March has a way of feeling like winter is over before it actually is. A warm week gets your hopes up, then a cold front rolls back in and your furnace kicks into overdrive. For propane customers across Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, and Goodhue counties, that unpredictability is exactly why March deserves some attention before you mentally check out of heating season.

❄️ Don't Let Your Guard Down on Tank Levels

Late winter is one of the most common times for customers to run unexpectedly low. A tank that looked fine in February can drop fast during a March cold snap — especially when temperatures swing and your heating system works harder to keep up.

• Check your gauge now. If you're at 25% or below, don't wait — schedule a delivery before the next cold stretch hits.
• Will-call customers: resist the urge to stretch it. Running out in March is just as disruptive as running out in January.
• Ask about automatic delivery if you found yourself monitoring your tank more than you'd like this winter — it takes the guesswork out entirely.

🔧 Late Winter Is Hard on Equipment

Cold temperatures put real stress on fuel systems, regulators, and heating appliances. Before March is over, a few quick checks can prevent problems that surface at the worst time.

• Inspect your regulator and supply lines for frost buildup or signs of wear. Cold-weather contraction can open small gaps that go unnoticed.
• Keep snow and ice cleared from regulators, tank vents, and valves. Blocked vents are a leading cause of mid-winter system issues.
• Check your furnace filter. A filter that's been running since October is likely due for a change — a clogged filter reduces efficiency and costs you money every day it runs.

🚜 Farmers: Start Thinking About Spring Now

March is the right time to get ahead of spring fieldwork before the ground opens up and schedules get compressed. A few things worth putting on your radar now:

• Assess your diesel fuel situation. Do you have what you need for spring tillage and planting? Talk to our team about delivery scheduling before demand picks up.
• Think about your lubricant inventory. Tractors and planters coming out of winter storage need fresh oil and grease before they go back to work.
• Plan your propane needs for grain drying and livestock facilities heading into the warmer months.

🏠 Homeowners: A Few March Reminders

• Test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries — propane season isn't over yet.
• Check weatherstripping and door seals. Gaps that tightened in fall may have loosened over winter.
• Note any performance issues with your furnace or water heater. March is a good time to schedule a service visit before fall wait times hit.

🤝 High Plains Cooperative Is Here Through the Final Stretch

Winter isn't done with us yet — but we are. Whether you need a delivery before the last cold snap, have questions about your system, or want to start planning for spring, our team is ready to help across Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, and Goodhue counties.

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