Spring 2019

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Stephan C. Chase

Q: Why should I use FSi for propane service?

A: While you have plenty of options for propane, we believe that, when it comes to outstanding service, FSi is the one to beat.

We are ultra-reliable, offering fast emergency service, delivered by our experienced and courteous staff. We also offer a convenient automatic delivery plan and payment options to help you manage fuel costs. And let’s not forget about competitive prices with no hidden fees!

What’s more, we’re a family-run business with deep roots in the community. Your comfort and safety remain our top priorities. Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our propane services.

ask the expert

Dear Friends,

Over the past year, we’ve been gearing up for our 30th anniversary in 2019 by investing in a makeover. We updated our logo and shortened our name, and now we’ve just launched our redesigned website.

We think you’ll appreciate the clean, modern look. The site is easy to navigate, whether you’re using your phone, a tablet or a desktop computer.

It’s not just about looking good: We have made it easier to find everything you need, including heating oil and propane delivery, oil and gas heating equipment, and air conditioning service. Plus, our customer portal lets you access your account information, request service, pay bills and more — all in one place.

No matter how we evolve, our promise to you will remain the same: comfort delivered, value guaranteed. All these changes are about making sure that we continue to do what we do best: keep you comfortable and safe all year round, while helping you save money. We are embracing all the ways we can use technology to provide

you with an old-fashioned commitment to great service.

Of course, we wouldn’t be here without your support. We thank you for your loyalty and we look forward to serving you for many years to come.

Warmly,

Stephan C. Chase

family comes first

Many of you have told us how much you appreciate doing business with a family-owned business like ours. You value seeing a familiar face when a member of our service team comes to your home, especially for a late-night emergency repair.

We also hear from new customers whose former fuel companies got bought out by a big corporation that the personal service they once enjoyed had simply vanished.

We want you to know that we aren’t going anywhere — and, as a family-run business, we treat all our customers (and our team) like family, and family always comes first!

Speaking of family, our president and CEO, Stephan Chase, recently celebrated a big birthday this year: he’s 75 years young! The whole FSi family celebrated this milestone with him, and with our yearlong 30th anniversary party under way, the festivities will continue.

celebrating 30 years of service to you

O/PS

PR19

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Tim Mahoneypropane sales rep

Great News About Oil and Propane Heating oil and propane are safe and efficient home heating fuels that keep getting better. Here are some reasons to feel good about your options.

2025 26%

39%2030

2035 84%–95%

Pathway to carbon‑neutral liquid fuelsEstimated reduction in annual CO2 emissions as the

heating oil industry transitions to advanced biofuel and

ultra-efficient oil heat equipment.**

Thanks to research and development being

spearheaded by the National Oilheat Research Alliance

(NORA), heating oil is being made more cleanly and

efficiently than ever before. The overall goal is to keep

improving the quality of fuel and the efficiency of oil heat

equipment. This will further reduce the carbon footprint and

actually turn heating oil into a carbon-neutral energy source.

The industry is also working on the development of an

oil-fired thermal heat pump, to provide more equipment

options for oil heat consumers.

Challenges

With all of this in the mix, it’s no wonder that

NORA has raised an alarm about a push by some

states to encourage conversions to electric heat.

Research has shown that such “policy-driven electrifica-

tion” would increase the average residential household cost,

result in minimal reductions in emissions and put a severe

strain on the electric grid.*

“It is premature for policy makers to consider regulating against

oil heating when all liquid fuel furnaces and boilers could be run

on a low-carbon alternative fuel before 2035,” says John Huber,

NORA’s president. “The capability of the oil heating industry to

innovate and reduce carbon emissions has not been adequately

recognized.”

Safety with every gallonWe talk a lot about the importance of great

service. And a huge part of that is safety — for

your home and property, for our staff, and for the

environment.

It starts with our fuel products. Heating oil is excep-

tionally safe. It won’t burn even if you drop a lit

match into it. And the risk of carbon monoxide is

minimal. As for propane, this is a clean-burning,

nontoxic fuel that doesn’t pose a threat to soil

and water above or below the ground.

Our staff is highly trained, and that training

ensures careful handling and storage and

prevents spills, accidents and injuries.

This end-to-end commitment to safety can’t be

duplicated by the natural gas utilities. Problems with

gas pipelines can often go undetected, and may result

in property damage. Last year in Massachusetts, a faulty

pipeline led to several gas explosions and numerous fires.

You can rest easy knowing that safety isn’t just talk with us.

We deliver it with every gallon of heating oil and propane

we bring to your home.

Heat your home: propane-fired

furnaces and boilers are much

more efficient and generate greater

comfort than electricity. And by

increasing your usage, you may

qualify for a lower price.

Heat water: propane water heaters

can cost less to operate than electric

units. They provide much more

hot water faster, and come in both

storage-tank and tankless options.

Cook: propane cooktops/stoves

offer more precise temperature

control and are cheaper to run than

their electric counterparts.

What’s in your oil tank?Cooking, heating your water and moreHow many ways are you using propane at home?

Summer fun with propaneTo give you a better idea about how “propane can do that,” take a look at some of your options for taking propane outdoors.

● Grilling: Nothing beats the clean-burning precision of a propane gas grill. Whether you

cook on a simple portable model or a high-tech built-in grill, you’ll get the same even-cooking

performance, time after time, with no starter-fluid smell, dangerous chemicals, or mess.

● Fire bowls: Many models have ignition systems that can be turned on and off with

a smartphone or tablet. And unlike with wood fire pits, there’s no mess to clean up.

● Lighting: Propane-powered outdoor lights can burn for just pennies per hour,

and they can be matched to almost any outdoor décor.

● Outdoor heaters: With freestanding or wall-mounted models available,

you’re sure to find a propane patio heater that meets your needs and budget —

and one that will work even if the power goes out.

● Outdoor water heating: Enjoy a swim throughout the season by investing

in a propane pool heater, which will heat your pool water quickly and efficiently —

and far more effectively than an electric model.

Dry clothes: propane dryers are almost

twice as efficient as electric models, drying

your clothes faster and for less money.

Fireplace glow: imagine being able

to start a fire with the flick of a switch.

It’s possible with propane — and a propane

fireplace delivers more heat into the room

than a wood fireplace, without all the

smoke and mess.

Emergency power: propane is a popular

choice as a fuel for whole-house backup

generators. And since your fuel is stored

right on your property, you can continue to

enjoy all the comforts of home until your

power is restored.

* Source: Richard Sweetser presentation, NORA Technology Workshop, Sept. 2018.** Source: Energy, Cost and CO2e Analyses of Reversible, Hybrid and Heating Only

LF-AHP in the Northeast, Christopher Keinath, PhD, Thomas Butcher, PhD, and Michael Garrabrant, PE, ASHRAE, June 2018.

why is Smart Pay so smart?Whether you use heating oil or propane (or both), paying for all your fuel in a few short months is no picnic. Unpredictable weather and fluctuating fuel prices can make winter really stressful.

That’s why many of our customers enjoy our Smart Pay plan. We’ll calculate your annual average fuel use to determine a monthly payment amount. You’ll enjoy these benefits:

predictable monthly fuel payments

options to roll in service plan costs or add price protection

a discount on every gallon of heating oil delivered

Give us a call or contact us through our website to learn more about all the ways we can help make life a little easier and give you peace-of-mind with Smart Pay.

Nothing is much worse than your A/C conking out on a steamy day — or night! Even if your cooling system is new, a tune-

up is crucial. For starters, skipping annual maintenance will usually void your

manufacturer’s warranty. It’s that important!

Regular maintenance also improves efficiency and prevents

problems that, unchecked, can lead to expensive repairs.

Our Advantage A/C Plan includes our signature 19-point system check and guarantees like “front of the line” emergency service. Advantage plan members receive no charges for 29 of the most common repairs. You’ll also get 50% off diagnostic fees and 15% off any repairs that aren’t covered.

Opt for our Value A/C Plan and you’ll receive the same signature system check and guaranteed priority service, plus valuable savings on repairs and diagnostic fees.

Visit FuelServices.biz to learn more about the value of an air conditioning service plan.

Is your water heater giving you signals that it’s wearing out? If you think it is, please call us so that we can help you pick the best replacement water heater for your home.

1. Age. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s close to — or already past — the end of the typical life span.

2. Heating costs. Higher bills even though there have been no changes in your household probably mean that your aging water heater is working harder and less efficiently.

3. Rust. If the water is clear from the cold tap, but rusty from the hot tap, it’s a good indication that your tank is corroding. See rust on the outside of the tank? Time is really running out.

4. Water stains. Hard water will shorten a water heater’s life. New white stains on utensils and glassware (or more white stains than you’ve had before) indicate long-term mineral buildup in your tank.

5. Noise. Growling and gurgling are never good signs from a water heater. They can mean that sediment is collecting due to a lack of maintenance.

5 signs you may need a new water heater

got a stay-cool plan?

95 Main StreetSouth Hadley, MA 01075

Heating • Air Conditioning • Indoor Air Quality413-532-3500 • FuelServices.biz

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