Cool mornings and nor’easter talk are your signal to give your oil-heating system a quick once-over. A few simple steps now can help you avoid mid-season surprises—and keep your home cozy when the first real cold snap hits.
1) Do a 10-minute test run
Switch your thermostat to Heat and raise the set point a few degrees. Listen for a smooth start-up, make sure warm air or hot water reaches every room, and watch for any unusual odours or noises. If something feels “off,” don’t wait—book a service visit before the rush.
2) Refresh airflow & hot-water circulation
For warm-air furnaces, replace your return-air filter and vacuum floor registers. For boilers/radiators or baseboard heaters, clear dust and furniture from around fins and panels so heat can move freely.
3) Give your oil tank a quick visual
Look for surface rust, damp spots, or weeping seams; confirm the tank is level and the legs are secure. If your tank is older or showing wear, we can inspect it and talk through options.
4) Clear the path for safe deliveries
Trim back shrubs, move summer gear, and make sure your fill and vent are easy to reach and visible from the driveway. A clear path helps our drivers deliver quickly and safely when weather turns messy.
5) Check exposed oil lines & protection
If you can see lines along walls or floors, ensure they’re protected from bumps and not sitting in standing water. Mention anything unusual when you book service so our technician can have a look.
6) Thermostats & batteries
Replace batteries in non-hardwired thermostats and for the programmable variety, consider setting a weekday/weekend schedule to smooth out temperature swings—and fuel use.
7) Test safety devices
Press the Test button on smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and replace batteries if needed. If you don’t have a CO alarm on each level, now’s a good time to add one.
8) Prevent run-outs (and late-night emergencies)
Peek at your tank gauge and plan ahead. The easiest path: switch to Automatic Delivery so we track degree days and fill you before you’re low.
Need a hand?
Book your preseason tune-up now to beat the first cold snap. Our technicians clean and test your burner, replace nozzles and filters as needed, and perform a combustion check so you get safe, efficient heat all season.
Locally owned and operated, Scotia Fuels has been serving Halifax-Dartmouth and surrounding areas since 1971. Call us at 902-453-2411 or contact us online at https://scotiafuels.com/contact-us/ to schedule service, set up Automatic Delivery, or to ask about anything related to heating with oil.