Your Fall Preparation Guide: Prepare Your Home, Vehicles & Equipment for Colder Weather
Updated: Sep 4
Cooler weather is on the way. A little preparation now can help homeowners, farms, fleets, and businesses avoid last-minute fuel needs, equipment downtime, and cold-weather surprises.
Get Your Propane Supply Ready Before Winter
Whether you use propane at home, on the farm, in a shop, or for your business, summer and early fall are great times to check your tank level and plan ahead. Because propane use is typically lower during warmer months, filling up before heating season can be a smart way to take advantage of summer pricing, save money and reduce stress, and better manage your winter budget.
Scheduling early also helps you avoid the stress of a first cold snap, when low tank levels and poor weather can make delivery access more difficult. Review changes since last season and make sure your tank is accessible for delivery.
Ed Staub & Sons offers propane delivery, tank installation, and flexible delivery options. Ask about routed delivery and tank monitoring for added peace of mind and help preventing run-outs.
Call to see whether a safety inspection is needed
If you have concerns about your propane system, have recently moved or added an appliance, or are unsure when it was last checked, call your local Ed Staub & Sons team. We can confirm whether your system has had a recent safety inspection and recommend whether another inspection is necessary. This helps avoid unnecessary service while making sure potential concerns are addressed before winter.
Check Your Heater Before Cold Mornings Arrive
Fall is the right time to give your heater some attention - before a cold snap reveals uneven heating, unusual noises, weak airflow, or a system that is no longer keeping up. If your heater has needed frequent repairs, is costing more to run, or struggles to keep your home comfortable, schedule service early so you have time to make the right decision.
Ed Staub & Sons HVAC experts can help with maintenance, repairs, and replacement recommendations. If an upgrade makes sense, select locations offer heating appliances, installation, and financing options to fit your home and budget.
Prepare Diesel Vehicles, Fleets & Equipment for Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can cause wax in diesel fuel to crystallize and restrict fuel flow, leading to hard starts, reduced performance, or downtime. Before winter, review bulk fuel storage, ask about winterized diesel blends for your area, and check fuel filters as part of routine maintenance.
Ed Staub & Sons can help you choose a winter fuel strategy based on your equipment, storage, and expected temperatures. We also carry Power Service products: Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost helps protect against fuel-filter icing, while Diesel 911 can restore fuel flow in an engine affected by gelled fuel or frozen filters. Always follow the product label and equipment manufacturer recommendations.
Check Vehicle Fluids & Lubricants
Cold weather puts added strain on engines, cooling systems, hydraulic components, and moving equipment. A fall maintenance check can help keep vehicles, trucks, farm equipment, and machinery ready for the season.
Coolant, engine oil, hydraulic oil & grease
For passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks, Phillips 66 Shield Coolant/Antifreeze is a universal long-life option. Guardol Coolant/Antifreeze is designed for heavy-duty diesel trucks, commercial equipment, and stationary engines. Always confirm the correct coolant type and mixture ratio before topping off or changing fluids.
For diesel engines, Phillips 66 Guardol ECT Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil is available in 10W-30 and 15W-40 grades. The right viscosity depends on your manufacturer specifications and operating conditions.
Hydraulic systems can become sluggish in cold weather. Phillips 66 Megaflow Hydraulic Oil is designed for cold climates and wide temperature ranges, while Multiplex 220 Grease provides added protection for equipment operating under heavy loads. Your local ESS team can help identify the right Phillips 66 products.
Don't Forget Your Generator & Emergency Fuel Plan
Before storms, snow, wind, or outages create an urgent need, make sure your generator is serviced, has the correct fuel source, and can safely support essential needs. Businesses, farms, and critical facilities should also review fuel supplies, maintenance schedules, and emergency contacts.
Select Ed Staub & Sons locations offer Kohler generators for customers looking to add dependable backup power. Whether you already own a generator or are considering one, we can help with propane, fuel, lubricants, and local support.
Build Your Fall Plan with Ed Staub & Sons
From propane and HVAC expertise to winter diesel fuel, lubricants, and generators, Ed Staub & Sons can help you prepare before winter puts your home or operation to the test. Contact your local location or visit edstaub.com to get ready for the season ahead.
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