Posted: July 13, 2026
Summer is now in full swing. For countless homeowners in Hampshire County and other Western Massachusetts communities, that means vacationing out of town, sometimes for a long period. We strongly recommend you follow these simple summer vacation tips for your time away. They can save you time and prevent home-related problems when you return.
If you’re heading away for a week or more, try raising your thermostat temperature to about 85°–88°F. This will prevent your home’s HVAC system from cycling unnecessarily to cool rooms that no one is using. Don’t turn the equipment all the way off, because overheating can lead to damaged electronics, mold and other home issues. It’s also a good idea to keep blinds and curtains closed to minimize indoor temperature fluctuations.
While you’re at it, try setting your home’s water heater to vacation mode. This will prevent it from constantly reheating water in your tank while the house is empty.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that summer is one of the best times to keep a heating oil tank full. As temperatures fluctuate, condensation can form inside partially filled tanks. That moisture settles to the bottom because water is heavier than heating oil, creating conditions where bacteria and other microorganisms can grow.
Over time, this buildup can become sludge that clogs fuel lines, filters and other heating system components. Moisture can also contribute to corrosion inside the tank itself. Keeping your tank as full as practical helps minimize condensation and reduces the risk of these costly problems while you’re away.
Before leaving for an extended summer trip, consider enrolling in FSi Oil Services’ automatic delivery program. Our team will track your fuel usage and plan deliveries before your tank reaches a low level.
Automatic delivery also helps prevent heating oil run-outs, which can require your heating system to be primed before it can operate again.
Even better, you’ll be glad you’re already enrolled when winter returns to Western Mass. As the first cold snap approaches, your heating oil deliveries will already be part of our schedule, so your tank is topped off before demand spikes and freezing temperatures arrive. There’s no need to remember to call for fuel after returning from vacation. We’ll already have a plan in place.
FSi Oil Services wants you to have total peace of mind that your home is safe and secure, even when you aren’t around. That’s why we’ve begun providing FREE tank monitors to all our automatic delivery customers. These state-of-the-art devices provide constant updates on how much oil is in your tank. Both you and the FSi team can access this info, so we’ll both know right when you need a heating oil delivery. It’s a surefire way to avoid run-outs all year round.
Get the best and most reliable heating oil service in Western Massachusetts. Become an FSi Oil customer today.
