Which Heating Fuel Plan Is Right for You?

Which Heating Fuel Plan Is Right for You?

A Simple Guide to Budget Plans, PreBuy, Price Cap, and Fixed Price

heating oil Walpole, NHSo many things are unpredictable these days. The weather. The news. The price of heating oil. Fuel prices can go up and down from year to year, season to season, and even day to day. No one needs that kind of uncertainty these days.

Part of our commitment to great service is to make life easier for you. That’s why our pricing and payment programs are designed to take the worry out of heating season by making your bills more predictable and manageable.

We offer a range of plans because we know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. Here’s a quick summary of the different options available.

Budget Plan

Our Budget Plan is always our most popular, even when fuel costs are low. That’s because it can potentially cut winter bills nearly in half. We use an average based on your past heating oil use to spread your costs evenly over 12 months. That means you get predictable, level bills all year, so it’s easier for you to budget your expenses. You’ll avoid those high winter invoices no matter how cold it gets or how much fuel you use.

If we have a particularly harsh winter and you use more heating oil than usual, or prices spike enough to affect your average, we’ll adjust your payments so you don’t get hit with a large balance in the summer. Likewise, if it’s a mild winter, we can adjust and reduce your payments. The point is to help you save while avoiding big fluctuations.

The PreBuy Program

With our PreBuy program, you buy all your heating oil in the summer. We’ll work with you to determine how much fuel you’ll need based on your past usage. This lets you take advantage of lower off-season pricing, and you won’t have to pay any fuel bills all winter.

The Fixed Price Plan

Our Fixed Price option for heating oil is exactly what it sounds like: The price you pay for fuel all winter is fixed ahead of the heating season, and you’re locked in at that price. No matter what happens with fuel prices, your price won’t go over the fixed amount.

The Price Cap Plan

With our Price Cap plan, you lock in a maximum price per gallon for heating oil. No matter what happens with the cost of fuel, your price won’t go over your cap. Even better, if fuel prices are below your cap price on delivery day, you pay the lower price.

The Bottom Line

No matter what happens with prices next winter, our price protection plans are designed to help you keep costs manageable. We offer similar plans for propane, too. You may wonder what’s in it for us? When you sign up for one of these payment plans, we can plan our fuel buying better while taking advantage of lower summer heating oil prices. We can pass those savings on to you without having to cut corners on service to deliver great value.

But summer is the time to enroll in these plans. Contact us for more information today.

How to Choose a Heating Oil Company

Look for Value, Reliability and Service

heating oil Spofford, NHKeeping your home warm here in the northeastern corner of the country is not just about comfort. If your heating system fails when we’re in the deep freeze of winter, your pipes can freeze, resulting in expensive damage in addition to cold conditions. That means reliability is an important consideration when you’re choosing a heating oil company. Service and price are important too. Here are all the key factors to keep in mind.

Reliability

We can’t control the weather or the price of fuel. But we can do our utmost to make every one of our customers feel valued and confident about their home comfort. We treat you like a neighbor, not an account number. It’s how we’ve built our business and how we plan to keep it.

When you call, we’ll answer with 24/7 service, on-time deliveries, and quality workmanship. We have a hardworking and friendly team of field techs as well as customer service people who want to make sure you get the assistance you need, when you need it.

Services That Make It Easy

In addition to dependable service, we offer convenient services that make it easy to do business with us. From the first phone call to seamless automatic deliveries, we offer products and services that help you save money without sacrificing comfort.

We offer choices, like automatic delivery or wireless tank monitoring. With either option, you’ll never have to worry about not having enough heating oil in your tank or the expense of an emergency fuel delivery.

When you need a repair, a tune-up or equipment installation, our highly trained technicians have the skills and a truck loaded with parts to handle most repairs in a single visit. And watch for our “Spring Cleaning” specials on annual maintenance.

Another way we make it easy to do business with us? We are a one-stop shop when it comes to keeping your home comfortable. We don’t just deliver heating oil and propane; we also sell, install and service heating and cooling equipment, water heaters, and even pool heaters.

Understand Value vs. Price

Price should always be a big consideration. We know you have options, and, sure, a discount dealer will deliver the cheapest price per gallon, but that’s about all you will get.

The price of heating oil is driven by a range of factors, from geopolitics to the weather. That’s why it’s essential to understand the difference between value and price.

As a locally owned, third-generation family-run heating oil dealer, we can’t control global markets or the price of heating oil. But we can make sure we give you fair and transparent pricing, and ways to help you manage costs no matter what happens with the price of oil or how cold it gets.

Davis also offers a range of pricing and payment plans designed to make your life easier and help you get more value for your dollar. From our budget plan that spreads your heating costs over 12 months, eliminating spiking winter bills, to a price cap option that limits the top price you pay per gallon, we have multiple ways to help you keep heating costs under control.

You should also know that every gallon of heating oil we deliver is a super-clean Bioheat fuel blend with EcoGuard made with 20% biodiesel. Cleaner-burning fuel is not only better for the environment; it’s kinder to your equipment. There’s less sediment, fewer clogs and far fewer breakdowns. It means you’re heating your home with a fuel that’s cleaner-burning than natural gas.

Don’t forget the bottom line: Ultra-low sulfur heating oil burns more efficiently, which helps you keep heating costs down and gives you more value per gallon for your dollar.

The Bottom Line

Our residential heating oil delivery services will ensure that you are heating your home as efficiently and as cleanly as possible. You can count on ultimate comfort no matter how cold the temperature. But don’t just take it from us. Do your research and ask any of our satisfied customers, probably your neighbors.

Contact Davis to become a customer today.

Outdoor Propane Appliances for Grilling and Beyond

Create an Oasis With Fire Pits, Patio Heaters and More

propane appliance Keene, NHImagine being able to enjoy your deck, yard or patio a little earlier — or a little later into the season. When you add propane-fueled outdoor living accessories, you can create a welcoming space that’s inviting for friends and family and comfortable to use beyond our gorgeous but short summer season. Think cozy fire pits, patio heaters, pool and spa heaters, outdoor grills and more.

Whether you want to enjoy your outdoor living spaces more, cook the perfect steak, or turn your backyard into a personal retreat, propane has the power to make it happen. Here are just a few of the outdoor appliances that run better, last longer, and cost less to operate when powered by propane.

1. Outdoor Grills

Propane grills are the gold standard for backyard barbecues. They heat quickly and evenly, so you can get cooking without the wait. You also get precise temperature control, making it easy to sear, roast, or slow-cook your favorite foods. Plus, propane burns clean, so there’s less soot and residue compared to charcoal.

2. Patio Heaters & Fire Pits

Don’t let chilly nights drive you indoors. Propane-powered patio heaters and fire pits let you enjoy your outdoor space earlier and later into the season. They provide instant, adjustable heat without the mess or hassle of wood-burning alternatives. Some fire pits can even be built into your landscaping for a seamless look that’s as stylish as it is cozy.

3. Pool and Spa Heaters

Nothing takes the chill off a spring or fall swim quite like a propane pool heater. These units heat water faster than electric models and maintain consistent temperatures — even in cooler weather. Our experts know all the right questions to ask to ensure you get the right system for your pool and your budget.

4. Outdoor Kitchens

Dreaming of an outdoor kitchen? It’s ideal for entertaining because no one gets stuck in the kitchen. Propane can fuel more than just the grill. It can also power outdoor ovens, stovetops, and even refrigerators. Because propane delivers reliable, on-demand energy, you’ll get the same performance outdoors as you expect from your appliances inside.

5. Lighting and Decorative Features

From lantern-style fixtures to tiki torches and flame features, propane-powered outdoor lighting adds charm while staying energy-efficient. These elements can help transform your patio or garden into an inviting nighttime escape.

6. Bug Zappers & Pest Control

Unlike bug zappers that rely on ultraviolet light to attract bugs at night, propane-powered mosquito traps are a safe, chemical-free way to reduce insects around your yard even in the daytime. These devices mimic human breath to attract mosquitoes and other bugs, offering effective, eco-friendly pest control that keeps your gatherings comfortable. That means you can relax and enjoy the outdoors without buzzing, biting pests, like black flies.

Ready to Learn More?

No matter how you use it, propane is a safe, clean, and affordable energy source that helps you get more enjoyment out of your home — inside and out.

Ready to level up your backyard? Talk to the experts at Davis. Our team includes licensed, experienced, and safety-focused propane technicians who can connect just about any propane appliance to your tank. Ask about the many outdoor living options available.

Contact us today!

Propane 101 From Production to Practical Uses

Everything You Need to Know About This Versatile, Efficient Fuel

propane Cheshire County, NH What do you know about propane? If you haven’t lived in a home with propane, you may think it’s only for grills and RVs. And even if you already use propane in your home, you might not give it much thought as long as your water’s hot and the burners light on your cooktop. But there’s a lot to know—and a lot to love—about this versatile and efficient fuel.

Made in the U.S.A.

One thing that often surprises folks is the fact that propane is domestically produced. Most propane comes from shale gas extraction right here in the U.S. Today, close to 70 percent of our propane supply comes from natural gas processing here and in Canada.

Propane is a byproduct of natural gas. When natural gas is taken out of the earth, it’s a mix of different gases, including propane. To stop condensation from forming in natural gas pipelines, propane is extracted from liquid compounds as the natural gas is being processed. Propane, being much denser as a liquid than as a gas, is stored and transported as a liquid in this form of production. This is why it’s also referred to as LPG or Liquid Propane Gas.

Propane is then shipped to bulk distribution centers by pipeline, tanker ship, railroad, truck or barge. From there, it goes to a local propane provider—like Davis Oil & Propane—for convenient delivery to your home or business.

Clean & Green

Propane is one of the cleanest fuels around. In fact, it was recognized as an alternative fuel in both the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy. That’s because it produces minimal emissions, and unlike natural gas, propane does not contain methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Propane also doesn’t harm soil or groundwater – an important factor when it comes to determining whether a fuel is “green.”

Propane is also extremely efficient: It generates more Btus than an equivalent amount of electricity, and it delivers more than twice the Btus of natural gas, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. What does that mean for you? By using propane you can reduce your home’s carbon footprint without having to sacrifice comfort or convenience.

Propane at Home

Because propane is so efficient, it’s a smarter choice than electricity for a wide variety of appliances, in addition to heating your home. For example, propane water heaters generate much more hot water at a cheaper cost per gallon. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174.

The same technology that makes propane ideal for water heaters makes it a smarter choice than electricity to power all kinds of appliances that use hot water or heat:

Ready for Propane?

In a nutshell, propane delivers more bang for your buck, all while protecting the environment. It’s a win-win for homeowners who care about the environment, but also want to keep costs under control.

Find out why so many of your neighbors across southwest New Hampshire trust Davis for comprehensive propane services including dependable, safe propane delivery, tank installation and leasing, plus pricing options to help you manage costs, and more.

Contact us for more information and to become a customer today.

Welcome to the New Davis Oil & Propane Website

davis oil & propane - blog

We’ve made it easier for you to use

Your daily life runs smoother when you can handle tasks quickly and efficiently online. That’s exactly why Davis Oil & Propane has completely redesigned its website to serve you better.

As a third-generation family business serving Keene, Peterborough and Southwest New Hampshire since 1926, we understand the importance of reliable service and easy access to information.

Our new website reflects a century of expertise while embracing modern convenience to make your experience with us even better.

When we began planning this website upgrade, every design choice and feature was guided by one goal: making your life easier. We’ve enhanced everything from navigation to service requests, ensuring that you can find what you need and get things done without hassle.

What makes our new website better for you?

We’ve transformed our online presence to create a more intuitive, informative experience that puts your needs first. Here’s what you’ll discover.

We encourage you to bookmark our homepage and check back regularly for updates about our services, seasonal promotions and new blog content. Following our updates will help you stay informed about ways to save money and improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Experience the difference nearly a century of service makes

Since 1926, three generations of the Davis family have built our reputation on reliable service, quality products and genuine care for our customers. Our new website represents the next step in our commitment to serving Southwest New Hampshire communities with the same dedication we started with.

The combination of traditional values and modern convenience means you get the personal service of a local family business with the efficiency and accessibility you expect from today’s service providers. We’re proud to continue serving families and businesses who have trusted us for decades, while welcoming new customers to discover the Davis Oil & Propane difference.

Ready to experience our improved service? Explore our new website, set up your online account or contact us to learn more about how we can serve your heating, cooling and fuel needs. We look forward to continuing our tradition of reliable service with the convenience and efficiency our new website provides.

Why Is Cleaning Your Heating System Important?

Why Is Cleaning Your Heating System Important?

Your home’s heating system works hard all winter long, but when was the last time you gave it the attention it deserves? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Many homeowners across Cheshire County and Southwest New Hampshire put off this essential maintenance and pay the price (and then some) when their system breaks down, which often happens during a cold snap and you need heat the most.

Oil-fired boilers, furnaces and water heaters require annual cleaning and servicing to operate safely and efficiently. Yet countless homeowners make the mistake of thinking this service can only happen in the fall. The truth is, your heating system cleaning can be performed any time of year, and doing so might save you from costly repairs and emergency breakdowns.

At Davis Oil & Propane, we provide comprehensive annual cleanings all year round and stand behind our work 100%. Too often, we discover units that have gone far too long between servicings, leading to preventable problems that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

The hidden costs of neglecting your heating system

Skipping annual heating system maintenance might seem like a money-saving shortcut, but this approach typically backfires in ways that can take a big bite out of your wallet. Without regular cleaning, your system accumulates dirt, soot and debris that forces it to work harder while delivering less heat.

This buildup reduces efficiency, meaning your system burns more fuel to produce the same amount of warmth. Over time, the resulting higher fuel bills add up significantly. Additionally, neglected systems experience more frequent breakdowns, often requiring emergency repairs that cost far more than preventive maintenance.

Neglecting your heating system can be dangerous. Dirty heating equipment can develop carbon monoxide leaks, blocked ventilation or other conditions that put your family at risk. Annual tune-ups help identify and address these potential dangers before they become big problems.

What does professional heating system cleaning include?

Professional heating system cleaning goes far beyond what most homeowners can accomplish on their own. Our comprehensive annual tune-up service addresses every component that affects your system’s performance and safety.

During each cleaning, we replace critical components, including the nozzle, oil filter, fuel pump strainer and air filter, when applicable. These parts have a direct impact on your system’s efficiency and reliability. A worn nozzle, for example, can cause incomplete combustion and wasted fuel.

We brush and vacuum the flue ways and smoke pipe to remove soot and debris that restrict airflow. This step is crucial for maintaining proper ventilation and preventing dangerous backdrafts. We also vacuum and inspect the combustion chamber, ensuring optimal burning conditions.

Our service includes inspection and adjustment of drive belts and pulleys, which keep your system running smoothly. Loose or worn belts reduce efficiency and can lead to unexpected breakdowns.

Every cleaning concludes with an efficiency test and proper tagging, giving you documented proof of your system’s performance. We conduct visual inspections of system pressure, relief valves and hyvent systems to catch potential problems early.

For systems with water components, we flush, drain and test the low water cutoff. This safety device prevents dangerous dry-firing conditions that could damage your equipment or create hazardous situations.

Any time is a good time for heating system maintenance!

The belief that heating system cleaning must happen in the fall is one of the most persistent misconceptions in home maintenance. This timing myth creates several problems for homeowners and service providers alike.

Fall scheduling creates a bottleneck, because everyone wants service simultaneously. This demand surge often leads to longer wait times, rushed appointments and limited scheduling flexibility. You might find yourself stuck with an inconvenient appointment time or be forced to wait weeks for service.

Year-round maintenance scheduling offers significant advantages. You’ll have better scheduling options and, often, faster response times. If problems are discovered during off-season cleaning, you have time to plan and budget for repairs rather than facing emergency situations during the peak heating season. This approach gives you control over your heating system maintenance instead of letting your system control you.

The consequences of not servicing your heating system

We regularly encounter heating systems that haven’t been serviced in multiple years, and the problems we find are both costly and preventable. Extended service intervals create cascading problems that grow worse over time.

An accumulation of soot and debris can reach levels that significantly affect performance. Instead of burning cleanly and efficiently, these systems waste fuel while producing less heat. The additional strain on components leads to premature wear and unexpected failures.

Corroded or damaged parts that could have been easily replaced during routine maintenance often require extensive repairs when left unaddressed. Water damage from failed relief valves, damaged heat exchangers and compromised safety systems are common discoveries in long-neglected units.

These situations transform routine maintenance costs into major repair expenses. What might have been a simple annual cleaning becomes a complex restoration project requiring multiple service calls and the replacement of expensive parts.

Don’t wait for the fall or for problems to develop. Contact Davis Oil & Propane today to schedule your heating system cleaning and experience the peace of mind that comes with properly maintained equipment. Your heating system and your wallet will thank you for making this smart investment in preventive maintenance.

How Hot Does Propane Burn?

Discover the Value of This Versatile Fuel

propane Outagamie County, WIWhen you’re making decisions about energy and your home, you have a lot to think about these days: efficiency, cost, and the environment. Lots of customers these days want to know more about propane. But how does propane stack up against electricity or heating oil? This question matters a lot in a cold climate like ours, where heating oil is common. Does propane burn hot enough to handle water heating and space heating and keep your home and family comfortable?

Propane Burns Hotter

Energy is measured in British thermal units, or Btus. A Btu is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1° F.

One gallon of propane generates about 91,452 Btus. Natural gas is measured in cubic feet, so a comparison requires some mathematical gymnastics. But when you compare propane to an equivalent amount of natural gas, you’ll see that natural gas generates about 1,012 Btus of heat. That’s less than half as much. And you would need about 27 kilowatt-hours of electricity to produce the same number of Btus.

That’s a lot of math, but what it boils down to is that you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. That makes propane a great value. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174.

In a nutshell, even with our frigid winters, propane can hold its own against oil for home heating. But it packs the additional punch of being versatile. You can use it to power a wide range of equipment and appliances in your home.

The Versatility of Propane

Because propane is so efficient, it’s a smarter choice than electricity for a wide variety of appliances, in addition to heating your home. For example, propane water heaters generate much more hot water at a cheaper cost per gallon.

The same technology that makes propane ideal for water heaters makes it a smarter choice than electricity to power all kinds of appliances that use hot water or heat, including washers and dryers, dishwashers, patio heaters, space heaters, and pool and spa heaters. It’s also a chef’s choice for cooking because it offers power and control that you can’t get with an electric cooktop. Propane is also ideal for outdoor grills.

The Reliability of Propane

With propane, your supply is right there at your home. When you have a propane-powered standby generator, propane will keep your home powered and safe through electrical outages, too. And our automatic delivery and wireless propane tank monitoring services mean you don’t have to do a thing. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ll always have the propane you need to stay comfortable.

And when ice and snow take out the overhead lines, a propane-powered standby generator will keep your home powered and safe until the utility company can come through and make repairs.

Propane Is Greener

Did you know that propane is a domestically sourced fuel that is also one of the cleanest fuels around? Propane is named as an alternative fuel in both the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy. It’s also nontoxic and nonpoisonous, so it doesn’t contaminate groundwater or soil if it leaks, which means propane tanks can be safely buried out of sight.

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you are remodeling your existing place, shopping for a new home, or just looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint, propane provides tremendous value.

Talk to the team at Davis Oil & Propane. We have the experience and knowledge to answer all your questions and help make it easy to add propane to your Monadnock Region home. Ask about all the great propane services we provide, like on-time deliveries, smart payment plans to help keep costs manageable, and so much more.

Contact us to learn more and become a customer today.