Winter can be fun here in the Seacoast Region, with skiing, snowmobiling, and other outdoor fun. Shoveling or snow blowing your driveway probably isn’t on your list of fun things to do in the winter. However, it needs to get done for many reasons.
The trained and experienced propane delivery drivers at P. Gagnon & Son are committed to upholding the highest standards for safety in their work. If they cannot safely get down your driveway or to your propane tank, they will not be able to deliver the propane you need to keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable.
To ensure safe access for our delivery trucks, we kindly ask that our customers clear their driveways to a width of at least 10 feet. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
If your driveway has an incline, please consider spreading salt and/or sand on it. This is especially important since our delivery trucks are heavier than most cars that use your driveway.
Our delivery drivers require a pathway at least one foot wide between the driveway and the tank. If you are planning to hire someone for snow removal this season, we ask that show them exactly where the tank and path to it are in order to prevent them from blocking access during their work.
Heavy snowfall may obscure the location of your propane tank. Make it easy to spot by setting up a tall pole with a brightly colored flag or ribbon on top next to your propane tank.
Are you going away for a vacation somewhere warm, or perhaps a ski trip? Please arrange for snow and ice removal for while you are gone in case you need a propane delivery during that time.
After every snowfall, use a broom to sweep away the accumulation of snow. Avoid using a shovel as this may cause damage to the tank and its components.
Why is it important to keep snow from accumulating on your propane tank? That weight, whether it’s accumulated over several snowfalls or from one heavy snowstorm, can put pressure on valves and connectors, which could lead to ruptures or misalignments. If there is a leak and the amount of snow prevents that leaked propane gas from dispersing into the air, it can create a dangerous buildup of gas.
There’s another reason that keeping your tank clear of snow is essential.
When temperatures drop, propane gas may shrink in volume. In extreme cold, its pressure can decrease so much that the propane gas is no longer able to reach your home’s appliances. Sunlight is your propane tank’s best friend; it helps maintain a safe pressure level. Without the sun, however, snow can start to accumulate and impede warming efforts — posing a risk of leaving you without heat in your home!
If you are an Automatic Delivery customer and plan on being away from home for more than just a week or so, please let us know.
We need to know if you’ll be away from home because we calculate the perfect time for delivery based on your propane usage history at this time of year. Letting us know in advance will prevent an unnecessary delivery and help ensure that you always have enough propane when needed.
P. Gagnon & Son helps keep your home comfortably warm with reliable propane delivery. Become a customer today!