014 has passed, locking in a rate well in advance of winter can help keep your budget under control when cold weather arrives. If you didn’t sign up for a budgeting program this year, be sure to do so as soon as the enrollment period begins for next year.
Like the parable of the ant and the grasshopper, those who are prepared for winter will weather the year’s darkest and coldest season in comfort. Filling your propane tank early will help you to avoid the late-season price increases that are sure to come if winter overstays its welcome. Contact us to schedule a fill-up and rest easy knowing you’ll be warm all winter long.
