FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why should I pick Smith & Sons as my fuel oil company?
Smith & Sons offers competitive pricing and friendly customer service. We are a small family owned business and we do everything we can to help local communities. We offer emergency deliveries so if you do run out in the middle of the night you can pay a fee and we have you covered. We have a 100 gallon minimum (to most locations) versus 150 of a lot of competitors. With Smith & Sons we truly care about each of our customers you will never be an account #.
Q:How do I become a Smith & Sons Customer?
Please call 518-661-6112 or email smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com. We'll need your name, address, mailing address, phone number, and preferred payment method. Please make sure your tank is in good working order prior to scheduling a delivery.
Q:What payments do you accept?
We accept cash, check, ach check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, NYS H.E.A.P, and FEMA on or before the delivery. We are C.O.D. because we have to purchase the fuel we deliver up front at the port daily.
Q: What is the price for heating oil/kerosene?
Please call or email for pricing as prices change everyday. Due to the volatility of fuel prices sometimes changing several times during the day we cannot post prices. Our prices are always fair, we don't charge hidden fees (off road, fuel surcharge, or delivery fee). We strive to have fair pricing (based on what we pay at the port) and friendly service, we don't always have the least expensive oil and are not known for cheap oil but sometimes we do have the best rates around.
Q: Do you lock in rates or offer budget plans?
No. We do not offer lock in rates. Some competitors do but you usually end up paying a lot more for that comfort. We do not have storage tanks we pick up fresh daily. We don't offer budget plans but if you know your account history it could help you to plan ahead and mail checks monthly year round based of your usage history (for example $250 a month starting in May).
Q:What is your minimum delivery?
Our minimum delivery is 100 gallons. It's not cost effective to deliver a lesser amount due to the price of diesel for our delivery trucks and the price we pay at the port which is cents less than what we charge you. We will deliver less but there is a $20 fee.
Q: Do you accept H.E.A.P.?
Yes. We are accepting new H.E.A.P customers for this heating season. Please call for an account # or look for it at the top of your fuel slip . Please note that we will call you once we have confirmation to schedule your delivery. Deliveries are scheduled first come first serve.
Q:Why does the price change daily?
The price changes everyday based on the market which can be impacted by natural disasters, world events, and supply and demand. Local news channels provide details on the current market and changing prices. We get a price sheet emailed to us at night and we pick up our fuels fresh daily from the port in Albany in the morning. We are not given any information that would allow us to predict future pricing.
Q: Can your kerosene gel?
Our kero is purchased fresh daily from the port of Albany. Kero is similar to regular fuel with additives put in for outside temperatures. Outside tanks are subject to natural condensation which can cause water to get in your tank and cause freeze or gel issues. Kero can freeze at -30 so if temperatures are extremely cold or there is water in your tank that mixes, you may have to call a service provider. These issues have nothing to do with our quality standards. Putting your tank in a shed and wrapping your pipes in heat cable tape can help if you are having issues. Where we purchase oil, millions of gallons are purchased daily so if it was a quality control issue, everyone would have these issues. If a service company is telling you the fuel is the issue, you may need to switch service providers, please call us to see if we have someone in your area.
Q:How can I find my account number on my delivery invoice? If you look under "more" on our homepage and then look at "Meter Ticket Reading" there is a description of what everything on your invoice means. Your account # is 6 on the list, usually a 4 digit all number no letter account #.
Q: Can I order online? Current customers can order on our webpage or email orders to smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com . Just make sure to include your name, account # or address, and preferred method of payment. We will respond back with your delivery date and price. If you want to pay with ach or credit card and do not already have one on file for security you will have to call it in then we can keep it for future deliveries.
Q:How long before I want the fuel delivered should I call to schedule a delivery?
Although we do our best to accommodate every customer, we do recommend that you call 5-7 days before
your scheduled delivery. Please see our Locations section for our daily route schedule.
Q: Do you do concrete construction?
We do not but please call Jeff & Bonnie at 518-661-5074. They are the former fuel co owners who sold the fuel business to their son to concentrate just on construction.
Q:When is the best time to call and place an order?
Afternoon is usually the best time to place an order if you don't like to leave a message. Mondays are our busiest day so if we are on the other line you can leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible or you can email us. Fridays are our slowest day so it's usually easy to call in anytime on Fridays. If you are a current, customer you can text your order to smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com and we will respond with your delivery date and price.
Q:Do I have to be home for my delivery?
No, we understand that our customers have to work and you do not have to be home for your delivery. Before your first delivery we do suggest that you check with your service professional to make sure your tank is in good working order. If we notice any issues with your pipe, tank, or whistle we will suggest a service professional.
Q: What time can I expect my delivery ?
Deliveries are usually between 7 am -5pm. Due to too many unforeseen circumstances we can no longer offer time windows. We want our drivers to do their best to deliver our fuel safely without feeling rushed. DOT stops, truck breakdowns, road construction, and pipeline issues often delay our time windows and it is too difficult with our incoming calls to call each customer to let them know we may be late. We understand if you do not want to wait home for the delivery, so please know you can leave a check and we will fill in the amount and leave your receipt, you can order a specific dollar amount, or you can leave a credit card on file. If you want to be home because of tank issues, you need to have those issued fixed by a professional prior to scheduling a delivery.
Q: I saw a lower advertised price, can you match it?
Sorry we are not able to price match. We pick our fuels up almost daily and have no control over the price we pay at the port of Albany. We have to keep our small profit margins the same year round to stay in business. Our prices are always fair and competitive but occasionally we might be 10 cents lower or higher than competitors for several possible reasons... they purchased futures (guaranteed the oil supplier they would purchase x amount of gallons at $____ which our small business can not afford to do), they had storage tanks filled and have to sell all that fuel before they can lower or raise the price (we pick up fresh daily) , they are purchasing from a different fuel port (we use Citgo quality fuels) , they are doing a marketing campaign to gain customers for the winter then increasing prices with demand (our profit margin remains the same year round and we haven't increased it in years even though many of our expenses have increased). We appreciate our customers for understanding , trusting that we will always be fair and staying loyal to us.
Q:I'm moving, can you pump out my tank and refund me?
No unfortunately we are not able to do that, as the customer owns the fuel oil tank and there may be sludge in the bottom so we can't risk pumping that and reselling it to someone. You may be able to get a service professional to do that if you want to put it in a different fuel tank. You may also be able to get your landlord to pay by having us issuing a dollar value statement and the landlord could then have the new tenant reimburse them for that amount. If you are selling your home we can estimate the dollar amount for your lawyer and send you a statement for your closing. If you are switching to a different product, the installer should include removal in the quote.
Q: I like to order #2 most of the time but sometimes I like 50/50 or kerosene is it alright to switch what I order?
You can switch what you order but you have to really specify that when you order. If you want to change it, you must do so 48 hours in advance. We do not recommend #2 for outside tanks because it will gel up around 15 degrees we only recommend kero.
Q: What are your office hours?
During the heating season office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. If we do not answer we are on the other line so please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. If you have an emergency or an urgent question feel free to use our emergency line # on the answering machine.
Q: How can I save $ on my heating bill?
Refer a friend and get a $5.00 credit per friend. Just have your friend mention your name when he/she places the order and we will credit your account (referral must be new to Smith & Sons).
"Like" our Facebook page and watch for promotions.
Sign up for our bi annual e-blast by emailing your name and address to smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com
Summer may be the best time to fill your tank b/c demand is lower in the summer and typically prices are too.
Q: What do I do if I forgot to leave a check out on the day of my delivery?
We recommend that you keep a credit or debit card on file with us and we will not charge it unless you forget to leave a check.
Q:Are there additional taxes or delivery fees for heating oil or kerosene?
No our daily price per gallon is your delivered price. We do not charge a delivery fee or off road fee.
However, if you are a business we do have to charge sales tax (8%) and non-residential heating tax .055/gallon.
Q:Do you provide plumbing and heating services?
No we do not provide additional services at this time. We are looking for more companies to refer our customers to so if you know someone very reputable please have them call us to discuss.
Q: Do you offer automatic deliveries?
Yes we offer automatic deliveries so you never have to worry about running out of fuel. We can help you estimate how often you should receive a delivery & set you up for automatic deliveries today. Generally automatics are set up to receive a delivery every 4-5 weeks (September - April) depending on the size of your home and fuel tank. Please call 518-661-6112 or email smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com for more details. If you wanted us to deliver more frequently, we can arrange that but there would be a $25 small load fee each time you took less than our 100 gallon minimum. Automatic deliveries automatically renew each year unless you cancel in writing.
Q:Do you offer emergency deliveries?
We offer 24 hour emergency deliveries (weather permitting-$125 emergency fee applies) to our current customers only. An emergency delivery is any delivery not scheduled in advance. Our emergency fee and 100 gallon minimum are industry standard or below and are necessary in order to have someone on call 24/7. If you are calling after hours, please use the emergency number on our answering machine and if no one answers, someone will get back to you within 4 hrs.
Q: I want to drop off cash or check before my delivery where do I go?
You can drop off cash or a check at 2346 State Hwy 30 Mayfield, NY. There is a secure black lock box to the right of the entrance door (make sure to have your name & address or account # on the outside of the envelope). You can also drop off payments to our home office 2346 St Hwy 30 Mayfield (the trailer), you may want to call ahead to confirm that someone in here to accept payment.
Q:What days do you deliver?
We deliver Monday-Friday generally from 6am-3pm. Please see our locations section for our daily route schedule. If you need a Saturday delivery (for your season residents etc) please call and we will try to accommodate that. Mid April-August all deliveries are generally scheduled for Fridays because like most oil companies we aren't busy enough to deliver Monday-Friday during those months.
Q: What types of fuel oil do you sell?
Smith & Sons Fuels Inc. sells quality regular # 2 home heating fuel, 50/50 blend, and kerosene fuel oils to residential and commercial customers in Fulton, Hamilton ,Esperance, Montgomery, and Saratoga counties.
*No 2 fuel oil (now known as ultra low sulfur heating oil which is a cleaner burning fuel) is used for heating and hot water in tanks that are stored inside.
*Kerosene fuel oil is used for outside tanks to prevent the fuel from "gelling" during cold winter months. We purchase our fuel fresh daily from the port in Albany. Our fuel oil is a high quality (backed by our suppliers guarantee) ultra low sulfur oil. In our 10+ years in the fuel business we've had a lot of compliments and recommendations from customers and heating professionals. Click here for COA specs. Sulfur Content Changes in the Northeast Region – Quick Reference Guide.The Northeast & Mid-Atlantic regions have been working to slash the sulfur content in heating oil. New York State became the first in the region to move to 15PPM heating oil.We sell dyed 15 ppm kero #1-k5, regular dyed unmarked heating oil, and 50/50 blended fuel.
Q: I've never heated with oil before, can you explain how much I might need each season?
The amount you need depends on outside temperatures, hot water source, additional heat sources, how warm you keep your house on average, # of people living in your home, and insulation. The average size home uses about 100 -125 gallons per month in the winter. You may want to check with the previous homeowner for a better estimate they should be able to call the previous supplier and get a history printout.
Q:Do you lock in rates for the season?
We do not, if market prices increase our prices have to increase but if they decrease our prices will also decrease. Locking in can be very risky and people often end up paying more than they would have at market value. The best thing to do is save up in the warmer months to help cover costs in the colder months.
Q: #2 fuel oil is less expensive than kerosene, can I use #2 in my outside tank instead of kero?
We do not suggest this because ultra low sulfur heating oil /#2 fuel oil will freeze up at around 15 degrees. Some customers buy 50/50 (equal blend of kerosene and #2), the choice is up to you. We do offer an additive if you want it added on delivery please let us know.
Q: Do I have to have my driveway plowed/sanded and a path cleared for delivery?
Yes safety is our #1 priority and if your driveway is deemed unsafe for delivery, we will be forced to reschedule.
Q: How big is my oil tank?
Most tanks are 275 gallon tanks some are 550 or 1000 gallons.
Q: Can the truck's hose reach my tank/ fill pipe from the road?
That depends on where your fill pipe is our truck hose is about 90' long (and weighs over 175 lbs).
Q: Can your oil cause me to have service repair issues?
No. Our oil is purchased fresh daily from the port of Albany. If you are being told our oil is the reason for your service issues, please call so we can refer you to a reputable service company. Quality control was an issue before NYS passed an ultra low sulfur bill a few years ago. Quality specs are available on our website and we take pride in the Citgo fuels we sell. Millions of gallons are picked up daily from where we pick up so if there was a quality control issue, millions of people would have the same issue. We have been in business for over 15 years, we plan to stay in business much longer. We are family owned and operated and would never sell a product we didn't stand behind. Luckily we have only been asked this question 2-3 times in 15 years. Sadly, blaming the oil company is an easy way for inexperienced service companies to make more money off customers or a good excuse for a problem they aren't sure how to fix.
Q: Do you offer on road or off road diesel fuel?
We no longer offer off /on road diesel due to low demand.
Q: My neighbor got a deliver today and his/her price per gallon was different than mine, why?
The government mandates HEAP pricing structures so if your neighbor receives HEAP or is a senior that may be why. Prices can also change several times a day. If we already told you the price the night before then we got a price sheet indicating pricing changes your neighbor may see that reflected on his/her bill. We feel that our prices are always fair and we never charge hidden fees or additional residential taxes.
Q: My neighbor got a delivery a few days before me at a lower price, why?
Prices can change several times in 1 day. We are emailed price sheets each day and price increase notifications then we pick up our fuels fresh daily. We've seen prices increase or decrease 18 cents in 48 hours so our prices have to reflect what we pay per gallon upon pickup. Unfortunately we are not given information allowing us to predict future pricing any better than a customer could.
Q: I signed up for H.E.A.P. when will my oil be delivered?
As soon as we receive confirmation for your H.E.A.P. benefit we will call you to set up a delivery date. usually 3-7 days after we receive confirmation. We may deliver half of your benefit amount and then the other half two weeks later. H.E.A.P. customers are not charged extra fees or more money per gallon. We will receive regular benefits between November 18th-March 19th. We receive a piece of paper confirming the amount we often do not receive funds from the state for several weeks or months. We can not deliver until we have written confirmation from H.E.A.P, if we did deliver before without confirmation we could risk loosing our vendor license. If you have further questions you should call the Department of Social Services or Office For Aging in your county.
Q: My H.E.A.P. benefit is not in yet and I have no fuel, what can I do?
You can schedule a delivery and pay cash, check, or credit card or you can contact Catholic Charities (FEMA). HEAP benefits will come in to us between Nov 18th and March 19th. If you are in an emergency, DSS may be able to provide a warm temporary relocation assistance for you.
Q: My H.E.A.P. benefits have been delivered and I have no money for fuel what can I do?
You can try to contact Catholic Charities in Johnstown or Amsterdam and if illegible FEMA funds can help pay for a minimum delivery (100 gallons). We also accept Care & Share payments with National Grid in conjunction with the Office for the Aging.
Q: I've used my regular and emergency benefits but I got something in the mail stating another HEAP benefit has been sent to Smith & Sons, what does this mean?
After the state sends us a check we will both receive a statement via regular mail confirming that we have received HEAP funds. These are often confusing because these are just statements sent out months after the delivery was made. The max HEAP benefit for 1 person that we've ever received in a year was $1250 ($650 regular plus $600 emergency). If you have additional questions about please contact DSS or Office of Aging.
Q: I order a fill up, so I never know the amount, and I don't want to leave a check if I'm not home, what can I do? We can estimate the amount pretty accurately based on your gauge. & you can leave a check for that amount or use a credit card.
Q: I sold my house, and my lawyer needs a value fuel statement, can you help?
Yes. We can estimate (based on your gauge reading) how many gallons are left in your tank and multiply that my today's current price per gallon. Then we can fax/email it to your lawyer's office or you can pick up a copy. We can usually do this within 48 hours of the request.
Q: I just moved in to a house that uses fuel and would like to know how much I might use this year, how can I find out? Check with the previous owner and see if you can get a print out summary from the fuel supplier of how much fuel they used the previous year. This will help you get a better estimate. If they were purchasing fuel from Smith & Sons we should be able to pull that information for you within 48 hours.
Q: I'm completely out of fuel, can your driver bleed my furnace when he delivers?
Yes our driver can bleed your furnace on delivery but there is a $25 fee and you are required to be home between 7am-4pm so that he can bleed it. We do not offer any other plumbing or heating services at this time.
Q: I wanted my invoice emailed, when should I expect to see that?
We should be able to email that with 2 business days. If you haven't received it by then, please call and remind us.
Q: Do you accept bank checks, if I pay all my bills online?
Yes we do accept bank checks but you do have to have a credit card on file as our guaranteed payment protection.
Q: What days is your office closed? We are open M-F 8-4 during the heating season. In the summer we ask that you leave a message. We are typically closed for Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas and the day after and Labor Day.
Q: Do you sell clear kerosene?
No we do not. We sell dyed 15 ppm kero #1-k5, regular dyed unmarked heating oil, and 50/50 blended fuel.
Q:I want to have some fuel pumped out of my tank and put in a new fuel tank, can you help?
No we are not able to do this. Please contact a heating service professional. We are unable to pump out because we can't risk contaminating or fresh fuel with sludge that could be in the bottom of your tank. We also don't have the right equipment, employee training, or insurance for this type of environmental liability.
Q: Do you know anyone who cleans chimneys?
Yes please call John Lucas Jr Certified Chimney Sweep at 518-725-2421.
Q: I'm thinking about switching to propane, what do you think?
People assume propane is less expensive than fuel oil . BTU's,.... for every gallon of fuel you burn, you burn about 1.5 gallons of propane. Many propane companies are large with lots of service reps and are known for adding extra fees like tank rental, tank certification, tank removal fees, delivery surcharges, having to book 2 weeks in advance, and more. Propane and oil customers receive the same NYS HEAP benefit amount as they cost roughly the same price based on all of that research. Before you consider switching, ask around and keep these things in mind.
Q: I'm thinking about switching to a different heat source to save money, what do you think? Replacing your oil heat furnace with a new energy efficient oil heat furnace could save you around 30% per year. The great thing about oil heat is that you are dealing with a local caring company with proven reliability. Research before you consider switching.
Q:What is the whistling sound I hear when my tank is being filled?
Oil tanks are equipped with an audible alarm for the truck driver to hear when he is making a delivery to your tank. When the alarm stops the driver knows the tank is full so that no spills occur. The whistling is caused by the air that is displaced from the tank by the oil that is being delivered. If your whistle is not working properly we will recommend someone that can help you fix the issue and we can re-schedule your delivery.
Q: I'm trying to contact Smith & Sons Construction, in Mayfield, are you affiliated?
Please call 518-661-5074 to reach Smith & Sons Construction. We are two separate businesses/ owners.
Q: I already placed an order, and I need to change it, what can I do?
Changes must be made 48 hours in advance because we pick our fuels up daily and have to account for each gallon. If you need to cancel an order, or change the amount of the order you've placed please call us 48 hours prior to the delivery. If it's after hours use the emergency # listed on our answering machine. If you do not let us know in advance you will be responsible for the original amount you ordered. If you were hoping to order more, we can schedule a second delivery date.
Q: My service repair man said to let you know he found water in the bottom of my tank, what should I do?
We pick our fuels up fresh daily and there is no way to get water inside our fuel trucks or hose . If you put a scully cap or even a coffee can over your fill pipe and make sure it isn't under the eves that will help prevent the natural condensation that causes water build up.
*As winter approaches our area, please make sure
that your driveway is properly maintained for winter weather. Safety is our #1 priority. Thank you!
Q: Why should I pick Smith & Sons as my fuel oil company?
Smith & Sons offers competitive pricing and friendly customer service. We are a small family owned business and we do everything we can to help local communities. We offer emergency deliveries so if you do run out in the middle of the night you can pay a fee and we have you covered. We have a 100 gallon minimum (to most locations) versus 150 of a lot of competitors. With Smith & Sons we truly care about each of our customers you will never be an account #.
Q:How do I become a Smith & Sons Customer?
Please call 518-661-6112 or email smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com. We'll need your name, address, mailing address, phone number, and preferred payment method. Please make sure your tank is in good working order prior to scheduling a delivery.
Q:What payments do you accept?
We accept cash, check, ach check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, NYS H.E.A.P, and FEMA on or before the delivery. We are C.O.D. because we have to purchase the fuel we deliver up front at the port daily.
Q: What is the price for heating oil/kerosene?
Please call or email for pricing as prices change everyday. Due to the volatility of fuel prices sometimes changing several times during the day we cannot post prices. Our prices are always fair, we don't charge hidden fees (off road, fuel surcharge, or delivery fee). We strive to have fair pricing (based on what we pay at the port) and friendly service, we don't always have the least expensive oil and are not known for cheap oil but sometimes we do have the best rates around.
Q: Do you lock in rates or offer budget plans?
No. We do not offer lock in rates. Some competitors do but you usually end up paying a lot more for that comfort. We do not have storage tanks we pick up fresh daily. We don't offer budget plans but if you know your account history it could help you to plan ahead and mail checks monthly year round based of your usage history (for example $250 a month starting in May).
Q:What is your minimum delivery?
Our minimum delivery is 100 gallons. It's not cost effective to deliver a lesser amount due to the price of diesel for our delivery trucks and the price we pay at the port which is cents less than what we charge you. We will deliver less but there is a $20 fee.
Q: Do you accept H.E.A.P.?
Yes. We are accepting new H.E.A.P customers for this heating season. Please call for an account # or look for it at the top of your fuel slip . Please note that we will call you once we have confirmation to schedule your delivery. Deliveries are scheduled first come first serve.
Q:Why does the price change daily?
The price changes everyday based on the market which can be impacted by natural disasters, world events, and supply and demand. Local news channels provide details on the current market and changing prices. We get a price sheet emailed to us at night and we pick up our fuels fresh daily from the port in Albany in the morning. We are not given any information that would allow us to predict future pricing.
Q: Can your kerosene gel?
Our kero is purchased fresh daily from the port of Albany. Kero is similar to regular fuel with additives put in for outside temperatures. Outside tanks are subject to natural condensation which can cause water to get in your tank and cause freeze or gel issues. Kero can freeze at -30 so if temperatures are extremely cold or there is water in your tank that mixes, you may have to call a service provider. These issues have nothing to do with our quality standards. Putting your tank in a shed and wrapping your pipes in heat cable tape can help if you are having issues. Where we purchase oil, millions of gallons are purchased daily so if it was a quality control issue, everyone would have these issues. If a service company is telling you the fuel is the issue, you may need to switch service providers, please call us to see if we have someone in your area.
Q:How can I find my account number on my delivery invoice? If you look under "more" on our homepage and then look at "Meter Ticket Reading" there is a description of what everything on your invoice means. Your account # is 6 on the list, usually a 4 digit all number no letter account #.
Q: Can I order online? Current customers can order on our webpage or email orders to smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com . Just make sure to include your name, account # or address, and preferred method of payment. We will respond back with your delivery date and price. If you want to pay with ach or credit card and do not already have one on file for security you will have to call it in then we can keep it for future deliveries.
Q:How long before I want the fuel delivered should I call to schedule a delivery?
Although we do our best to accommodate every customer, we do recommend that you call 5-7 days before
your scheduled delivery. Please see our Locations section for our daily route schedule.
Q: Do you do concrete construction?
We do not but please call Jeff & Bonnie at 518-661-5074. They are the former fuel co owners who sold the fuel business to their son to concentrate just on construction.
Q:When is the best time to call and place an order?
Afternoon is usually the best time to place an order if you don't like to leave a message. Mondays are our busiest day so if we are on the other line you can leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible or you can email us. Fridays are our slowest day so it's usually easy to call in anytime on Fridays. If you are a current, customer you can text your order to smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com and we will respond with your delivery date and price.
Q:Do I have to be home for my delivery?
No, we understand that our customers have to work and you do not have to be home for your delivery. Before your first delivery we do suggest that you check with your service professional to make sure your tank is in good working order. If we notice any issues with your pipe, tank, or whistle we will suggest a service professional.
Q: What time can I expect my delivery ?
Deliveries are usually between 7 am -5pm. Due to too many unforeseen circumstances we can no longer offer time windows. We want our drivers to do their best to deliver our fuel safely without feeling rushed. DOT stops, truck breakdowns, road construction, and pipeline issues often delay our time windows and it is too difficult with our incoming calls to call each customer to let them know we may be late. We understand if you do not want to wait home for the delivery, so please know you can leave a check and we will fill in the amount and leave your receipt, you can order a specific dollar amount, or you can leave a credit card on file. If you want to be home because of tank issues, you need to have those issued fixed by a professional prior to scheduling a delivery.
Q: I saw a lower advertised price, can you match it?
Sorry we are not able to price match. We pick our fuels up almost daily and have no control over the price we pay at the port of Albany. We have to keep our small profit margins the same year round to stay in business. Our prices are always fair and competitive but occasionally we might be 10 cents lower or higher than competitors for several possible reasons... they purchased futures (guaranteed the oil supplier they would purchase x amount of gallons at $____ which our small business can not afford to do), they had storage tanks filled and have to sell all that fuel before they can lower or raise the price (we pick up fresh daily) , they are purchasing from a different fuel port (we use Citgo quality fuels) , they are doing a marketing campaign to gain customers for the winter then increasing prices with demand (our profit margin remains the same year round and we haven't increased it in years even though many of our expenses have increased). We appreciate our customers for understanding , trusting that we will always be fair and staying loyal to us.
Q:I'm moving, can you pump out my tank and refund me?
No unfortunately we are not able to do that, as the customer owns the fuel oil tank and there may be sludge in the bottom so we can't risk pumping that and reselling it to someone. You may be able to get a service professional to do that if you want to put it in a different fuel tank. You may also be able to get your landlord to pay by having us issuing a dollar value statement and the landlord could then have the new tenant reimburse them for that amount. If you are selling your home we can estimate the dollar amount for your lawyer and send you a statement for your closing. If you are switching to a different product, the installer should include removal in the quote.
Q: I like to order #2 most of the time but sometimes I like 50/50 or kerosene is it alright to switch what I order?
You can switch what you order but you have to really specify that when you order. If you want to change it, you must do so 48 hours in advance. We do not recommend #2 for outside tanks because it will gel up around 15 degrees we only recommend kero.
Q: What are your office hours?
During the heating season office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. If we do not answer we are on the other line so please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. If you have an emergency or an urgent question feel free to use our emergency line # on the answering machine.
Q: How can I save $ on my heating bill?
Refer a friend and get a $5.00 credit per friend. Just have your friend mention your name when he/she places the order and we will credit your account (referral must be new to Smith & Sons).
"Like" our Facebook page and watch for promotions.
Sign up for our bi annual e-blast by emailing your name and address to smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com
Summer may be the best time to fill your tank b/c demand is lower in the summer and typically prices are too.
Q: What do I do if I forgot to leave a check out on the day of my delivery?
We recommend that you keep a credit or debit card on file with us and we will not charge it unless you forget to leave a check.
Q:Are there additional taxes or delivery fees for heating oil or kerosene?
No our daily price per gallon is your delivered price. We do not charge a delivery fee or off road fee.
However, if you are a business we do have to charge sales tax (8%) and non-residential heating tax .055/gallon.
Q:Do you provide plumbing and heating services?
No we do not provide additional services at this time. We are looking for more companies to refer our customers to so if you know someone very reputable please have them call us to discuss.
Q: Do you offer automatic deliveries?
Yes we offer automatic deliveries so you never have to worry about running out of fuel. We can help you estimate how often you should receive a delivery & set you up for automatic deliveries today. Generally automatics are set up to receive a delivery every 4-5 weeks (September - April) depending on the size of your home and fuel tank. Please call 518-661-6112 or email smithandsonsfuel@gmail.com for more details. If you wanted us to deliver more frequently, we can arrange that but there would be a $25 small load fee each time you took less than our 100 gallon minimum. Automatic deliveries automatically renew each year unless you cancel in writing.
Q:Do you offer emergency deliveries?
We offer 24 hour emergency deliveries (weather permitting-$125 emergency fee applies) to our current customers only. An emergency delivery is any delivery not scheduled in advance. Our emergency fee and 100 gallon minimum are industry standard or below and are necessary in order to have someone on call 24/7. If you are calling after hours, please use the emergency number on our answering machine and if no one answers, someone will get back to you within 4 hrs.
Q: I want to drop off cash or check before my delivery where do I go?
You can drop off cash or a check at 2346 State Hwy 30 Mayfield, NY. There is a secure black lock box to the right of the entrance door (make sure to have your name & address or account # on the outside of the envelope). You can also drop off payments to our home office 2346 St Hwy 30 Mayfield (the trailer), you may want to call ahead to confirm that someone in here to accept payment.
Q:What days do you deliver?
We deliver Monday-Friday generally from 6am-3pm. Please see our locations section for our daily route schedule. If you need a Saturday delivery (for your season residents etc) please call and we will try to accommodate that. Mid April-August all deliveries are generally scheduled for Fridays because like most oil companies we aren't busy enough to deliver Monday-Friday during those months.
Q: What types of fuel oil do you sell?
Smith & Sons Fuels Inc. sells quality regular # 2 home heating fuel, 50/50 blend, and kerosene fuel oils to residential and commercial customers in Fulton, Hamilton ,Esperance, Montgomery, and Saratoga counties.
*No 2 fuel oil (now known as ultra low sulfur heating oil which is a cleaner burning fuel) is used for heating and hot water in tanks that are stored inside.
*Kerosene fuel oil is used for outside tanks to prevent the fuel from "gelling" during cold winter months. We purchase our fuel fresh daily from the port in Albany. Our fuel oil is a high quality (backed by our suppliers guarantee) ultra low sulfur oil. In our 10+ years in the fuel business we've had a lot of compliments and recommendations from customers and heating professionals. Click here for COA specs. Sulfur Content Changes in the Northeast Region – Quick Reference Guide.The Northeast & Mid-Atlantic regions have been working to slash the sulfur content in heating oil. New York State became the first in the region to move to 15PPM heating oil.We sell dyed 15 ppm kero #1-k5, regular dyed unmarked heating oil, and 50/50 blended fuel.
Q: I've never heated with oil before, can you explain how much I might need each season?
The amount you need depends on outside temperatures, hot water source, additional heat sources, how warm you keep your house on average, # of people living in your home, and insulation. The average size home uses about 100 -125 gallons per month in the winter. You may want to check with the previous homeowner for a better estimate they should be able to call the previous supplier and get a history printout.
Q:Do you lock in rates for the season?
We do not, if market prices increase our prices have to increase but if they decrease our prices will also decrease. Locking in can be very risky and people often end up paying more than they would have at market value. The best thing to do is save up in the warmer months to help cover costs in the colder months.
Q: #2 fuel oil is less expensive than kerosene, can I use #2 in my outside tank instead of kero?
We do not suggest this because ultra low sulfur heating oil /#2 fuel oil will freeze up at around 15 degrees. Some customers buy 50/50 (equal blend of kerosene and #2), the choice is up to you. We do offer an additive if you want it added on delivery please let us know.
Q: Do I have to have my driveway plowed/sanded and a path cleared for delivery?
Yes safety is our #1 priority and if your driveway is deemed unsafe for delivery, we will be forced to reschedule.
Q: How big is my oil tank?
Most tanks are 275 gallon tanks some are 550 or 1000 gallons.
Q: Can the truck's hose reach my tank/ fill pipe from the road?
That depends on where your fill pipe is our truck hose is about 90' long (and weighs over 175 lbs).
Q: Can your oil cause me to have service repair issues?
No. Our oil is purchased fresh daily from the port of Albany. If you are being told our oil is the reason for your service issues, please call so we can refer you to a reputable service company. Quality control was an issue before NYS passed an ultra low sulfur bill a few years ago. Quality specs are available on our website and we take pride in the Citgo fuels we sell. Millions of gallons are picked up daily from where we pick up so if there was a quality control issue, millions of people would have the same issue. We have been in business for over 15 years, we plan to stay in business much longer. We are family owned and operated and would never sell a product we didn't stand behind. Luckily we have only been asked this question 2-3 times in 15 years. Sadly, blaming the oil company is an easy way for inexperienced service companies to make more money off customers or a good excuse for a problem they aren't sure how to fix.
Q: Do you offer on road or off road diesel fuel?
We no longer offer off /on road diesel due to low demand.
Q: My neighbor got a deliver today and his/her price per gallon was different than mine, why?
The government mandates HEAP pricing structures so if your neighbor receives HEAP or is a senior that may be why. Prices can also change several times a day. If we already told you the price the night before then we got a price sheet indicating pricing changes your neighbor may see that reflected on his/her bill. We feel that our prices are always fair and we never charge hidden fees or additional residential taxes.
Q: My neighbor got a delivery a few days before me at a lower price, why?
Prices can change several times in 1 day. We are emailed price sheets each day and price increase notifications then we pick up our fuels fresh daily. We've seen prices increase or decrease 18 cents in 48 hours so our prices have to reflect what we pay per gallon upon pickup. Unfortunately we are not given information allowing us to predict future pricing any better than a customer could.
Q: I signed up for H.E.A.P. when will my oil be delivered?
As soon as we receive confirmation for your H.E.A.P. benefit we will call you to set up a delivery date. usually 3-7 days after we receive confirmation. We may deliver half of your benefit amount and then the other half two weeks later. H.E.A.P. customers are not charged extra fees or more money per gallon. We will receive regular benefits between November 18th-March 19th. We receive a piece of paper confirming the amount we often do not receive funds from the state for several weeks or months. We can not deliver until we have written confirmation from H.E.A.P, if we did deliver before without confirmation we could risk loosing our vendor license. If you have further questions you should call the Department of Social Services or Office For Aging in your county.
Q: My H.E.A.P. benefit is not in yet and I have no fuel, what can I do?
You can schedule a delivery and pay cash, check, or credit card or you can contact Catholic Charities (FEMA). HEAP benefits will come in to us between Nov 18th and March 19th. If you are in an emergency, DSS may be able to provide a warm temporary relocation assistance for you.
Q: My H.E.A.P. benefits have been delivered and I have no money for fuel what can I do?
You can try to contact Catholic Charities in Johnstown or Amsterdam and if illegible FEMA funds can help pay for a minimum delivery (100 gallons). We also accept Care & Share payments with National Grid in conjunction with the Office for the Aging.
Q: I've used my regular and emergency benefits but I got something in the mail stating another HEAP benefit has been sent to Smith & Sons, what does this mean?
After the state sends us a check we will both receive a statement via regular mail confirming that we have received HEAP funds. These are often confusing because these are just statements sent out months after the delivery was made. The max HEAP benefit for 1 person that we've ever received in a year was $1250 ($650 regular plus $600 emergency). If you have additional questions about please contact DSS or Office of Aging.
Q: I order a fill up, so I never know the amount, and I don't want to leave a check if I'm not home, what can I do? We can estimate the amount pretty accurately based on your gauge. & you can leave a check for that amount or use a credit card.
Q: I sold my house, and my lawyer needs a value fuel statement, can you help?
Yes. We can estimate (based on your gauge reading) how many gallons are left in your tank and multiply that my today's current price per gallon. Then we can fax/email it to your lawyer's office or you can pick up a copy. We can usually do this within 48 hours of the request.
Q: I just moved in to a house that uses fuel and would like to know how much I might use this year, how can I find out? Check with the previous owner and see if you can get a print out summary from the fuel supplier of how much fuel they used the previous year. This will help you get a better estimate. If they were purchasing fuel from Smith & Sons we should be able to pull that information for you within 48 hours.
Q: I'm completely out of fuel, can your driver bleed my furnace when he delivers?
Yes our driver can bleed your furnace on delivery but there is a $25 fee and you are required to be home between 7am-4pm so that he can bleed it. We do not offer any other plumbing or heating services at this time.
Q: I wanted my invoice emailed, when should I expect to see that?
We should be able to email that with 2 business days. If you haven't received it by then, please call and remind us.
Q: Do you accept bank checks, if I pay all my bills online?
Yes we do accept bank checks but you do have to have a credit card on file as our guaranteed payment protection.
Q: What days is your office closed? We are open M-F 8-4 during the heating season. In the summer we ask that you leave a message. We are typically closed for Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas and the day after and Labor Day.
Q: Do you sell clear kerosene?
No we do not. We sell dyed 15 ppm kero #1-k5, regular dyed unmarked heating oil, and 50/50 blended fuel.
Q:I want to have some fuel pumped out of my tank and put in a new fuel tank, can you help?
No we are not able to do this. Please contact a heating service professional. We are unable to pump out because we can't risk contaminating or fresh fuel with sludge that could be in the bottom of your tank. We also don't have the right equipment, employee training, or insurance for this type of environmental liability.
Q: Do you know anyone who cleans chimneys?
Yes please call John Lucas Jr Certified Chimney Sweep at 518-725-2421.
Q: I'm thinking about switching to propane, what do you think?
People assume propane is less expensive than fuel oil . BTU's,.... for every gallon of fuel you burn, you burn about 1.5 gallons of propane. Many propane companies are large with lots of service reps and are known for adding extra fees like tank rental, tank certification, tank removal fees, delivery surcharges, having to book 2 weeks in advance, and more. Propane and oil customers receive the same NYS HEAP benefit amount as they cost roughly the same price based on all of that research. Before you consider switching, ask around and keep these things in mind.
Q: I'm thinking about switching to a different heat source to save money, what do you think? Replacing your oil heat furnace with a new energy efficient oil heat furnace could save you around 30% per year. The great thing about oil heat is that you are dealing with a local caring company with proven reliability. Research before you consider switching.
Q:What is the whistling sound I hear when my tank is being filled?
Oil tanks are equipped with an audible alarm for the truck driver to hear when he is making a delivery to your tank. When the alarm stops the driver knows the tank is full so that no spills occur. The whistling is caused by the air that is displaced from the tank by the oil that is being delivered. If your whistle is not working properly we will recommend someone that can help you fix the issue and we can re-schedule your delivery.
Q: I'm trying to contact Smith & Sons Construction, in Mayfield, are you affiliated?
Please call 518-661-5074 to reach Smith & Sons Construction. We are two separate businesses/ owners.
Q: I already placed an order, and I need to change it, what can I do?
Changes must be made 48 hours in advance because we pick our fuels up daily and have to account for each gallon. If you need to cancel an order, or change the amount of the order you've placed please call us 48 hours prior to the delivery. If it's after hours use the emergency # listed on our answering machine. If you do not let us know in advance you will be responsible for the original amount you ordered. If you were hoping to order more, we can schedule a second delivery date.
Q: My service repair man said to let you know he found water in the bottom of my tank, what should I do?
We pick our fuels up fresh daily and there is no way to get water inside our fuel trucks or hose . If you put a scully cap or even a coffee can over your fill pipe and make sure it isn't under the eves that will help prevent the natural condensation that causes water build up.
*As winter approaches our area, please make sure
that your driveway is properly maintained for winter weather. Safety is our #1 priority. Thank you!