Cold Snap Approaches East Coast

It isn't even winter yet, and the East Coast has already seen its share of harsh weather. If Superstorm Sandy and the Nor'Easter that was hot on its trails are any indication of how the coming months are going to go, we're definitely in for a cold and snowy one. Let's not even go into the fact that economists anticipate (and have some proof of) the fact that heating/oil prices will be on the rise as a result of the turmoil from the storm. Now, more than ever, it's important to make sure your HVAC systems are working efficiently if you're on the east coast. 

Forecasters are already predicting that the final days of November and early December are going to be, perhaps, unprecedentedly cold on the East coast while the rest of the country will be experiencing the contrary.  The northeast in particular is anticipated to have some extremely unpredictable weather this season with lots of ups and downs.

As we know, November kicks off "heating season," and though it hasn't dipped down too low in our neck of the woods quite yet, if it's as predictably unpredictable as it's supposed to be, it's a good time to get in the spirit of the season. Heating companies in Newtown, Philadelphia, and all across Jersey are going to be busy in the coming weeks, so it's best to schedule an appointment for as soon as possible to make sure you won't run into any issues in the future. 

Being ready for winter weather – no matter what it may bring – means winterizing your home and having routine maintenance performed on your HVAC unit. Some are reluctant to dish out the dough, but especially if you're living in the Northeast, it's better safe than sorry because you never know what might come your way.

Sandy Calls for Temporary Fuel Waivers

If you were in Philadelphia, Southampton, or anywhere nearby during Hurricane Sandy, you know all about the damage it left in its wake. Homes and properties were destroyed, streets were left underwater, and millions were left without power for up to a few weeks. The East coast community (and the rest of the country) is doing what it can to come together and pick up the pieces. Neighbors are offering electricity, those in unaffected areas are traveling to provide clean-up supplies and a helping hand, and businesses are offering services for free to those who need them. The government is facing a number of other issues as well.

The officials of the state environment had to, under these rare circumstances, implement two types of fuel waivers temporarily as a result of the storm. This has been decided due to the fact that service teams have been struggling to offer power and heating to Southampton, Philadelphia, Bucks County, and other nearby locations under the limitations. During the time of the waivers being in effect, it was no longer required that the state use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel in mobile generators and pumps; additionally, the use of heating oil in diesel powered emergency vehicles will be temporarily allowed. In addition, the Department of Agriculture temporarily suspended the requirement of 2% biodiesel for on-road vehicles. 

These waivers have since expired, but the state of Pennsylvania is still recovering. Fuel prices and availability will likely be affected for an indefinite amount of time in some areas, and relief efforts continue to attempt to rebuild destroyed structures.

That being said, this was merely the first influx of bad weather Philadelphia is going to experience. The first ten days of November this year made up one of the coldest starts to the month that has ever been recorded in Philadelphia history. This is to be expected, considering the "Indian Summer" we have experienced, but meteorologists suggest we can expect to return to winter as usual now that the Hurricane has passed. Whether we have other potential power outages on the way or wintry storms to look forward to, it's never a bad idea to take the necessary precautions and winterize your garage, heating systems, and home.