Preventing Winter Propane Shortages: What You Can Do Now

February 5, 2026

Cold South Acton, MA winters put constant strain on our home heating systems, which means propane tanks can empty faster than many homeowners expect. Most propane shortages in the winter aren’t about regional fuel supply, but about household fuel management. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can help avoid stress, emergency service calls, and cold nights without heat. Keep reading to learn the top propane shortage prevention tips to stay comfortable all season long.

Why Homeowners Run Out of Propane in Winter

Running out of propane in winter is usually the result of timing. As temperatures fall, heating systems run more frequently, which increases daily fuel usage. Here are a few common reasons homeowners end up running out before a truck can arrive.

Waiting Too Long to Place a Delivery Order: When you rely on will-call delivery and don’t check your tank gauge often enough, you can face an emergency runout before your provider can fit you into their schedule.

High Winter Demand and Packed Delivery Routes: Winter is peak season for propane, so delivery calendars fill quickly. If many households need refills at the same time, the earliest available delivery window may be further out than you anticipated.

Weather and Access-Related Delays: Severe weather is one of the biggest factors in propane delivery delays. Snow, ice, and unsafe driving conditions can slow deliveries, as well as unplowed driveways and un-shoveled paths to your propane tank.

How to Prevent a Propane Runout

Order Propane When Your Tank Reads 30%

Check your tank levels regularly and request your winter propane deliveries when your tank is no lower than 30% full to give your provider plenty of time to schedule and complete a delivery before you reach a critical level. This buffer is particularly important in colder weather, when cold snaps can cause you to use fuel faster than you otherwise would.

Enroll in Automatic Propane Delivery

One of the easiest ways to simplify your propane supply planning is by enrolling in automatic delivery. With automatic delivery, our experts will use degree-day calculations, and your fuel usage history to accurately estimate when you need a fill and will schedule your next delivery before your tank gets too low.

Prepare Your Home for a Safe, On-Time Delivery

Even if your order is right on time, your driver cannot complete a fill if your property is not accessible. Winter weather can create real obstacles for delivery trucks, and a blocked path often means your delivery has to be delayed or rescheduled, so be sure to:

Keep your driveway and necessary pathways free of snow and ice
Clear a path to your tank
Remove snow or debris around your tank and vents
If your tank is behind a gate, make sure it’s unlocked

Plan Ahead with the Experts at Bursaw Oil & Gas

The easiest way to prepare for winter propane deliveries is by working with a reliable supplier. Bursaw Oil & Gas is a local, family-owned company that is committed to keeping our customers warm throughout the winter season and beyond. Reach out to our team today to become a propane customer and see what it’s like to experience the Bursaw difference.

Categories: Propane Delivery