When your home relies on oil for its heating needs, having enough fuel supply is important to keep it warm and cozy throughout the cold weather season. A vital part of ensuring that you have a successful fuel delivery is keeping the pathway to your oil fill pipe clear of obstruction so that the contractors can do their job. Here’s what you can do to make things easier for them.

Why Clearing a Path Matters

Fuel delivery companies are at their busiest in winter, which often means they have to complete several deliveries in a day. If they see that the path or driveway to your oil fill pipes is blocked and deep with snow, they may have no alternative but to reschedule your delivery for another day until they have access. It will be challenging to pull the delivery hose from the truck to the oil tanks or pipes while trudging through snow, which complicates the fuel delivery process. Slick or slippery conditions also make it dangerous for technicians to navigate the pathway. Additionally, there are instances when deliveries are delayed because house numbers are not visible from the road, so take note of this as well.  

What You Can Do

Ensure that the driveway or path to your oil fill pipes is unobstructed on the day of delivery by shoveling away snow and debris. Consider laying down sand or rock salt along the pathway for extra traction that will make it easier for the contractor to maneuver the fuel hose — they’ll appreciate the effort. If you’ll be away from your home at the time of delivery, make arrangements with a friend or neighbors to clear out a path. Don’t forget to brush off the snow on your house numbers or place a sign outside to make it easier for drivers to find your home.

In addition to getting rid of snow on the path, clear out the vents as well. Doing so prevents carbon monoxide backup to your home, keeping you safe throughout the winter season.  

This winter, ensure you have a steady supply of heating oil by clearing a path to your fill pipe. For timely fuel delivery, count on Alaska Petroleum Distributing in North Pole, AK. As one of the leading oil and gas companies in the state, they’ve consistently provided quality petroleum products to businesses and residents for over 25 years. Call (907) 488-2575 today or visit the website for service.