fieldings-oil--propane-co

Why Family-Owned Matters: 50+ Years of Fueling Maine and New Hampshire Homes

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:45:01 GMT

Three generations, one commitment: keeping your home warm and your trust earned.

Some companies measure success in quarterly earnings. Others measure it in something harder to quantify — the number of winters they've kept their neighbors warm. Since 1973, Fielding's Oil & Propane has been doing exactly that, growing from a local fuel provider into a trusted, third-generation, family-owned company serving Central and Southern Maine and Southeast New Hampshire.

Here's why that kind of longevity — and that kind of ownership — actually matters to the homeowners we serve.

A Business Built on Relationships, Not Just Deliveries

When a company has been family-owned for over 50 years, it isn't just delivering fuel — it's showing up for the same communities, year after year, through price swings, harsh winters, and everything in between. That kind of continuity builds something a larger, corporate-owned provider can struggle to replicate: real accountability to the people it serves.

Being third-generation means the values that shaped this business in 1973 — reliability, fair pricing, and genuine customer care — have been passed down and reinforced, not diluted, as the company has grown to serve more towns across Maine and New Hampshire.

Why Local, Family Ownership Makes a Difference

You're not just an account number. A locally owned company answers to its neighbors, not distant shareholders. Decisions about service, pricing, and customer care are made by people who live in the same communities they serve.

Consistency you can count on. Fifty-plus years in business means a track record — through fluctuating fuel markets, tough winters, and changing customer needs — of adapting without losing sight of the basics: delivering fuel reliably and treating customers fairly.

Full-service, not just low prices. There's a reason full-service providers exist alongside cash-only, C.O.D. companies: service matters as much as price. Emergency burner support, account management, flexible payment plans, and knowledgeable technicians all come with being a full-service company — something worth considering beyond the sticker price per gallon.

More Than Fuel Delivery

Being part of the community goes beyond dropping off oil and propane. It shows up in the ways a local, family business gives back — including through programs like Fielding's Veteran Program, which provides heating assistance support for veterans in the community. It's the kind of initiative that's easier to prioritize when the people running the company live in the towns they serve, not in a corporate office states away.

It also shows up in the everyday details: 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency burner service in most regions, a team that answers the phone knowing the difference between a Bangor delivery route and a Rochester one, and decades of institutional knowledge about the specific challenges of heating a home through a Maine or New Hampshire winter.

Fifty Years In, Still Family-Run

A lot has changed since 1973 — fuel markets, home heating technology, even how customers place their orders (hello, mobile app and online customer portal). What hasn't changed is who's behind the company: a family that has spent three generations learning this business and, more importantly, learning what their customers actually need.

That's the kind of thing that doesn't show up on an invoice, but it's exactly why family-owned still matters.

Experience the Difference for Yourself

If you're deciding who to trust with your home's heating needs this winter, consider working with a company that's been doing this — and doing it locally — for more than 50 years.

Get started:

Fielding's Oil & Propane — family-owned since 1973, proudly serving Central and Southern Maine and Southeast New Hampshire for over 50 years.

A Homeowner's Guide to Preparing Your Fuel Tank and Furnace for a New England Winter

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:30:14 GMT

Simple checks now can mean a warmer, worry-free winter later.

NA Homeowner's Guide to Preparing Your Fuel Tank and Furnace for a New England Winter

Simple checks now can mean a warmer, worry-free winter later.

New England winters don't ease in gently — one week you're raking leaves, the next you're scraping frost off the windshield. That fast turnaround makes early fall the ideal time to get your fuel tank and furnace ready, before the first real cold snap puts everything to the test. Here's a practical, room-by-room and tank-by-tank checklist to work through.

1. Inspect Your Fuel Tank

Whether you have an oil or propane tank, a quick visual inspection can catch small issues before they become big ones.

Check for rust, dents, or corrosion , especially around the legs, seams, and bottom of the tank.
Look for oil stains or wet spots around the base, which can indicate a slow leak.
Check the fuel gauge to confirm it's reading accurately and get a sense of your current fuel level heading into the season.
Inspect the fill pipe and vent alarm (for oil tanks) to make sure they're clear of debris, snow, and ice buildup as the season progresses.
For outdoor tanks , make sure the area around the tank is clear of leaves, brush, or anything that could interfere with delivery access once snow arrives.

If your tank is older or you notice signs of wear, it's worth having a professional take a look before winter rather than waiting for a problem to surface.

2. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

A burner that hasn't been serviced since last season is more likely to run inefficiently — or fail — right when you need it most. An annual tune-up typically includes:

Cleaning the burner and nozzle
Checking ignition and safety controls
Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks or soot buildup
Testing efficiency and combustion

Beyond preventing breakdowns, a clean, well-tuned furnace burns fuel more efficiently — meaning more heat for every gallon delivered.

3. Check Your Thermostat and Zones

Before the heating season ramps up, test your thermostat to confirm it's working properly and holding temperature accurately. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, this is also a good time to:

Set a lower overnight temperature to save on fuel without sacrificing comfort
Confirm any zoned heating areas are working independently as expected
Replace thermostat batteries if applicable, so you're not caught off guard by a dead display in January

4. Insulate and Seal Where It Counts

Even the most efficient furnace works harder than it needs to in a drafty home. A few targeted fixes can meaningfully reduce heat loss:

Weatherstrip doors and windows where you feel drafts
Insulate exposed pipes , especially in unheated basements, crawl spaces, or garages, to prevent freezing
Check attic insulation levels , since heat loss through the roof is one of the most common culprits behind high fuel bills
Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and utility entry points where cold air can sneak in

5. Plan Your Fuel Delivery Ahead of Time

Don't wait until your tank is nearly empty to think about deliveries. As winter weather picks up, delivery schedules can shift due to storms or high demand. Consider:

Signing up for automatic delivery , so you're never tracking the gauge yourself
Reviewing price protection or budget plan options if you want more predictable costs for the season
Knowing your minimum delivery requirements and average usage, so you can plan refills with enough lead time

6. Know Who to Call in an Emergency

Even with the best preparation, furnace issues can happen on the coldest night of the year. Before winter sets in, make sure you have:

Your fuel provider's emergency service number saved somewhere easy to find
A basic understanding of your furnace's reset button or shutoff valve, in case you need to describe an issue over the phone
A plan for temporary heat (space heaters, extra blankets) in the rare case you're without heat overnight

Get Ahead of Winter with Fielding's

A little preparation in the fall goes a long way toward a warm, low-stress winter. Fielding's Oil & Propane offers tank and burner inspections, tune-ups, automatic delivery, and 24/7 emergency burner service in most regions — so you're covered no matter what the season brings.

Get your home ready:

As a family-owned, third-generation company serving Central and Southern Maine and Southeast New Hampshire for over 50 years, Fielding's is here to help you head into winter with confidence.ew England winters don't ease in gently — one week you're raking leaves, the next you're scraping frost off the windshield. That fast turnaround makes early fall the ideal time to get your fuel tank and furnace ready, before the first real cold snap puts everything to the test. Here's a practical, room-by-room and tank-by-tank checklist to work through.

1. Inspect Your Fuel Tank

Whether you have an oil or propane tank, a quick visual inspection can catch small issues before they become big ones.

Check for rust, dents, or corrosion , especially around the legs, seams, and bottom of the tank.
Look for oil stains or wet spots around the base, which can indicate a slow leak.
Check the fuel gauge to confirm it's reading accurately and get a sense of your current fuel level heading into the season.
Inspect the fill pipe and vent alarm (for oil tanks) to make sure they're clear of debris, snow, and ice buildup as the season progresses.
For outdoor tanks , make sure the area around the tank is clear of leaves, brush, or anything that could interfere with delivery access once snow arrives.

If your tank is older or you notice signs of wear, it's worth having a professional take a look before winter rather than waiting for a problem to surface.

2. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

A burner that hasn't been serviced since last season is more likely to run inefficiently — or fail — right when you need it most. An annual tune-up typically includes:

Cleaning the burner and nozzle
Checking ignition and safety controls
Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks or soot buildup
Testing efficiency and combustion

Beyond preventing breakdowns, a clean, well-tuned furnace burns fuel more efficiently — meaning more heat for every gallon delivered.

3. Check Your Thermostat and Zones

Set a lower overnight temperature to save on fuel without sacrificing comfort
Confirm any zoned heating areas are working independently as expected
Replace thermostat batteries if applicable, so you're not caught off guard by a dead display in January

4. Insulate and Seal Where It Counts

Even the most efficient furnace works harder than it needs to in a drafty home. A few targeted fixes can meaningfully reduce heat loss:

Weatherstrip doors and windows where you feel drafts
Insulate exposed pipes , especially in unheated basements, crawl spaces, or garages, to prevent freezing
Check attic insulation levels , since heat loss through the roof is one of the most common culprits behind high fuel bills
Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and utility entry points where cold air can sneak in

5. Plan Your Fuel Delivery Ahead of Time

Don't wait until your tank is nearly empty to think about deliveries. As winter weather picks up, delivery schedules can shift due to storms or high demand. Consider:

Signing up for automatic delivery , so you're never tracking the gauge yourself
Reviewing price protection or budget plan options if you want more predictable costs for the season
Knowing your minimum delivery requirements and average usage, so you can plan refills with enough lead time

6. Know Who to Call in an Emergency

Even with the best preparation, furnace issues can happen on the coldest night of the year. Before winter sets in, make sure you have:

Your fuel provider's emergency service number saved somewhere easy to find
A basic understanding of your furnace's reset button or shutoff valve, in case you need to describe an issue over the phone
A plan for temporary heat (space heaters, extra blankets) in the rare case you're without heat overnight

Get Ahead of Winter with Fielding's

Get your home ready:

As a family-owned, third-generation company serving Central and Southern Maine and Southeast New Hampshire for over 50 years, Fielding's is here to help you head into winter with confidence.

Automatic Delivery vs. Will-Call: Choosing the Right Fuel Ordering Plan for Your Household

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 19:14:41 GMT

Two ways to keep your tank full—here's how to decide which one fits your lifestyle.

One of the first decisions new customers face isn't which fuel to use — it's how they want to order it. Do you want your deliveries handled automatically, or do you prefer to call the shots yourself? Both options keep your home warm; they just fit different lifestyles. Here's how to figure out which is right for you.

How Automatic Delivery Works

With automatic delivery, you're not tracking your tank level or placing orders yourself. Based on factors like your tank size, historical usage, and current weather patterns, your provider estimates when you'll need fuel and schedules a delivery before you run low.

Advantages:

● One less thing to think about. No checking gauges or remembering to place an order before a cold snap.

● Lower risk of running out. Automatic delivery is designed specifically to avoid the stress (and potential furnace damage) of an empty tank.

● Great for busy households, older homeowners, or second/vacation homes where no one is regularly checking the tank in person.

● Pairs well with budget or price protection plans for a fully predictable, hands-off heating season.

Considerations:

● You have less control over the exact timing of deliveries.

● Estimates are based on averages, so if your usage patterns are unusual (extended vacations, a home addition, etc.), it's worth flagging that to your provider so they can adjust.

How Will-Call (Traditional Ordering) Works

With a will-call or traditional order setup, you monitor your own tank gauge and place an order when you decide it's time — whether that's online, through the customer portal, the mobile app, or by phone.

Advantages:

● Full control over timing. You decide exactly when to order, which can be useful if you're managing cash flow around specific pay periods.

● Flexibility for irregular usage, such as homes with wood stoves or secondary heat sources where oil usage varies more than average.

● No estimate guesswork — you're ordering based on what you actually see on your gauge.

Considerations:

● Requires you to actively monitor your tank level, especially during high-usage winter months.

● Running the tank too low risks sediment getting pulled into the line, or in worst cases, running out of fuel entirely — which can mean an emergency service call to bleed the line and restart the furnace.

● During storms or high-demand periods, last-minute orders may take longer to fulfill than a scheduled automatic delivery.

Questions to Help You Decide

● Do you check your fuel gauge regularly, or does it slip your mind? If it's the latter, automatic delivery removes that risk entirely.

● Does your household have unpredictable fuel usage — a secondary heat source, seasonal occupancy, or a home addition? Will-call may give you more control in those cases.

● Are you managing your budget month to month? Automatic delivery paired with a budget plan can make your heating costs more predictable overall.

● Do you travel frequently or own a second home in Maine or NH? Automatic delivery is often the safer choice when no one is around to check the tank.

You Can Always Switch

Your ordering preference isn't set in stone. Plenty of customers start with will-call and switch to automatic delivery once they see how much simpler it is — or vice versa, if they want more control over timing. The right choice is whichever one keeps your home reliably warm with the least amount of stress for your household.

Ready to Set Up Your Delivery Preference?

Fielding's makes it easy to choose the ordering method that works best for you — and to switch if your needs change.

● Sign Up for Automatic Delivery

● Place a Will-Call Order

● All Customer Order Forms

● Or call us at 1-800-491-3194

As a family-owned company serving Central and Southern Maine and Southeast New Hampshire for over 50 years, Fielding's is here to help you find the ordering method that fits your household best.

Oil vs. Propane vs. Kerosene: Which Heating Fuel Is Right for Your Maine or NH Home?

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:15:21 GMT

A practical comparison of cost, efficiency, and use cases to help you choose the right fuel for your home.w post

If you're building a new home, replacing an aging furnace, or just questioning whether you're on the right fuel, you're not alone. Oil, propane, and kerosene all keep homes warm across Maine and New Hampshire, but each has its own strengths, quirks, and ideal use cases. Here's how they stack up.

Heating Oil

Heating oil (often called #2 fuel oil) is the most common home heating fuel in the Northeast, and for good reason — it's energy-dense, widely available, and typically delivered directly to a tank at your home.

Pros:

High energy content means efficient heat output per gallon
Doesn't require a connection to a utility gas line
Modern oil furnaces are significantly more efficient than older models
Long-established delivery infrastructure across Maine and NH

Considerations:

Requires an on-site storage tank, which needs periodic inspection
Price fluctuates with oil markets, which is why many providers offer budget or price protection plans
Regular burner maintenance keeps efficiency high and prevents issues like soot buildup or short cycling

Best for: Homeowners with an existing oil furnace or boiler, or those who want a reliable, high-efficiency fuel without dependence on natural gas infrastructure — which isn't available in many rural parts of Maine and NH anyway.

Propane

Propane is a versatile fuel that can power not just your furnace, but also water heaters, stoves, dryers, fireplaces, and backup generators — all from the same tank.

Pros:

Burns cleaner than oil, with fewer emissions
Extremely versatile — one fuel source for heating, cooking, and hot water
Propane furnaces and boilers tend to have a long service life
Works well for homes without access to natural gas lines

Considerations:

Requires a propane tank (owned or leased), typically installed above or below ground
Pricing is usage-based and can vary by provider and contract terms
Tank sizing matters — undersized tanks can mean more frequent deliveries

Best for: Homeowners who want one fuel to run multiple appliances, or who are building new and don't have natural gas access. It's also a popular choice for backup generators and outdoor living additions like fire pits or grills.

Kerosene (K-1)

Kerosene, or K-1, is a lighter, cleaner-burning fuel most commonly used in portable heaters, older furnaces designed specifically for it, and situations where cold-weather performance matters most.

Pros:

Lower sulfur content than heating oil, which means cleaner combustion
Performs better in very cold temperatures with less risk of gelling
Common choice for portable space heaters and specific furnace types

Considerations:

Generally costs more per gallon than heating oil
Not every furnace is designed to run on kerosene — check your equipment before switching
If you use #2 heating oil in a K-1 tank during cold snaps, a gelling-prevention additive is recommended, since standard fuel oil can thicken in extreme cold

Best for: Homes with furnaces specifically designed for K-1, portable/supplemental heating needs, or households in colder microclimates where fuel performance in freezing temperatures is a priority.

There's no universal "best" fuel — it depends on your home's setup, your existing equipment, and your priorities:

Already have an oil furnace? Sticking with heating oil, paired with regular burner maintenance, is usually the most cost-effective path.
Want one fuel to power your whole home, including cooking and hot water? Propane offers the most versatility.
Need reliable performance in extreme cold, or run a specific K-1 furnace or portable heater? Kerosene is built for that job.
Building new or switching fuels entirely? It's worth getting a quote and equipment recommendation tailored to your home before making the switch — converting furnace types is a bigger investment than simply switching fuel providers.

Not Sure Which Fuel Is Right for Your Home?

Fielding's Oil & Propane delivers heating oil, kerosene, and propane throughout Central and Southern Maine and Southeast New Hampshire, and our team can help you determine what makes the most sense for your home, equipment, and budget.

Get in touch:

As a family-owned, third-generation company serving the region for over 50 years, Fielding's is here to help you heat your home reliably, efficiently, and affordably — whichever fuel is the right fit.

Quick Comparison

How to Read Your Heating Oil Price Lock: Is a 2026–2027 Price Protection Plan Right for You?

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:48:53 GMT

Understanding fixed prices, caps, and budget plans before you sign—so you can lock in peace of mind this heating season.

Every fall, the same question comes up for homeowners across Maine and New Hampshire: should you lock in your heating oil price now, or take your chances with the market? With Fielding's 2026–2027 Price Protection Plans now available, it's a good time to break down what these programs actually mean — and how to figure out which one fits your household.

Why Price Protection Exists

Heating oil prices can swing significantly from month to month depending on global oil markets, weather, and demand. A price protection plan is designed to take that uncertainty out of your winter budget by locking in — or capping — what you pay per gallon before the heating season gets underway.

It's important to understand: this isn't a one-size-fits-all program. Fielding's offers a few different structures, and the right one depends on your risk tolerance, cash flow, and how much predictability you want.

Breaking Down the Plan Types

Pre-Buy Plan You purchase your season's fuel in advance at a fixed rate. This locks in your price per gallon regardless of what happens in the market afterward — if prices spike, you're protected; if prices drop, you're locked into the rate you agreed to. This option requires full payment up front.

Pre-Buy/Budget Plan This hybrid option requires a smaller upfront commitment — typically a third of your estimated seasonal cost — with the remaining balance spread out in equal monthly payments over several months. You still get the fixed per-gallon price, but with more manageable cash flow.

Budget (Cap) Plan Rather than a hard fixed price, this plan sets a price ceiling. You're billed at either the cap price or the current cash price at the time of delivery — whichever is lower. This gives you downside protection if prices fall while still capping your risk if they rise. Plans structured this way typically include a small per-gallon insurance fee to cover that flexibility.

Easy Pay Monthly Budget This is a budgeting tool rather than a price lock. It spreads your estimated annual fuel cost evenly across monthly payments (typically running from mid-June through mid-April), so you're not hit with large bills during the coldest months. It can be paired with one of the price protection options above for full predictability, both on price and on your monthly bill.

How to "Read" Your Price Lock

When you're reviewing a price protection contract, a few things are worth checking carefully:

Is it a fixed price or a cap? A fixed price locks you in no matter what — you won't benefit if market prices fall. A cap plan lets you benefit from lower cash prices while still protecting you from spikes, usually for a small added fee.
What's the payment structure? Full payment, partial down payment, or spread evenly across the contract term — each affects your cash flow differently.
Is there a minimum usage requirement? Many plans require a minimum annual gallon commitment, so make sure it lines up with your household's typical usage.
What's the contract window? Budget plans often run on a set schedule (for example, mid-June through mid-April), so timing matters if you're signing up mid-season.

Who Tends to Benefit Most

Homeowners on a fixed or tight monthly budget who want predictable payments rather than fluctuating bills tend to like the budget/monthly payment structures.
Households with consistent, higher fuel usage often see the most value from a fixed pre-buy price, since even small per-gallon swings add up over a full season.
Homeowners who want some flexibility — the chance to benefit if prices drop — are usually better suited to a cap plan rather than a hard fixed price.
New or budget-conscious customers may prefer starting with the Easy Pay Monthly Budget option alone, without committing to a price lock, until they get a feel for their usage patterns.

A Few Questions to Ask Yourself

Do I want the lowest possible risk, even if it means missing out on a price drop? → A fixed pre-buy plan may be right for you.
Do I want protection from spikes but still want to benefit if prices fall? → Look at the cap/budget plan.
Is my main concern smoothing out my monthly cash flow, not the per-gallon price itself? → The Easy Pay Monthly Budget may be all you need.
Am I comfortable paying a lump sum or partial down payment upfront? → This affects whether pre-buy or pre-buy/budget makes more sense.

Talk to Fielding's Before You Decide

Every household's fuel needs, tank size, and budget look a little different, and pricing details can shift from season to season based on market conditions. The best way to know exactly what you'd pay under each option is to talk with Fielding's team directly.

Ready to explore your options for 2026–2027?

View Price Protection & Monthly Budget Plans
Or call us at 1-800-491-3194

As a family-owned, third-generation company serving Central and Southern Maine and Southeast New Hampshire for over 50 years, Fielding's Oil & Propane is here to help you find the plan that keeps your home warm and your budget predictable all winter long.

5 Warning Signs Your Oil Burner Needs Service Before Winter Hits

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:29:56 GMT

New Title

5 Warning Signs Your Oil Burner Needs Service Before Winter Hits

Nobody wants to discover their heating system has a problem in the middle of a January cold snap. The good news? Most oil burner failures don't happen out of nowhere — they give warning signs first. Catching these early can mean the difference between a routine tune-up and an emergency service call on the coldest night of the year.

Here are five signs it's time to schedule burner service before the temperature drops.

1. Unusual Smells Coming From Your Furnace

A properly running oil burner shouldn't fill your home with odor. If you're noticing a persistent oily, smoky, or burning smell — especially when the system kicks on — it could point to a fuel leak, a dirty burner nozzle, or a cracked heat exchanger. Don't wait this one out. Strange smells are among the clearest signs that something needs a professional look before the issue gets worse (or more dangerous).

2. Soot, Smoke, or Dark Residue

Take a look around your furnace and vents. Soot buildup on the burner, puffbacks (small explosions that coat nearby surfaces in black residue), or dark smoke from the flue are all signs of incomplete combustion. This isn't just messy — it's a sign your system is running inefficiently and potentially unsafely. A professional cleaning and inspection can identify whether it's a clogged nozzle, bad ignition, or ventilation issue.

3. Short Cycling or Trouble Starting

Does your furnace turn on and off repeatedly without ever fully heating your home? Or does it struggle to start at all, requiring multiple attempts before it kicks in? Short cycling wastes fuel and puts extra wear on your system's components. It's often caused by a dirty burner, a failing igniter, or airflow problems — all things a burner tune-up can catch before they lead to a full breakdown.

4. Rising Fuel Bills Without a Clear Reason

If your oil usage is creeping up but your habits and the weather haven't changed, your burner may be losing efficiency. A dirty or poorly calibrated system burns more fuel to produce the same amount of heat. Regular service keeps your burner running at peak efficiency, which means more warmth for every gallon delivered.

5. Strange Noises: Banging, Rattling, or Humming

Furnaces aren't silent, but they shouldn't be noisy either. Banging or rattling can indicate loose components or air in the lines, while a persistent humming or buzzing sound may point to a motor or electrical issue. These noises are your system's way of telling you something isn't right — and they rarely resolve on their own.

Don't Wait for a No-Heat Emergency

The best time to service your oil burner is before the season's coldest days, not during them. A professional cleaning addresses small issues before they become expensive repairs — or a middle-of-the-night emergency call.

Right now, Fielding's Oil & Propane is offering VIP Burner Cleaning for $269.00 plus parts (through 08/31/2026) — a great way to get ahead of winter and keep your system running safely and efficiently.

Ready to schedule?

As a family-owned company serving Central and Southern Maine and Southeast New Hampshire for over 50 years, Fielding's Oil & Propane is here to keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable all winter long — including with 24/7 emergency burner service in most regions when you need it most.