If you manage a fleet of delivery trucks, service vans, taxis, shuttles or other commercial vehicles, you know that keeping them fueled isn’t always simple. Arranging commercial gasoline for even a modestly sized fleet can eat up plenty of hours for a manager.
With fuel prices constantly fluctuating, you might find yourself tracking the rates on all the pumps around you. You are likely losing working hours each day while your drivers line up for fuel. And how much of your own time is spent reconciling and reimbursing receipts?
On the Upper Cape and throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Tasha Fuels & Propane helps commercial clients maximize their gasoline efficiency with our dependable delivery services and fair pricing. Here are some ways you can improve your fleet fuel economy.
Optimizing your vehicles’ routes for delivery and transportation driving can markedly improve your miles-per-gallon and lower your annual gasoline usage. By reviewing your drivers’ routes, you can help them avoid areas with:
We all want our fleet drivers to remain safe on the road for their security and the well-being of people in the communities you serve. But safe driving also does wonders for your fuel economy.
When your drivers avoid frequent acceleration, hard braking, inefficient gear shifting and overuse of four-wheel-drive and cruise control, your fleet’s gasoline consumption will decrease.
High-quality commercial gasoline is easier on engines, which reduces your maintenance costs and the chance of breakdowns. At Tasha, we proudly offer ultra-low-sulfur Shell-brand unleaded, mid-grade and ethanol-free gasoline products. Our customers appreciate how our gasoline supports superior engine performance.
Tired of all the lost time that comes with filling up at the pump? Tasha Fuels & Propane can help with our convenient on-site gasoline delivery service. When you have gasoline storage at your business, lot or depot, your drivers can fill up quickly and safely without needing to go to a station.
Even better, you can stop reconciling expenses from different fuel vendors. All your gasoline will come from one trustworthy partner — one that’s committed to your success!
Another benefit of arranging on-site commercial gasoline deliveries is that you can put all the planning in our hands. Tasha’s team is experienced at fueling vehicle fleets in Bourne, Cotuit, Falmouth, Marion, Mashpee, Mattapoisett, Osterville, Wareham and countless other towns. We’ll look at your operations and develop a fuel delivery plan that ensures you never run out of gasoline. Also, our delivery schedule will ensure that you use your gasoline well before it expires.
For over three decades, Tasha’s team has delivered fuel, equipment services and peace of mind to homes and businesses in Massachusetts. With us, you aren’t just a number — you’re a neighbor. If you trust us with your commercial gasoline needs, we’ll always be here when you need us.
Let’s improve your fleet fueling processes together. Join the growing roster of Tasha customers.
When it comes to heating our homes, warming our water, cooking our food and drying our clothes, we want to ensure the energy we use isn’t negatively impacting our planet or the air quality in our homes. At Tasha Fuels & Propane, we proudly provide propane delivery and home comfort services to homes on the Upper Cape and throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.
The propane we deliver is eco-friendly, efficient and safe for your home.
Propane is not a greenhouse gas. In fact, it was designated as an alternative fuel in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane’s carbon intensity is lower than that of fuel oil, gasoline, and grid electricity. (More on that later.)
It also emits virtually no particulate matter, or microscopic solids or liquid droplets people can inhale and exacerbate illness. Moreover, propane contains no methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is the primary component of natural gas.
Electric heating, hot water systems, stoves and clothes dryers are only as eco-friendly as the electricity powering them. Unfortunately, Massachusetts has one of the least environmentally friendly grids in the region. Its carbon intensity score is well above the national average and nearly twice as high as propane’s. The grid relies heavily on natural gas for generation.
Electric equipment is often less efficient than propane counterparts. Today’s propane furnaces have efficiency rates as high as 98.5%, and propane water heaters have recovery rates twice as fast as electric water heaters.
You might have heard some discussion lately about the safety and environmental impact of “gas stoves.” There was even chatter in the wake of some air quality and health studies about whether cooking with gas should be banned. Firstly, there is no movement right now to confiscate gas stoves. Moreover, much of the controversy regarding stoves doesn’t pertain to propane. Consider these facts:
Whatever kind of stove you have, the most important way to preserve good air quality in your kitchen is to invest in a quality ventilation hood and fan or open windows to ensure proper airflow.
If you’re at all concerned that you could be using propane equipment more efficiently or safely, do not hesitate to reach out to the Tasha team. Our trained, experienced technicians can look at your propane products and provide advice and maintenance. We can also help you upgrade your heating and hot water systems.
Our team members are always here to help. Please contact us any time.
Did you know that diesel fuel comes in multiple colors? It’s true, and the color of the fuel you receive tells you a lot about how it should be used — and how much it will cost.
You see, off-road diesel is dyed red, while diesel for road use contains no dye. (Its coloration is yellowish-clear.) At Tasha Fuels and Propane, we proudly provide diesel to commercial customers on the Upper Cape and across Southeastern Massachusetts.
Diesel fuel is a distillate of crude oil, although an increasing amount comes from biomass. While it’s used in vehicle engines and other combustion equipment, diesel is denser than gasoline. It’s also less flammable. Gasoline will combust after coming into contact with a spark. By contrast, diesel requires compression and intense heat to combust. If you dropped a lit match into a pail filled with diesel, the flame would go out like you dropped it in water.
Physically, there is no difference between the on- and off-road diesel (except for their colors). But they are used for different purposes.
Road diesel powers cars, buses, trucks and other vehicles that travel on roadways. Off-road diesel powers farm and construction equipment, forklifts, trains, water vessels, power generators and heavy machinery.
Road diesel is subject to taxes and surcharges, making it more expensive than off-road diesel. If you are found to be using red-dyed off-road diesel in a road vehicle, you will need to pay a significant financial penalty.
Essentially, traditional heating oil is the same product as off-road diesel. Both products can be used in an oil-fired heating system. (So can road diesel, in a pinch.)
It’s worth noting that all traditional heating oil and diesel is now ultra-low sulfur. This minuscule sulfur content is much better for the environment, air quality and equipment wear and tear. Additionally, the premium Bioheat® fuel that Tasha heating oil customers enjoy contains organic biodiesel to improve its environmental performance and overall efficiency.
Another benefit of diesel over gasoline is its extended shelf life. Diesel fuel can last over 12 months, while gasoline deteriorates after three to six months.
If you need on-road or off-road diesel in the Tasha service area, our team of experts can deliver the fuel directly to your fleet of vehicles or place of business. This is a great way to ensure you always have the fuel you need, and our prices are always competitive.
You can also drop by our gas station in Cataumet, where we sell gas, diesel, propane, racing fuels and lubricants. It’s your one-stop, full-service fuel destination!
Our team of seasoned professionals can help you get the most for your energy dollar. Reach out to us today to become a Tasha Fuels & Propane customer.
It’s about time to put another gorgeous Cape Cod summer in the history books. No doubt your central ac or ductless mini-split air conditioning system has been serving you well in these toasty months, but soon it will be time to power down for the summer. That would be right around when you’re busting out your favorite fall cardigan and ordering your first pumpkin-spiced latte.
But there’s something else you should take care of before the leaves start to turn — scheduling an end-of-the-summer A/C tune-up.
At Tasha Fuels & Propane, we recommend that homeowners schedule routine maintenance every year. An annual tune-up from a Tasha HVAC technician pays dividends in energy savings and system health. Regular service ensures that your system:
The late summer and early fall are excellent times to arrange an A/C tune-up. Our HVAC team will have more availability before the cold weather arrives. And you don’t need to worry about your maintenance “wearing off.” The cleaning, calibration and fixes our team does will be in place when you turn your equipment back on next summer!
We understand that A/C equipment is a big, important investment. Cooling systems are expensive, and during the hottest weeks of the year, a working A/C is essential for your family’s comfort and safety. Here are other ways to show your cooling systems some TLC:
With summer ending, frosty weather is right around the corner on the Upper Cape. If your furnace or boiler hasn’t received a tune-up this year, we recommend getting it done in the fall. Like with A/C service, heating system service will save you energy in the winter.
With three decades dedicated to keeping families comfortable in Southeastern Massachusetts, the Tasha team has the experience and commitment to handle every aspect of your HVAC equipment. Schedule your comprehensive service today.
Throughout the Upper Cape (and also New Bedford, Providence, Boston and Newport), many different types of sea vessels count on Tasha Fuel & Propane. Our customers prefer our attentive, on-site marine fuel delivery to lining up at a marina. Some maritime customers we serve include:
We appreciate that no two sea vessels are the same. As such, our team members always plan to spend a little extra time on our marine fuel deliveries to ensure that owners and crews get precisely the product they need and are satisfied that their ship is ready to cast off.
If you’ve ever wondered what “marine fuel” actually is, we can help.
You may have heard the term bunker fuel to refer to fuel for maritime vessels. This term is synonymous with marine fuel. It comes from the days of steam-powered ships, which kept the coal they used for fuel in a bunker.
Here’s a rundown of the different fuels that sea vessels use in our service region.
This is the most widely used marine fuel for large commercial vessels. It is a heavier crude oil distillate than on-road or off-road diesel. Regulations that went into place in 2020 cap the sulfur content of this fuel to 0.5 percent.
Alternatively called Marine Gas Oil, this product is comparable to the diesel fuel that powers road vehicles, earth-moving vehicles, forklifts and other commercial equipment. It’s typically pricier than heavy fuel oil but has lower emissions.
Smaller sea vessels may use gasoline like the product you find at the pump. E10 gas, which contains 10 percent ethanol, is a standard fuel for these seacrafts. This fuel is especially good for reducing emissions on small water vehicles.
Marine fuel has been a core part of Tasha Fuels & Propane’s business since we opened shop in Falmouth almost 30 years ago. We specially designed our trucks to be able to reach sea vessels more easily at marinas and other docking points. Our team members have a system down pat to deliver your marine fuel quickly and safely — and ensure that your vessel is clean and secure before we leave.
And as lifelong residents of Cape Cod, we are always extremely careful to make sure no fuel spills into our harbor.
There’s a reason that so many marinas, private owners, research teams, maritime businesses and municipalities count on Tasha for their fuel. They know they’ll enjoy a personal touch from a crew of consummate professionals.
Do you want to experience the advantage of receiving your marine fuel from a multi-generation company with deep roots in the communities we serve? Contact Tasha Fuels & Propane today to get started.
The homes of Cape Cod are so iconic that there’s an entire architectural style named for them. But what about the homes themselves?
The housing stock on Cape Cod and throughout Southeastern Massachusetts runs the gamut from historic to brand new. A decent number of the households we serve were built before the 1960s when forced air heating and cooling systems became popular. These homes tend to rely on boiler systems for heat in the winter and don’t have ducts.
When the summer heats up, where does that leave these homes for cooling equipment? You would need to install ductwork for central air conditioning, but that can be a disruptive, expensive process. Is it any wonder, then, that so many homeowners think they’re stuck with window A/C units?
We don’t need to tell you that window units are ineffective. They can’t cool a large area. They’re loud and use a lot of electricity. If you leave them installed through the winter, they allow heat to escape, costing you more money.
But the Tasha team has a solution that provides energy-efficient, long-lasting A/C. We install ductless mini-split cooling systems.
There are two primary components to a mini-split: an indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor. (Multiple air handlers can connect to a single compressor.)
A mini-split system cools your home by transferring heat from inside to outside. The air handler pulls in warm air from your home. The heat moves to the compressor via a thin pipe through the wall. The heat is expelled, and cooled air is returned to your living space.
Ductless systems can also provide supplemental heat by reversing this process in colder months.
There are many advantages that ductless A/C systems have over both window units and central cooling equipment.
Installing ductwork takes a lot of time and money, especially in an older home. You can also lose ceiling height in the process. In contrast, the Tasha team can install a ductless mini-split system in one day with only minimal drilling to run refrigerant lines and hang indoor units. Plus, we can discreetly position indoor components so you barely notice them.
You can save a significant amount of money with mini-split systems over central A/C. They offer what’s called zoned cooling. While central A/C typically cools your whole home to a single temperature, each mini-split unit operates independently. So, you can scale back cooling in rooms you aren’t in and save energy.
You also avoid duct losses with mini-splits. The Department of Energy has found that up to 30 percent of a home’s A/C-related energy consumption can be attributed to cool air lost through leaky ducts.
Once a Tasha technician installs your top-of-the-line ductless mini-split system, it can serve you for 20 years or more with proper maintenance. Our specially-trained HVAC technicians are here to provide routine service and repairs that ensure your total home comfort.
It’s never been a better time to install a ductless A/C product in your Cape Cod home. Not only will you enjoy all the comfort enhancements and energy savings discussed above, but you can also save thousands of dollars right away. Qualifying ductless home comfort systems are eligible for generous rebates from Mass Save and federal tax credits as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Don’t delay — these financial incentives are available for a limited time and are subject to availability. Contact the Tasha team to learn more about your ductless cooling options.
Whether you’re cooking up a delicious salmon fillet on your propane grill or sitting around a pool heated to the perfect temperature with a propane pool heater, there’s so much to enjoy about late spring on the Upper Cape. And summer is right around the corner!
The Tasha Fuels & Propane team has called Falmouth home since we opened shop in 1994. We’re proud to say that we’re always there for our Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts customers — whenever you need us!
And a big part of that commitment is ensuring you know how to use your propane systems and appliances safely. Here are a few important propane safety tips for warm weather.
Propane does not have a natural odor, but propane producers add a gas to it that makes it instantly recognizable by smell. The additive is called ethyl mercaptan or methanethiol. It smells like rotten eggs, spoiled meat or skunk spray. If you smell this in your home or anywhere else, there could be a propane leak.
If you smell the telltale odor of propane, it’s crucial that you follow these steps:
A significant majority of American grill owners use propane, and Tasha Fuels & Propane is pleased to offer cylinder refills at our Cataumet gas station.
Here are some essential safety tips when using a propane cylinder with your grill.
With Tasha, you aren’t just a number — you’re a neighbor! Join our happy family of customers today!
Many homeowners don’t realize how much they depend on hot water until it stops working. Without a reliable hot water supply, you’re out of luck trying to bathe, wash dishes or do laundry. And those are just the most basic daily activities that rely on a functioning water heater.
Hot water is also a substantial part of your home’s energy usage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 20 percent of the average home’s energy use comes from heating water!
Doesn’t it make sense to find the most efficient, high-performance water heater for your home? The home comfort experts at Tasha Fuels & Propane do more water heater installations than just about anyone on Cape Cod and in Southeastern Massachusetts. We can help you find the best system for your home.
Storage tank water heaters are the products that most people think of when they envision a water heater. Here are some pros and cons of going with a traditional water heater:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Traditional water heaters are typically more affordable. | These units cost more to operate than tankless systems. |
Because they’re popular, they are easier to replace. | These units take up a large amount of space. |
As the name suggests, there is no storage tank with these systems. They heat water with a super-hot flame on demand when you open a hot water tap.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
These systems produce virtually endless hot water on demand. | Tankless water heaters are typically more expensive. |
The Department of Energy says tankless water heaters can be up to 34% more energy efficient , saving you money. | Switching from a traditional water heater to a tankless unit may require additional installation time. |
These systems last longer than traditional water heaters | Tankless water heaters are generally only gas- or electric-powered. |
Here are some questions worth considering when deciding on the right water heater replacement:
Have you been losing hot water in the shower lately? Does the water coming from your hot water faucet look brown or rusty? Are you noticing banging or grinding noises from your current water heater?
These are all signs that your hot water system might be nearing retirement. It’s best to get in touch with us now and not wait until your current unit fails. If you wait, you might end up without hot water while we secure new equipment.
Contact us today to begin exploring your options for a better, more efficient water heater.
As we often like to say, economies run on diesel. Whether you’re talking about fleets of vehicles, construction sites, farms or businesses that need backup power, diesel is a virtual necessity.
For decades, Tasha Fuels & Propane has provided diesel delivery to a range of commercial customers on Cape Cod and across Southeastern Massachusetts. We’re here for you if you require fleet fueling, on-site delivery, marine fuel, or some other diesel service.
Our diesel experts also know a thing or two about this fuel’s composition, uses and benefits. Here are five compelling facts about diesel fuel.
Beginning in 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began adjusting the emissions standards for diesel to lower its sulfur content. Today, the diesel used in American vehicles, generators, and other equipment is ultra-low sulfur. Its sulfur content is a mere 15 parts per million (ppm), compared to roughly 5,000 ppm before the EPA regulations. This significantly improves its effect on the environment and air quality. It also slows wear and tear on the equipment that runs on it!
On- and off-road diesel are sold separately but are essentially the same fuel. The difference between them is their color, cost and intended usage.
Gasoline engines have about 20 percent efficiency, so only one-fifth of the gas used in them actually propels the vehicle forward. By contrast, diesel engines have efficiencies of 40 percent and higher. This gives them better mileage than their gasoline-powered counterparts.
In terms of its physical properties, diesel is denser than gasoline. It’s also much less flammable. If you dropped a lit match into a bucket of diesel, it would extinguish. In both vehicles and off-road equipment, diesel must be placed under extreme pressure and heat to combust.
More and more diesel-powered vehicles and equipment are using a blend of traditional diesel (refined from crude oil) and biodiesel. Biodiesel is made from organic and recycled feedstocks like vegetable oils, animal fats and used cooking oil. Biodiesel lowers the emissions impact of these engines. And because biodiesel improves fuel lubricity, it slows wear and tear dramatically.
Our country is producing more every day. In 2002, the United States produced about 10 million gallons of biodiesel. In 2012, that number was 969 million. In 2020, it was 1.8 billion!
Tasha Fuels & Propane is available and ready to handle your commercial fuel needs. Become a customer today.
For nearly 30 years, we’ve provided dependable heating oil delivery from our home base in Falmouth to households throughout the Upper Cape and Southeastern Massachusetts. We’ve seen this home fuel undergo significant advances in that time. Heating oil has always been a fantastic way to warm your living spaces and water. But it’s getting greener and more efficient every year.
What exactly is heating oil? Here are five facts that explain where it comes from and why it’s a superb fuel.
Petroleum-based heating oil (we’ll discuss non-petroleum heating oil later) is nearly identical to off-road diesel. They are both distillates of crude oil that require pressure and intense heat to ignite. And they are both subject to Environmental Protection Agency standards regarding their sulfur content. Today’s heating oil’s sulfur content is only 15 parts per million. This significantly reduces emissions and improves the air we all breathe.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, one gallon of low-sulfur heating oil generates about 138,500 Btu. This is equivalent heat energy to roughly 41 kilowatt-hours of electricity or 135 cubic feet of natural gas.
Bioheat® fuel is one of the most vital tools for home decarbonization today. It is a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating oil and biofuel. Biofuel is a gallon-for-gallon replacement for petroleum, but it’s made from organic and recycled feedstocks like used cooking oil, inedible corn oil, soybeans and animal fats.
Blending biofuel into heating oil significantly lowers carbon, mercury and particulate matter emissions. At a 20% biofuel blend (also called B20), Bioheat fuel becomes cleaner than natural gas.
As heating oil becomes cleaner burning, it also becomes better for your heating system. Today’s product leaves less soot in your equipment. This means you need fewer burner cleanings and less frequent maintenance. Reduced wear and tear means your furnace or boiler will last longer. That’s great news for your bank account!
Heating oil is one of the safest home energy sources around. Unlike natural gas, it will not explode. If you were to drop a lit match into a bucket of heating oil, the flame would extinguish just as if you’d dropped it in water. The fuel only burns if heated up above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and vaporized — which is what your furnace or boiler does!
One significant risk to be aware of is the potential for a tank leak, which can incur costly decontamination measures.
If your home relies on heating oil, the Tasha team has you covered. With our free automatic delivery, you don’t even need to contact us for fuel. We’ll track your heating oil levels using your customer history and weather conditions, then deliver fuel right on time!
As we always say — at Tasha, you aren’t just a number. You’re a neighbor. Join our family of customers today.