Is there an ideal thermostat setting? After all, everyone has different temperature preferences. If you’ve never argued with a roommate or family member over where to set the thermostat in terms of heating or cooling, we’ll have to just take your word for it. However, there ARE guidelines you can follow to maximize your system’s energy efficiency, lower your costs, and enjoy comfort in your South Shore of Massachusetts home year-round – whatever that means to you! Give us a call and our experienced Williams Energy technicians will be happy to go over your thermostat settings with you.
There are several factors to consider when trying to pinpoint that “magic number” on your thermostat. You’ll want to think about:
Some upgrades to your home can really pay off in the long run by increasing your system’s efficiency. Other additions are more modest, but can still make a big difference. Examples include:
Winters can get pretty brutal in our area, so when those bitterly cold days arrive, you want to know that your home heating system is up to the job. Whether you need guidance on your thermostat settings, heating and cooling repairs, or an upgraded system, we are here for you.
Energy prices are going up across the board, for all types of fuel. These price surges can be difficult to understand, and to accept – for all of us in the South Shore of Massachusetts. So, what gives?
Several factors converge to cause price fluctuations for fuel. Of course, supply and demand contribute mightily to oil and gas price changes, but the true impact occurs as a result of pressure from multiple avenues. When war, political upheaval in other regions of the world, and natural disasters occur, this impacts exportation from big oil-producing countries.
The bottom line is that price fluctuations wreak havoc on the entire energy industry.
Likewise, propane prices increase when there is a high demand, such as during frigid winters, or when heavy rains during the agricultural growing season create bumper crops that need to be dried rapidly, in great volume.
At the same time, American propane exports have been increasing steadily over the past decade. This is good business for the large wholesale propane suppliers, but it increases demand even further in an industry that traditionally doesn’t store huge quantities of propane at once.
Whatever the cause of increased demand for energy, local fuel providers aren’t benefiting. Consumers often unintentionally conflate the big wholesale suppliers with the local energy experts, but they are not one-in-the-same.
Fuel companies that serve consumers directly are not the ones influencing price increases, and they don’t benefit from them either. In fact, Williams Energy and other heating oil and propane experts in the area much prefer reasonable prices they can pass on to their customers. When prices are high, customers may start to get nervous and cut back on their energy use. Everybody suffers when shortages occur and prices are high.
Fortunately, Williams Energy has great relationships – cultivated over a number of years – with our heating oil and propane suppliers in and around southern Massachusetts. This enables us to continue to provide our customers with the most affordable energy costs available.
If you are struggling with your energy costs, we are more than happy to walk you through your options to reduce your expenses, including ways to tweak your energy usage to make it more efficient, and small updates you can make to your property to make the most of the heat you do produce. Let us help you stay warm this winter, in the most affordable and comfortable way possible.
Propane safety is often the most important concern for propane customers – as it should be. The good news is that propane is one of the safest fuels available, provided it is installed and maintained properly. Fortunately, it’s easy to make sure your propane setup is on the up-and-up, so long as you are working with a reputable fuel provider in or around South Shore, Massachusetts. Read on to learn some important safety tips, red flags to look for, and how to know when to call for backup from one of the knowledgeable fuel experts at Williams Energy.
If something smells off, there’s likely a problem. Propane it its original state is totally odorless, but manufacturers add an artificial odor to the gas to alert people to any potential leaks, since propane is flammable, and leaks are dangerous for that reason. If you smell that hallmark “stinky skunk” scent, make a beeline away from your tank and straight to the nearest phone to report a possible leak.
Propane tanks are typically well-built and sturdy, but occasionally after a bad weather event – especially if your tank is an older model – things can get jostled and might need some attention. If you have had flooding, high winds, flying debris, fallen tree limbs, large hail, etc., be sure to check you tank to make sure all of its components are still present, in the right place, and are fitted tightly. Pipes, lines, gauges, seals, valves, vents, and other components may have shifted or become dislodged. Controls and regulators can become clogged. A little extra attention can prevent an unexpected (and inconvenient) leak or malfunction.
You probably know better than to light up a big cigar whilst leaning up against your propane tank – our customers are pretty smart – but many people don’t realize that fires can start with lesser-known triggers, too.
The maintenance and safety guidelines put in place by appliance manufacturers, fuel providers, and local regulators are there for a reason.
Don’t try to relight your pilot light by yourself unless you’re really familiar with the process. It’s just not worth the risk of things going awry when one of our experienced technicians can do it safely, in a jiffy. Avoid unprofessional “fixes” like forcing or lubricating knobs or components that may be jammed – there’s a right way to get aging appliances up-to-date and working smoothly, and Williams Energy is here to help.
We are always available to help you feel safe and comfortable with your fuel choices. For more than 100 years, Williams Energy has been the leader in fuel delivery to South Shore homes and businesses.
Our customers know that they can count on us for safe, reliable propane, heating-oil and commercial-fuels delivery, as well as plumbing and electrical service and equipment installation, maintenance and repairs. We’re here when you need us!
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home heating oil tank. The right oil tank for you depends on your specific circumstances, your South Shore of Massachusetts home setup and your goals. Williams Energy experts can be by your side to help you make this complex choice, and more. Read on to learn more about the factors to consider when looking for a home heating oil tank.
Home heating oil tanks come in a variety of sizes and it is important to choose the right one for you. Our energy experts can assist you with assessing your past oil usage, carefully estimating how much fuel you may consume in the future, and what size tank will meet your needs best. Certain tanks only come in specific sizes. In other words, size is just one component in choosing a heating oil tank, and it may or may not be the make-or-break factor.
There are several uses for openings on the top of a heating oil tank, and having an additional opening allows you to take extra precautions by having both a floating gauge and a smart gauge. With two different types of gauges working for you, you will be in a better position to avoid unexpected fuel shortages and can even see your fuel usage remotely from an app.
Oil tanks can come in vertical or horizontal models. Depending on your home setup and the space you have, one style footprint may work better for you than another. An energy expert can examine your living situation and help you determine what model works best.
Replacing your current oil tank with a similar style can be more cost-effective. At the same time, upgrading can save you money in the long-run. If you were looking to make changes to your heating oil setup, replacement is the best time to do so and can reduce time and labor costs compared to converting a system that is not ready for upgrade. If you’re brand new to home heating oil or are building a new home, you’ll want a tank that’s built to last and ready to go the distance.
Heating oil tanks are made to last between 10 to 30 years. Higher quality tanks last longer and may offer extended warranties. When tanks are maintained and installed properly, their lifetime may be extended, regardless of warranty. One of our experienced and knowledgeable technicians can go over your options with you and help you decide what is most prudent and economical for your situation.
Williams Energy equipment professionals will make sure that your new tank is the right size for your home, taking in your home’s size, your home heating system and your heating needs. Become a customer today – we treat our customers like our neighbors, providing the courteous, reliable service you deserve!
Replacing your heating oil tank may sound like a hassle, but it’s important to know where you stand and whether it’s really necessary. One of the energy experts at Williams Energy can take a look at your heating oil tank and help you evaluate if it’s time for an upgrade or repairs. They can also make the process of bringing your Cohasset and Weymouth, Mass. heating oil tank into the 21st-century easy and painless. Read further to learn more about the telltale signs of a heating oil tank that is due for some attention.
Some of the signs that a heating oil tank needs replacement are more glaring than others:
Take time to look at your records to assess the efficiency of your heating oil tank. If it is too old or not in the best shape, it may not be working as well as it should and this can cost you money.
Williams Energy has been in business for more than 100 years, and we keep our customers coming back by treating them like family. The fuel experts at Williams Energy can get your heating oil tank all squared away for the Massachusetts winter, stopping in its tracks any worry that you’ll be without your favorite heating source when you need it most.
What if you never had to deal with life’s minutia ever again – and by avoiding a mundane task, like refilling your tank, you wouldn’t then end up in an emergency? In most realms of life, that’s not always possible, but when it comes to your propane, we’ve got you covered and can anticipate your every need.
When you partner with Williams Energy for automatic delivery to Braintree and Plymouth, Mass. (and beyond), we’ll be there to refill your propane, usually before you’re even aware it’s running low!
So, how does automatic delivery work, exactly?
Our Automatic Delivery option is our most popular for a good reason: it gives our customers ease and peace of mind! Never run out of propane again, or face the last minute scramble that comes with underestimating your fuel usage or not planning ahead. You’ll also avoid having to make regular orders that vary in cost and quantity and require advance scheduling.
We have estimating propane usage down to a science: Factors that influence propane usage
Here’s how we accurately anticipate your propane needs: we track your propane usage history over time, factoring in variables such as the time of year, the current and forecasted weather conditions, and the length of time since your most recent order, so that we can make a delivery to your home before your tank runs low. Our expert forecasting model can be adjusted precisely to fit your needs, even if you experience a change in circumstances or large variance in propane usage.
Propane emergencies can be costly, and we want to help you avoid the hassle of the unexpected
Experiencing a propane run-out can require an emergency propane delivery – and the expense that comes with it, such as the mandated pressure test, and professional re-lighting of all the pilots in your home’s appliances. Plus, Northeastern winters are not only uncomfortably cold – they can also be dangerous. You don’t want your family at risk, and neither do we.
Contact Williams Energy today to find out if automatic delivery is right for you
Williams Energy has been in business for more than 100 years, and we keep our customers coming back by treating them like family. Whether automatic delivery is right for you, or you prefer will-call service, let Williams Energy help you spend less time worrying about your propane tank, and more time doing things you enjoy!
Delivering comfort means more than making sure your heating and cooling equipment is installed and serviced correctly – or that you get your heating oil or propane when you need it, in any weather.
It also means making sure your experience with us is as smooth and satisfying as possible.
That’s why we are always looking for ways to get better at what we do – and for ways to do it that can really ease your mind. We know how comforting it can be to hear a familiar voice on the phone when you call for service – or when you see a familiar face visit for a repair or installation.
That personal touch is one of the great advantages that a family-owned business like ours has over any corporate owned company – and one of the many reasons why we’re still serving our South Shore neighbors more than 100 years…and counting.
Why choose Williams Energy? Consider these benefits when you become a Williams Energy customer:
At Williams Energy, your comfort is our commitment. Experience the Williams Energy Difference for yourself – join our family of customers today!
Most people don’t want to think about managing their heating oil or propane supply –and no one wants to deal with the consequences of running out of fuel in the dead of a Massachusetts winter.
Fortunately, we offer a FREE service that can help you avoid these problems altogether: Automatic Delivery from Williams Energy.
With Automatic Delivery, we’ll estimate how much fuel you’re likely to use based on your past bills and the current weather (if you’re a new customer, we’ll estimate your fuel use based on neighborhood averages for a home your size). Your delivery will be scheduled when your tank is about one-quarter full.
What does this service mean for you? For starters, it means you won’t have to keep track your heating oil and propane levels. You also won’t have to remember to schedule your fuel deliveries, since we’ll manage them for you. Lastly, you’ll get priority fuel deliveries compared to our will-call customers – a big benefit when a cold front storms New England.
With such great benefits, you might wonder if there’s a “catch” to Automatic Delivery – why offer such a great service for free? We offer Automatic Delivery free because it benefits everyone, including us: by enabling us to schedule our delivery routes efficiently, we can serve more customers and avoid having to send crews out to deal with emergency run-outs.
You get hassle-free fuel management, we get efficient routes and happy customers – everyone wins!
Of course, if you prefer more control over your propane or heating oil delivery, will-call service is always an option – however, we do strongly recommend that you don’t let your tank get below 40 percent full during the winter, since it could take some time to get fuel to you in extreme weather.
If you’re a propane customer and want the ultimate peace of mind, we offer electronic propane tank monitors that let us know exactly when you need a propane delivery. Contact us to learn more.
Let Williams Energy make managing your propane easier with FREE Automatic Fuel Delivery! Sign up today, or contact us to learn more!
Chances are you haven’t been giving your heating oil tank much thought lately, considering we’re heading into the hottest stretch of the year here in the South Shore.
But there is one big reason to keep your heating oil tank in mind during the summer months: filling it could prevent big problems down the road.
Here’s why: Differences in temperature inside and outside your oil tank cause condensation to form on the interior tank walls, much the way water forms on a cold glass on a hot day. The emptier your tank is, the more likely it will gather moisture this way.
Having extra water inside your heating oil tank is bad news for two reasons: first, the bacteria that already live in your heating oil thrive in humidity – and when they multiply, they can turn your heating oil into a thick fuel line- and burner nozzle-clogging sludge.
The second reason? Water, being heavier than oil, will fall from the sides and sink to the bottom of the tank, where it will eat away at the steel (unless you have a double-walled oil tank lined with plastic or fiberglass, like the ones we sell at Williams Energy). Internal tank corrosion is a big problem, since it will eventually lead to leaks – ones you often won’t see coming until it’s too late.
The bottom line is that a build-up of condensation is not good for your heating oil tank, and filling it during the summer is one of the best ways to prevent it. Getting a heating oil delivery now could also be a good way to save some money, since heating oil prices are often at their lowest during the offseason.
Need to top off your heating tank this summer? We can help you with an offseason heating oil delivery in Braintree, Quincy, and beyond. Contact Williams Energy today to learn more about Bioheat® heating oil delivery in the South Shore!
In the dead of summer, it’s tempting to crank the A/C here in Massachusetts – after all, few things feel better than coming home to a cool house on a hot day.
But there’s more to staying cool at home than just relying on your central air conditioner – at least if you want to keep cooling bills manageable.
Here are 8 cost-effective ways to stay cool for less as things heat up in the coming months.
To make sure your A/C is operating at the top of its game, have it maintained by the pros at Williams Energy. Sign up for our Air Conditioner Service and Protection Plan and you’ll get a comprehensive tune-up, priority service, repair discounts, and more!
For expert air conditioning service in the South Shore, trust the pros at Williams Energy. Contact us today to schedule A/C maintenance with our team of pros.