We’re in the middle of another stunning Western Massachusetts fall. Mild afternoons and brilliant foliage make it tempting to wish this season could stick around all year — but as we all know, frigid temperatures aren’t far behind. That makes now the perfect time to give your oil-fired furnace or boiler a test run, so you can catch and fix any issues before winter really sets in.
Below are some common heating problems you might run into, along with simple ways to troubleshoot them yourself.
A home heating system that won’t start is often an easy fix. Try these steps first:
If your furnace seems to be running but the airflow feels weak, check your air filter first. A dirty or clogged filter can seriously limit performance, so replace or clean it if it looks clogged. While you’re at it, walk through your home and make sure no vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or houseplants.
Noticing a burning odor the first time you fire up your furnace this fall? There’s usually no need for concern. Heating systems collect dust over months of sitting idle, and that dust often burns off once the burners reignite. This smell typically clears up within about 10 minutes.
This one’s common in boiler-heated homes. If a radiator isn’t warming up, first make sure its knob is turned fully open. Radiators only have two settings: open and closed.
If heat feels uneven throughout your home, trapped air inside the radiator could be to blame. Bleeding the radiator usually solves this in a matter of minutes. Find the bleed valve at the top of the radiator, open it to release the trapped air, and close it again once water begins to flow out steadily.
Homeowners in Holyoke and nearby communities count on FSi Oil Services when troubleshooting alone doesn’t cut it. Our in-house, highly trained technicians are ready to diagnose and resolve whatever heating issue you’re facing, with top-rated service you can count on.
There’s still time to schedule a heating system tune-up before winter arrives in full force. Contact FSi today to request service and head into the cold months with confidence.
Dear Valued Customer,
With cooler days coming and winter in sight, we are receiving many calls about high fuel prices. The heating oil market has risen dramatically in a remarkably short period of time, driven in large part by escalating hostilities in Iran that are disrupting global crude oil supplies. The speed and magnitude of the increase have been extraordinary, even for an energy market that can be volatile.
We know how difficult increases like this are for our customers, and we share your concern. Local energy retailers like us have no control over global markets, and we don’t profit from environments like this. We want to see prices come down as much as you do.
History also shows that energy prices can change quickly. We saw this after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine: Prices spiked rapidly but came back down over the following year. We can’t promise when that will happen again, but we can help you make smart decisions in an uncertain market.
This is an excellent time to enroll in our Price Cap program. Prices are high now, and this program protects you if they go higher while allowing you to benefit when they go down. Regardless of which way the markets move, you’re protected. From the moment you’re enrolled in our Price Cap, you’ll have a ceiling on how high your price per gallon can go. But if the market price is lower than the cap on the day we deliver your oil, you pay the lower price. You can stop worrying about the uncertainty of oil markets this season by enrolling now — call us to get started.
If you’re on our Automatic Delivery plan, stay on it. Trying to “time the market” by waiting to call for fuel isn’t a good strategy. No one can predict when market conditions will change, and even when crude or wholesale prices decline, a particular company’s retail heating oil price may not change immediately or by the same amount.
Automatic Delivery is especially valuable when supplies are tight. We carefully plan our fuel inventories and delivery schedules around the anticipated needs of our Automatic Delivery customers. If you choose to call for fuel, you’ll need to monitor your fuel level carefully and allow several additional days for delivery during periods of tight supply or cold weather.
If you’re already on a Budget Plan, you’re ahead of the game. It doesn’t change the cost of the fuel you use, but spreading your estimated heating expenses into monthly payments helps reduce the impact of large winter delivery bills.
Take steps to reduce your energy use. Small changes can add up: Use a programmable thermostat to lower temperatures while you’re away or asleep, replace air filters regularly, seal air leaks, keep vents and baseboards clear, and open shades on sunny days to take advantage of natural warmth.
We have managed periods of volatile pricing and tight supply before, and we know how to navigate them. We’re doing everything we can to manage our fuel costs and supply responsibly. A major advantage we have is the network of strong relationships we’ve worked hard to develop and maintain with fuel suppliers. Our agreements with trustworthy partners put us in a strong position to have ample heating oil reserves for our customers even in tighter periods.
Our team is always here to answer your questions and help you keep your home warm this winter.
Sincerely,
Chris Chase
President
FSi Oil Services
Western Massachusetts homeowners are incredibly aware of their budgets these days. High inflation, supply chain interruptions, and countless other market forces have driven up prices on everything from eggs to automobiles. As colder weather settles in across New England, heating oil is one more line item residents are watching closely.
In this blog, we’ll break down the factors that influence heating oil prices and share a few ways you can stabilize your fuel budget and potentially lower your overall seasonal spending.
Heating oil is a petroleum-based fuel refined from crude oil, closely related to off-road diesel. On its own, liquid heating oil doesn’t ignite. Your boiler or furnace heats and vaporizes it first, allowing it to burn safely and efficiently inside the unit.
Since heating oil comes from crude oil, global oil markets have a major influence on its cost. Refinery disruptions, international conflicts, supply chain issues, and production decisions from major oil-producing countries can all move prices. Market speculation adds another layer of short-term volatility on top of that.
Regional supply and demand matter too, especially here in the Northeast, which uses the majority of the heating oil consumed nationwide. When cold snaps, snowstorms, or extended freezes hit communities like Chicopee and the surrounding Western Massachusetts area, demand spikes quickly, and prices often follow suit.
Day-to-day costs of getting fuel to your home also play a role, including transportation, storage, and distribution expenses. At FSi, we work hard to run an efficient operation so we can keep pricing competitive while maintaining reliable service.
While you can’t control the broader market, there’s plenty you can do on your end to cut back on usage this winter:
Beyond usage habits, FSi Oil Services offers programs designed to make your fuel costs easier to plan for. Our free SmartPay plan spreads your annual fuel costs into even monthly installments, significantly reducing the financial pinch of peak winter months.
We also offer price protection options like Pre-Buy and our Price Cap program, which can help shield you from market volatility. Enrollment for these programs opens at select times of the year and fills on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to sign up while spots remain available.
Contact FSi Oil Services today to learn more about our pricing and payment offerings. We’re proud to help homeowners throughout Western Massachusetts stay warm and on budget all winter long.
Your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. It doesn’t get a single day off throughout the year, quietly providing hot water for showers, laundry, dishes, and countless other everyday tasks. Your family depends on this unit to maintain a basic quality of life, so it’s worth understanding how it works, what kind of upkeep it needs, and what warning signs mean it’s time to call for service.
Homeowners with oil heat typically have two main water heater options to consider:
A little routine attention can go a long way toward keeping your water heater running smoothly and efficiently:
Knowing what to watch for can help you catch issues before they turn into a bigger headache. Contact a professional if you notice:
These signs shouldn’t be ignored, particularly if your water heater is approaching or has passed the 10-year mark.
If you’re noticing any of these warning signs, FSi Oil Services is ready to help. We provide professional water heater service for homeowners throughout South Hadley and the rest of Western Massachusetts, diagnosing issues quickly so you can get back to reliable hot water without unnecessary disruption to your home.
For even greater peace of mind, water heater service plan coverage is available as an add-on to your heating service plan, giving you total protection for your home’s vital oil-fired comfort equipment, all in one place.
Don’t wait for a small issue to become a bigger one. If your water heater needs service, reach out to FSi Oil Services today.
Your home’s central air conditioning has been putting in the work this summer, battling extended hot spells, poor outdoor air quality, and soaring humidity. All of that strain can take a toll on its internal components, even if everything still seems to be running fine on the surface.
With a good stretch of warm weather still ahead in Westfield and the rest of Western Massachusetts, now is the time to catch small problems before they turn into full breakdowns. Here are a few common issues that likely call for a professional service visit.
Notice moisture or standing water around your air conditioner? Don’t brush it off. This is often a sign of a blocked drain line, a refrigerant leak, or a condensation issue. Left unattended, these issues can lead to an A/C breakdown, water damage in your home, and indoor air quality problems.
Schedule a professional inspection to diagnose and resolve the issue.
A musty odor could point to mold growth inside the system, while a burning smell may signal an electrical problem. Either way, unusual odors coming from your vents or equipment need to be taken seriously. They can affect your health and, in the case of electrical issues, pose a real safety risk.
Your A/C should run with a quiet, steady hum. If it’s suddenly making noises you haven’t heard before, that’s your system telling you something’s wrong, often loose parts or components starting to wear down. Don’t wait for a small noise to become a bigger repair.
If your home isn’t cooling the way it used to, or airflow feels weaker than normal, the cause could be anything from a clogged filter to a refrigerant leak to a failing part. The sooner a technician diagnoses the issue, the sooner your system gets back to full strength.
An unexpected jump in your energy bill because you’re using more kilowatt-hours is often a sign your system is working harder than it should. Culprits can include a struggling compressor, a refrigerant leak, or a thermostat that isn’t communicating properly with the unit. Addressing it quickly can save you money for the rest of the season.
If your A/C is cycling on and off more frequently than usual, it may point to a failing component or a thermostat that needs attention. This kind of short-cycling puts extra wear on your system and is worth having checked out promptly.
Homeowners throughout Western Massachusetts trust FSi for reliable, professional A/C service. Our NATE-certified, factory-trained technicians are experts in the latest cooling technology and are ready to tackle any issue, big or small. With the right tools and parts on hand, we can complete most repairs on the first visit so that you can get back to a cool, comfortable home fast.
Contact FSi Oil Services today to schedule your A/C service before summer winds down.
We understand that, when it’s the middle of summer and the afternoons can be scorching, you probably aren’t giving a lot of thought to your oil heating system.
However, there are certain steps you can take in the hotter months to ensure your home’s heating oil tank is in good condition and ready for the colder days ahead. We recommend you do these simple things now. They only take a few minutes.
Keeping your tank at least half full through the summer slows internal condensation, which helps to prevent corrosion and sludge buildup. Water that collects at the bottom of a low tank creates the perfect environment for bacteria and sediment to form, which can clog fuel lines and filters once you turn your heat back on.
Topping off now also means you’ll be ready the moment that first cold snap hits, rather than scrambling for a delivery during a fall cold front. A little planning in August can save you a lot of hassle in October. Don’t worry, heating oil has a long shelf life.
Take some time this summer to give your heating oil tank a thorough visual once-over. Check the tank body, fuel lines, vent lines, valves, and fittings for leaks, oil stains, dents, or any signs of settling. Keep in mind, though, that a clean-looking exterior doesn’t guarantee your tank is corrosion-free. Tanks can rust from the inside out, invisible to the naked eye. The only way to know for certain is an ultrasonic heating oil tank inspection from a qualified technician. You can contact us to schedule one.
While you’re at it, examine your tank’s support legs. They should be firmly anchored on a stable, level surface, ideally a concrete pad or solid basement floor. Weakened or unstable legs can compromise your entire tank, so if anything looks off, reach out to our team right away.
Summer plant growth can quietly take over your fill pipe, and an overgrown or hidden pipe makes it difficult for your heating oil delivery team to find and access it. Clear away any brush, vines, or debris, and mark the pipe’s location clearly so it’s easy to spot. Keeping this path clear all season, not just in summer, ensures your heating oil deliveries go smoothly all winter long, too.
Whether you need a summer heating oil delivery, a tank inspection, a repair for your oil-fired system, or anything else to keep your family safe and secure throughout the year, FSi is the only partner you need. Our highly trained, experienced team is on call to help with regular service, and we offer 24/7 emergency support, too.
Get in touch with us today to arrange a heating oil delivery or request service. The FSi Oil team is standing by to take care of you.
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.
It’s human nature to assume the worst when something in your home suddenly stops working the way it should. If your central air conditioner isn’t cooling properly or seems to be struggling during the hottest days of summer, your first thought may be that you’re facing a major repair — or even a complete system replacement.
Fortunately, that’s not always the case.
Many A/C problems that appear serious are actually caused by something much simpler: a dirty air filter. Your HVAC air filter plays an important role in protecting both your cooling system and your indoor air quality. As air circulates through your home, the filter captures dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander and other airborne particles before they can enter your equipment or living spaces.
Over time, however, the filter can become clogged. When that happens, airflow becomes restricted, and your system has to work harder to cool your home. For homeowners across Hampden County and other Western Massachusetts communities, this can lead to several frustrating issues that resemble much larger A/C problems.
One of the earliest warning signs of a clogged air filter is reduced efficiency. Your cooling system may seem to run constantly without delivering the level of comfort you expect.
When airflow is blocked, your air conditioner has to work overtime to circulate cool air throughout your home. This often leads to longer and more frequent cooling cycles that put additional strain on your equipment.
If your electric bill suddenly spikes without a clear explanation, your air filter may be part of the problem.
A struggling HVAC system consumes more energy while attempting to maintain your desired indoor temperature. The harder your system works, the more electricity it uses and the more money you spend. Replacing an inexpensive filter can often restore better airflow and help bring utility costs back under control.
Restricted airflow can also create strange sounds and unpleasant smells inside your home.
A clogged filter may cause your system to rattle, whistle or strain during operation because air cannot move freely through the ductwork. Poor ventilation may also allow stale, musty odors to linger indoors.
Many homeowners immediately worry about serious issues like mold growth, electrical damage or refrigerant leaks. In reality, the solution could be as simple as replacing a neglected filter and restoring healthy airflow.
Have certain rooms started feeling warmer than others? Weak airflow is another common symptom of a dirty filter.
When air circulation becomes restricted, it becomes harder for your HVAC system to evenly distribute cooled air throughout the house. Some areas may feel stuffy while others never quite reach the temperature set on your thermostat.
Replacing the filter is often one of the fastest and easiest ways to improve comfort.
In many homes, the air filter is located inside the return air duct or within the indoor air handler unit. These units are commonly installed in basements, utility closets or attics.
Before replacing the filter, turn off your HVAC system for safety. Remove the old filter carefully and check the airflow arrows printed on the frame. Insert the new filter so the arrows point toward the equipment, then secure the cover and restart the system.
Because filters are relatively affordable, replacing them regularly is one of the simplest ways to improve comfort, protect your equipment and support better efficiency.
If changing your filter doesn’t solve the problem, FSi Oil Services is ready to help. Our experienced technicians provide responsive, thorough and precise repair services for central air conditioning systems and ductless mini-splits throughout Hampden County and surrounding Western Massachusetts areas.
Our trained professionals are equipped to diagnose and repair cooling problems quickly, often completing repairs during the first visit.
When your home comfort is on the line, you can count on FSi Oil Services to help keep your cooling system running strong all summer long. Reach out to us today to request service.
It’s easy to forget about your home’s heating oil tank, especially during the warmer months, when your furnace or boiler isn’t running every day. Out of sight often means out of mind, and many homeowners don’t think much about their oil tank until it’s time for a delivery or there’s a problem.
But your home’s heating oil tank is a vital part of your HVAC system. It stores the fuel that keeps your home warm and comfortable throughout the colder months, and understanding how it works can help you avoid inconvenient run-outs, delivery issues, and unexpected repairs.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about your tank, including how much heating oil it can hold and how to keep track of your fuel levels.
The size of your oil tank isn’t the same as the amount of heating oil it can safely hold. Heating oil tanks are intentionally designed with some empty space to allow for air and to accommodate any sediment or debris that may collect at the bottom over time.
For example, a standard residential 275-gallon oil tank — the most common size for homes — typically holds about 225 to 240 gallons of usable heating oil when full.
Knowing your tank’s actual usable capacity can help you better estimate when to schedule your next delivery.
Most heating oil tanks are equipped with a simple gauge located on top of the tank. The gauge is usually housed in a clear glass or plastic vial and marked with familiar indicators like F, ¾, ½, and ¼, similar to your car’s fuel gauge.
Inside the vial, a red float or marker shows how much fuel remains in your tank. If the marker is sitting at the bottom — or if you can’t see it at all — your tank is likely very low or empty.
Checking your gauge regularly during heating season is one of the easiest ways to avoid running out of fuel unexpectedly.
Heating oil tanks are built to last — but they don’t last forever. Most well-maintained residential oil tanks can provide reliable service for 20 to 25 years, and sometimes longer. As tanks age, however, the risk of leaks and structural issues increases.
Some common warning signs that your tank may be struggling include:
Even minor issues can become major problems if left unaddressed. That’s why regular tank inspections are so important.
At FSi Oil Services, our experienced technicians can inspect your heating oil tank, identify any developing issues, and recommend the best solution. If it’s time for a replacement, we can install a top-of-the-line double-walled oil tank designed for superior durability and virtually leak-proof performance.
Whether you need an inspection, expert advice, or a brand-new tank, FSi is here to help keep your home safe, efficient, and ready for every heating season. We proudly serve households in Belchertown, Holyoke, Springfield and other parts of Western Mass.
Countless homeowners in Palmer and throughout Western Massachusetts know FSi Oil Services as their go-to source for high-quality heating fuel. But we’re here for your comfort year-round. As temperatures start climbing toward summer levels, we are ready if your cooling system needs service. That’s right! The same company that keeps your home’s heating equipment running without interruption in the winter can look after your air conditioning, too!
Here’s a look at the A/C equipment that FSi takes care of.
Central air conditioning removes heat and humidity from your home in a continuous cycle. Warm indoor air is drawn into the system, stripped of its heat and moisture and then redistributed as cool, conditioned air through your home’s ductwork. The extracted heat is released outside, and the result is consistent, whole-home comfort controlled from a single source.
Ductless mini-split systems are an increasingly popular solution for homes without existing ductwork. Each room or zone gets its own compact indoor air handler connected to a single outdoor unit. The result is fast, efficient cooling with the added advantage of zoned temperature control, so you’re only conditioning the spaces you’re actually using.
Mini-splits are also an ideal solution for additions, finished basements, garages and rooms with persistent hot spots.
When we start experiencing extended bouts of summer heat in Western Mass, then both ductless mini-splits and central A/C systems can experience service issues.
No one wants to be stuck with a cooling system that won’t come on, blows warm or weak air, cycles constantly, leaks fluid or emits unnerving sounds and odors. Before you pick up the phone and call us for a repair, try some basic troubleshooting steps. You may be able to solve the issue without a professional service call.
If none of the above steps restore cooling, the issue may involve low refrigerant levels, a compressor malfunction or some other issue that a licensed HVAC technician from FSi can diagnose and repair.
When you need service for your ductless mini-splits or central A/C, you can count on FSi to get it right. We are always on call and ready to help with your home cooling issues. We treat your home with consummate respect and will leave it nicer — and cooler — than we found it!
Don’t suffer through a hot summer afternoon with an A/C that can’t keep up. Reach out to FSi today to arrange A/C service.
FSi Oil Services only delivers the highest quality fuel to our customers, and our highly trained team is second to none.
We are committed to using cutting-edge technology and the best materials and tools while continually refining our processes to serve you better.
No heat? The FSi team will show up to get you back on track. Our customers are our friends — and you don’t let friends down.
