Winter is when a home uses the most propane, and it is also when the propane truck has the hardest time getting through. Snowbanks swallow the propane tank, ice glazes the laneway, and gates freeze shut. Most of these problems are easy to head off with a little work before and after each storm.
Avenir Energy’s locally based delivery teams give Ontario homeowners a practical place to start: the branch that serves their road. Before snow arrives, ask your local propane provider about refill planning, access requirements and any changes at the property.
Mark the Propane Tank Before the First Snowfall
A propane tank that is easy to spot in the fall can disappear under a snowbank by midwinter. Before the first snowfall, drive a marker pole into the ground beside it. Pick one that stands taller than the deepest snow your area usually gets, and add a bright flag. The driver finds the propane tank faster, and whoever plows your laneway knows where not to push snow.
While you are outside, look up. Heavy icicles, or snow sliding off the roof, can land on the propane tank and its fittings. Note any spot where the eaves hang over it, and keep an eye on it after each storm.
Clear the Whole Route, Not Only the Laneway
The driver pulls a hose from the truck to the propane tank, so the whole route needs to be passable on foot. After each storm, shovel a path from where the truck parks to the propane tank, and spread sand or salt on icy patches. A plowed laneway does not help much if the last few metres to the propane tank are knee-deep in snow.
Keep shovels, salt and other snow removal supplies somewhere easy to reach, as federal winter storm advice recommends. A snowed-in shed does not help anyone.
Use a Broom, Not a Shovel, on the Propane Tank
Snow resting on top of the propane tank is not a worry by itself. Snow and ice packed around the regulator, valves and gauge are different, since they can restrict the flow of gas to your appliances. Clear them gently with a broom, never a shovel, and do not chip at ice on the regulator. If ice keeps building up on it, call your supplier.
Check the outside vents too. TSSA, Ontario’s fuel safety regulator, advises homeowners to inspect the air intake and exhaust pipes outside the home after a heavy snowstorm so nothing blocks them. A blocked vent can let carbon monoxide build up indoors.
Clear the Way: Cars, Gates and Pets
Small obstacles cause many missed refills. When a propane delivery is due:
- Move parked cars, trailers and snowmobiles off the path to the propane tank.
- Leave the gate unlocked, or give the code to your branch.
- Keep dogs inside or in a separate yard.
- Trim low branches over the laneway, since a propane truck sits much higher than a car.
- Leave an outdoor light on during the darker months.
If the property has a steep hill, a narrow lane or no room for a truck to turn, tell your local branch before winter, so the driver knows what to expect.
Pick a Propane Delivery Plan Built for Winter
Winter is a poor season to rely on memory. Avenir’s Automatic Delivery option takes routine ordering off your list, using household propane consumption, appliances and the weather to plan refills. Ask your local Ontario branch how the arrangement works and tell it about changes in use. Planning ahead helps, but severe weather can still delay a delivery.
Avenir’s wireless tank monitoring also lets you check the level indoors through the Nee-Vo app or My Account customer portal. Set a low-level alert before winter. If you use Order by Request, remember that viewing the level does not place an order; contact the branch at the recommended 30 percent mark and allow extra time when a storm is forecast.
Watch the Forecast
A big storm can close rural roads for a day or more. When Environment Canada posts a winter storm or snowfall warning for your area, check the propane level that day. If the level is low, place the order before the storm, not after.
Storms can also knock out the power. A propane furnace needs electricity to run, so plan another way to stay warm and safe until the power returns. Federal guidance asks households to be ready to look after themselves for at least 72 hours during an outage.
Start the Winter With Propane to Spare
A propane tank that starts the season low leaves less room for storm delays. Check the level before the cold arrives and discuss a refill with your branch while the roads are still clear. Then mark the propane tank, clear the route, arrange gate access and confirm who is responsible for scheduling your next delivery.
contributed post
