As the holidays approach and many of us hit the road to visit family and friends, it’s easy to focus on packing and forget about one very important thing: your home.
From all of us at Scotia Fuels, we wish you a warm, safe, and happy holiday season – and a worry-free return. Here’s a quick checklist to help protect your oil-heated home while you’re away.
- Set Your Thermostat Before You Leave
Turning the heat off completely can lead to frozen pipes and a big mess.
- Keep the heat on: Set your thermostat no lower than 16°C (60°F). In older or drafty homes, 18°C (65°F) is safer.
- Use “hold” or vacation mode: Keep the temperature steady instead of deep setbacks.
- Open interior doors: Leave bedroom and bathroom doors open so warm air can circulate.
Have a neighbour or family member check the house from time to time and ask them to confirm the thermostat reading and that the home feels warm enough.
- Protect Pipes from Freezing
A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
- Know your main water shut-off: Show anyone checking on your house where it is.
- Open cabinet doors: Especially under sinks on exterior walls, so warm air can reach the plumbing.
A quick glance at floors and ceilings for any signs of leaks is a big help.
- Check Your Oil Level & Delivery Plans
No one wants to come home to a cold house and an empty tank.
- Check your tank gauge: If you’re will-call, make sure you have enough oil to cover your time away plus a buffer. If you’re low, book a delivery before you go.
- On automatic delivery? Let us know your travel dates so we can factor that into your delivery schedule.
- Keep access clear: Ensure the driveway and path to the fill pipe are clear of snow, ice, and debris.
- Be Prepared for Power Outages – Safely
If you use a backup generator:
- Make sure all connections to your heating system were done by a licensed electrician.
- Never attempt temporary or DIY electrical hookups to your furnace or boiler.
- Leave a Simple Home Information Sheet
Leave a one-page note with:
- Thermostat setting and location
- Where the oil tank and gauge are
- Location of the main water shut-off
- Key contact numbers (you, a local contact, and your service providers)
From everyone at Scotia Fuels, happy holidays and safe travels! If you’d like to top up your tank before you go or have questions about your delivery schedule, we’re just a call or click away.