Time To Tackle Your Oil Tank

Time To Tackle Your Oil Tank

Is that an oil tank in the basement? Out of sight, out of mind…unless you’re Quinoco; we always think about the state of customer oil tanks. All winter we field questions about your oil tanks and here are a few of our most frequent:

1. What is the life expectancy of my tank?

Some tanks last for 10 years; some for 70 years – it really just depends on the condition of your tank. Outdoor tanks average around 10 years while indoor tanks will go 20+ years.

2. How do I know when it needs to be replaced?

At every heating tune-up, our technicians visually inspect your tank for any sign that a new tank might be in your future. Some of those may include visible signs of a leaky tank and bubbles in the paint/exterior.

3. What are the benefits of a new tank?

Believe it or not, oil tanks have evolved over the last decade or so. Both the material and design focus on long-term use, system efficiency, and leak and corrosion resistance.

4. Should I replace it now or wait?

We understand that the expense of replacing your oil tank can be a significant concern. However, consider what happens if you wait: you could face emergency service prices for a leaking tank, oil clean-up and remediation in your basement, the need to pump oil out of your home, and the addition of temporary tanks for heating oil. You might think we’re biased, but replacing your tank now could prevent these issues.

Reach out for propane delivery in Winsted. Remember that every heat tune-up includes a visual inspection of your oil tank. To schedule your tune-up or discuss options for replacing your oil tank, please call 860.583.4609 to make an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Look back at Quinoco's 2024 with Jim Hickey

Look back at Quinoco’s 2024 with Jim Hickey

Stepping into a new year always feels like a milestone both personally and professionally. Each year we can look forward to anniversaries, weddings, graduations, new babies, and retirements.

Here are two milestones I’m happy to share as we head into 2025:

We’ve concluded the busy holiday season – and not only is it busy with holiday events but it’s our busiest time of year for SmartBiofuel and Propane deliveries. In December alone, we complete nearly 4,000 deliveries to homes! It’s safe to say, we are ALL grateful for our delivery drivers for their hard work and dedication.

Jim Hickey (Left) and Patrick Sullivan (Right) got their 2024 Thanksgiving Turkeys!

If you haven’t met our long-time teammate Pat Sullivan, let me introduce you! Pat joined Quinoco back in 1988 working Saturdays bagging and delivering coal – making Pat our longest employee at 37 years. From there, Pat received his CDL and started delivering bottled gas seasonally before moving into the service department. When I mentioned his long tenure, Pat told me,

“I’ve enjoyed working with everyone over the years. When I get out of the office it’s nice to see customers that have been here as long or longer than I have been here.”

Do you have a Quinoco milestone you’d like to share? Or maybe an experience with Pat you’d like to pass along? If so, send me a note at askjim@quinoco.com.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy start to the new year!

Jim Hickey
Quinoco Energy Services
General Manager

Stay Healthy This Winter with Improved Indoor Air Quality

At Quinoco, we believe that clean, healthy air is more than just a luxury - it’s an essential part of your home’s comfort and your family's well-being. From air purifiers and ventilation systems to humidifiers and air filters, we have the tools you need to create a healthier home environment - at a price that’s easier on your wallet.

Why Is Indoor Air Quality So Important?

The air you breathe indoors plays a significant role in your health. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can have long-term effects on your family’s well-being. Pollutants like dust, pet dander, mold, and chemicals can trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues. In more serious cases, exposure to contaminated indoor air has been linked to conditions like heart disease and even cancer.

At Quinoco, we understand the risks of breathing in polluted indoor air, and that’s why we’re committed to providing solutions that help you and your family live healthier, more comfortable lives. The good news is that improving your IAQ is easier than you think - and it all starts with the right products. Get the right air conditioning installation in Farmington.

Our Indoor Air Quality Products & Systems

We offer a wide range of IAQ solutions, each designed to tackle different indoor air problems. Here are some of our most popular products:

1. Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)

Maintaining healthy, fresh air in your home is essential. Our Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) from brands like Honeywell and Aprilaire provide continuous ventilation while conserving energy. These systems pull in fresh outdoor air, filter out pollutants, and push out stale, contaminated indoor air. By maintaining balanced humidity levels and improving airflow, ERVs can reduce the buildup of allergens and mold. Plus, they help lower your energy bills by making your HVAC system more efficient.

2. Air Purification Systems

AtmosAir air purifiers are designed to eliminate airborne contaminants like bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and allergens. These systems have been lab-tested and proven to reduce the presence of the coronavirus by 99.92% within just 30 minutes of exposure. Whether you’re concerned about everyday allergens or more serious pathogens, these air purifiers offer peace of mind by creating a healthier, cleaner environment at home.

3. Humidifiers

Dry air can be just as problematic as polluted air. It can cause skin irritation, dry sinuses, static electricity, and even damage to your wooden furniture or floors. Aprilaire Humidifiers work to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home, keeping the air moist enough to prevent these issues. Proper humidity not only improves comfort - it can help you breathe easier, especially during the winter months when indoor air tends to be dry.

4. Electronic Air Cleaners

For powerful air filtration, we recommend Trane “Clean Effects” electronic air cleaners. These advanced systems ionize airborne particles, giving them an electrical charge that causes them to stick to specially designed plates. For homes with allergy sufferers, or anyone looking for long-term filtration without the hassle of constantly replacing filters, these air cleaners are a great option.

5. UV Germicidal Lights

Aprilaire UV Germicidal Lamps use UV light to disinfect the air as it passes through your HVAC system. This process kills bacteria, viruses, and mold, helping to keep your home free of harmful pathogens. Additionally, UV lights prevent mold from growing on your HVAC unit’s coils, further improving air quality and efficiency.

6. Media Filters

Media filters are an essential part of maintaining indoor air quality. These filters remove contaminants from the air that cycle through your HVAC system. With high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, we can trap up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles. As part of our Cooling Protection Plan, we upgrade your filters during annual maintenance to ensure your system is operating at its best.

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Don't Miss Out on Cleaner, Healthier Air!

Now is the time to take control of the air in your home. Call Quinoco at 860.583.4609 today for a FREE consultation. Your family deserves cleaner, healthier air - let us help you make that a reality.

Serving Satisfied Customers

Serving Satisfied Customers

Over 600 customers responded to our customer satisfaction survey last fall. Thank you to everyone who spent a few minutes sharing their experience with Quinoco!

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS:

We’re your Trusted Partner in Home Comfort: Quinoco’s reliability and expertise make them the trusted choice in providing home heating oil and propane delivery.

Equally important as recognizing our strengths is identifying areas for improvement…

BETTER COMMUNICATION: From details about pricing programs and services to promotions and educational content, you mentioned the need for clearer and more concise communication.

PROACTIVE TUNE-UP SCHEDULING: Instead of remembering to call, you’d like us to be more proactive in scheduling tune-ups, not just for the current season but you’d like to schedule a year out as well.

IMPROVE BILLING: Many customers expressed frustration with the billing process on our online portal and through the mail, specifically issues in both the design and explanations, especially with auto-billing.

Dollars & Sense This Heating Season

Dollars & Sense This Heating Season

All fall we’ve been sharing two case studies from actual customers to highlight the efficiency in fuel use before and after installing a new high-efficiency heating system. Let’s take it a step further and look at the potential savings on their heating oil bills, if, for example, their price per gallon was locked in at $3.50 both years.

In each instance, the customers would see a nearly $1000 savings in their fuel costs.

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Shouldn’t it be time to adjust your budget?

Investing in a new home heating system with high-efficiency ratings can significantly reduce your annual fuel budget.

Call 860.583.4609 or visit quinoco.com/heating-equipment for a free heating equipment quote.

Buzzing Into Busy Season

Buzzing Into Busy Season

The last few months of the year are always buzzing – not just personally but for our team members at Quinoco. We’re fully into our busy season, with our entire fleet of trucks on the road delivering SmartBiofuel and propane, and handling service appointments all day to keep your homes running smoothly.

But the end of the year is also a great time to reflect and express gratitude for the months that have come and gone. I’m so thankful for our team that brings their A-game every day to serve our customers in the hottest of the hot and the coldest of the cold – no matter the weather we’re on call!

On the flip side, I’m grateful our team can also come together and have fun: participating in the annual MS walk, Ryan & Sean being featured on At Home With Kerri-Lee, cooking classes, Fun Runs, and a Wear Pink day!

And I’m especially thankful for all of you! Our loyal customers drive us every day to provide the absolute best experience we can for every call, delivery, installation, and service.

Cheers to a happy and healthy year-end!

Jim Hickey
General Manager
askjim@quinoco.com

The Bioheat Difference

The Bioheat Difference

There’s something wondrous happening in our industry – thanks to an increased focus on the environment, changing perspectives lead to technological advances and industry innovations for the fuels used to heat our homes – oil, propane, and natural gas. Perhaps the biggest advancement can be found in home heating oil’s transition to Bioheat. This renewable energy source combines low-sulfur home heating oil with biodiesel made from surplus or byproducts of feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, inedible corn oil, and more.

But how exactly does using SmartBiofuel translate to the environment?

1. It Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Lower Carbon Footprint: Bioheat blends with higher percentages of biodiesel (for example, B20, which is 20% biodiesel and 80% heating oil) leave a smaller carbon footprint since they are derived from renewable sources.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Reduction: Did you know the biodiesel used in the Bioheat blends is considered carbon-neutral? The CO2 emitted when burning the biodiesel is offset by the CO2 absorbed by the plants used to produce it. And, by reducing the use of fossil fuels, Bioheat contributes to a longer-term reduction in atmospheric CO2 levels.

2. It Uses Renewable Resources

Biodiesel uses fuels from agricultural byproducts and other renewable sources, such as soybean oil, inedible corn oil, animal fats, used cooking oil, and canola oil.

3. It Decreases Air Pollution

Bioheat produces fewer microscopic particles and lowers sulfur emissions when compared to conventional heating oil, leading to improved air quality and a reduction in respiratory issues related to air pollution.

4. It Improves Energy Efficiency

Using Bioheat for your home heating system, along with investing in new high-efficiency equipment, can help reduce the overall energy demand and associated emissions.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bioheat please visit quinoco.com/heating-oil

How about these savings?

How about these savings?

Every year as we head into heating season, we field calls asking about the price of our fuel, be it Smartbiofuel or Propane. This year we’re encouraging you to look beyond just the price per gallon and consider the long-term savings available when upgrading your home heating system.

New high efficiency heating systems can improve the comfort of your home by providing a more consistent temperature as well as better air quality thanks to built-in air filtration. You’ll also find that new systems burn fuel more cleanly than decades old models making this upgrade also better for the environment. We recommend installing units with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) greater than 87%, meaning greater than 87% of the system’s fuel use goes towards heating your home as opposed to operating the heating equipment.

This all sounds great in theory right? Let’s share some numbers to back it up:

Aren’t those some great savings! If you’re interested in seeing these fuel savings at your home, give Quinoco a call at 860.583.4609 to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists. They’ll guide you through the process of selecting the best upgrade for your home while providing a free quote for purchase and installation of a new home heating system.

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Who Is Your Propane Provider?

Who is your propane provider?

If you can’t answer this question without digging through a pile of mail to find your last delivery invoice, you’re not alone. For the homeowner that only gets the occasional propane delivery for a cooktop, you may not see your propane company very often, which means they don’t see you or your home very often either.

Let’s make it easier for you! If you are already a Quinoco heating oil and/or service customer, you can bundle all of your home energy under one roof. We are already familiar with your home and visit it often; we can track both your oil and propane consumption and will send the same drivers and technicians who already know your home. So trust us to take care of all of your energy needs and to make your life a little simpler! Call Quinoco to make the switch today.

We Make Switching As Easy As 1, 2, 3

If you rent your tank:

1. We will handle informing your current company of your switch.*

2. We will take care of installing your new tank.

3. You can count on us to offer pricing and delivery options that perfectly align with your needs!

If you own your tank:

1. We will handle informing your current company of your switch.

2. You can count on us to offer pricing and delivery options that perfectly align with your needs!

Reach out for propane delivery in Southington.

*Your current provider will pick up your tank

Our Customers Are Number One!

Our customers are number one!

If you’ve been a Quinoco customer for some time, you know that our customers are #1. Having customers at our core is what I contribute much of our success to and the ability to have lasted nearly 150 years.

Our business strategy has been completely tied to listening to your feedback and evolving with your needs and wants. We regularly vet out products; some that you directly ask us about and others proactively based on the current state of the energy industry. And back when we added propane delivery, we felt compelled to offer this fuel because, frankly, many of you told us you didn’t like your providers (click here to see more).

Bundling all your home needs under one roof has become what everyone wants - one phone number to call, a live person on the other end who cares and peace of mind that it will get taken care of. So if you haven’t brought everything in your home under the Quinoco umbrella, I invite you to before fall really gets into gear.

Best,

Jim Hickey
General Manager
askjim@quinoco.com

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High Efficiency Leads To Lower Electric Bills

High Efficiency Leads To Lower Electric Bills

More so than in the past, we’re tracking our electric bills – watching them go up each month, evaluating suppliers, and trying to keep our electric use down. If you’re already thinking about the sky-high bills you’ll receive this summer, then it might be time to upgrade the biggest electricity user in your home: your central AC system.

Yes, upgrading your central AC system is an investment, but how do you see the return on that investment? With significantly lower electric bills year over year thanks to a significant jump in your unit’s efficiency thanks to its SEER rating.

The standards for energy efficiency are set by the U.S. Department of Energy with a SEER rating assigned to every piece of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency, the less electricity needed to cool your home. Reach out for air conditioning installation in Burlington.

Consider these stats:

IF YOUR AC WAS INSTALLED PRIOR TO 2006, THE AVERAGE SEER WAS 10. NOW DUE TO AGE, THAT SAME PIECE OF EQUIPMENT HAS A SEER OF 7 OR 8.

THE MINIMUM SEER ALLOWED TO BE INSTALLED TODAY IS A 13.2. ACCORDING TO OUR COMFORT SPECIALISTS, CUSTOMERS ARE UPGRADING TO A MINIMUM OF 16 SEER THE LAST TWO YEARS.

FOR EVERY INCREASE IN SEER, YOU SHOULD SEE A 4-6% DECREASE IN YOUR ELECTRICITY COSTS.

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Call us today at 860.583.4609 to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists and let us help you save year after year.

Don't Risk Your Oil Tank!

Don’t Risk Your Oil Tanks!

It’s easy to forget about your oil tank – it’s out of sight so out of mind – and that’s why we encourage an annual oil tank inspection. Over time, oil tanks can develop leaks or other issues that can pose a risk to your property and the environment.

EARLY DETECTION OF ISSUES

Regular oil tank inspections can help identify potential issues early on before they become major problems, preventing leaks or other costly damage.

PROTECTION OF PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT

Leaks or spills can contaminate the soil and groundwater, which can be difficult and expensive to remediate.

PEACE OF MIND

You’ll be reassured knowing that your oil tank is in good condition and ready for another winter!

Schedule your annual oil tank inspection by calling our office at 860.583.4609

Even if your tank is not leaking, it may show signs of deterioration or has exceeded its normal life expectancy - 20 years for basement tanks and 10 years for outdoor tanks. Our team is available to discuss and perform any next steps, including tank removal and replacement.

Secure Low Monthly Payments With The Quinoco Advantage

Secure Low Monthly Payments With The Quinoco Advantage

Avoid spikes in your household’s budget this winter when you sign up for the Quinoco Advantage Payment Plan.

1. We take your average fuel usage from the last two years or determine an estimate based on the square footage of your home if you’re a newer customer.

2. We determine your estimated annual cost and divide it into equal monthly payments. Each month, you’ll receive a statement showing your monthly payment amount as well as your actual account balance.

3. During the heating season, we will occasionally review your Advantage Plan and adjust the monthly payment amount to best reflect your actual usage and deliveries.

WHY IS THE QUINOCO ADVANTAGE PLAN RIGHT FOR YOU?

Are you ready to sign up?

Give us a call today at 860.583.4609. The sooner you sign up, the lower your monthly payment will be this winter season!

Pricing Programs Are Now Available

Pricing Programs Are Now Available

Prepare for heating season by enrolling in one of our Price Protection Programs. Our pricing programs ensure the fairest prices coupled with the best service for heating your home!

Program Spotlight: Cap Price Program

With pricing season upon us, now is a good time to take a look at one of Quinoco’s pricing programs of choice for our oil customers: The Cap Price Program! Designed with a fluctuating market in mind, the Cap Price Program offers you the best protection, whether oil prices rise or fall, all for less than a dollar a day!

How it works?

• Stability: Your price is locked at a ceiling price and will never go up

• Security: If the market price declines, your price goes down as well

• Protection: Secure a set number of gallons with an enrollment fee up front

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Peace of mind for less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day? Now that’s an investment you can bank on!

Our Customer Care team is here to help you determine which of our various pricing programs is the best plan for your home: Cap, Float, Fixed, Prebuy. Please call us at 860.583.4609 to discuss your options and sign up.

Tackling All Things AC

Tackling All Things AC

It seems our team has become a regular fixture on your TV screens! After a great experience working with Kerri-Lee Mayland and her team for At Home With Kerri-Lee in the fall, we gave a repeat performance this spring.

We tackled all things AC this go around. Our technician Sean took Kerri-Lee on a ride along to a customer’s house to see the brand-new AC system we recently installed. We had a fun day with lots of laughs but more importantly, we were able to share some important information on AC systems with Kerri-Lee’s audience.

• Make sure you schedule your tune up; it’s what keeps your system running effectively and efficiently

• Change your air filters every 60-90 days; the more debris stuck in the filter, the harder your system has to work

• Switch to a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust when you’re not home; we can install a compatible one for you so give us a call

Check out our segment on At Home and additional tips for your AC.

Keep it cool!

Jim

We're back with Kerri-Lee!

We’re Back With Kerri-Lee

Last month we were fortunate enough to meet back up with Kerri-Lee Mayland for her show At Home with Kerri Lee. We talk about air conditioning, checked out a recently installed system and chatted with a customer about Quinoco.

Take a look at our segment with Kerri-Lee here:

Quinoco Fuel Plans Available Starting May 1st

Prepare for the heating season by enrolling in a fixed-price protection program for oil or propane!

This plan performs well with stable or increasing market conditions, but remember, should the prices fall, you will remain ‘locked’ into your agreement price.

**Please Note: When you commit to this program, Quinoco simultaneously purchases that fuel for you from our suppliers – we are not able to break this agreement. This means that if market conditions decrease, you do not get a lower price.

To enroll in our Fixed Price Program or discuss other program options, call Customer Care at 860.583.4609

Congrats to our Indoor Air Quality Winner!

This winter we ran our Ultimate Indoor Air Quality contest and were really impressed with all the entries. We’d like to congratulate Joann from Farmington on winning this great package.

A special thanks goes out to our giveaway partners who made this year’s program possible: Tiger Home & Building Inspections and Steamatic of Connecticut.

Following the contest, we heard from a few customers interested in pursuing indoor air quality products for their homes. One customer even said the contest pointed out some changes she should make to live a healthier life.

We’re here to help keep you breathing easy all summer long!

Jim

HVAC TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting Common HVAC Problems

1. No Power: If your HVAC system is not turning on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure there is power to the unit. Reset or replace any tripped breakers or blown fuses.

2. Uneven Heating or Cooling: If some areas in your home feel significantly warmer or cooler than others, check if the vents and registers are open and unblocked. Ensure that there are no obstructions impeding airflow.

3. Airflow Issues: If you notice weak airflow from your vents, check the air filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reducing system efficiency. Clean or replace filters as needed.

4. No Cooling or Heating: If your HVAC system is running, but no cool or warm air is coming out, check the thermostat settings. Ensure it is set to the appropriate mode (cooling or heating) and at the desired temperature.

5. Frozen Evaporator Coil: If the evaporator coil inside the air handler becomes frozen, it could be due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. Clean the filters and check for any blockages. If the issue persists, give us a call to inspect for refrigerant leaks.

6. Unusual Noises: Strange noises, such as grinding, rattling, or banging, could indicate a problem with your HVAC system. Turn off the system and contact our office for an appointment to diagnose and repair the issue.

7. Strange Odors: Foul or burning smells coming from your HVAC system may be a sign of mold, electrical problems, or a malfunctioning component. Turn off the system and schedule an appointment with one of our technicians to investigate and resolve the issue.

8. High Energy Bills: If you notice a sudden increase in energy bills, it could be due to an inefficient HVAC system. Check the air filters, ensure proper insulation, and consider scheduling regular maintenance to improve efficiency.

9. Thermostat Problems: If your HVAC system is not responding to thermostat adjustments or is not accurately maintaining the set temperature, check the thermostat batteries, and ensure it is properly calibrated.

10. Short Cycling: If your HVAC system turns on and off frequently, it may be short cycling, which can waste energy and put strain on the components. Check the air filters, and thermostat settings, and ensure proper ventilation.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICE AND INSTALLATION OPTIONS,
PLEASE CLICK HERE OR CALL 860.583.4609.

Lower Electric Bills With New Central AC

Lower Electric Bills with New Central AC

As our cooling equipment ages, so does its efficiency (SEER) rating. The newest central air conditioning systems feature the highest SEER ratings on the market and can offer the greatest annual savings on your electric bills. If you want to explore the potential savings you’ll see with a new high-efficiency central AC system, then it’s time to meet with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Schedule an appointment at 860.583.4609 to learn more about our limited time savings!

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