Since 1959, Southbridge Tire and Oil Co. has proudly served residential and commercial heating oil customers across Massachusetts and Connecticut. With decades of experience in the industry, its operations team knows the value of reliability, efficiency, and long-term system performance. Southbridge has been using HeatForce®, Sprague’s premium heating fuel designed to optimize system performance, since its introduction in 2014.
Southbridge Technicians See the Heatforce Difference Firsthand
Southbridge Operations Manager, Chris Travinski, recalled making the switch to HeatForce when it was first introduced after learning the benefits of the product. “Our Sprague representative let us know that it might help reduce after-hours service calls. That hit home right away,” said Travinski. “If we could reduce those types of fuel-system issue calls like clogged filters, plugged nozzles, or blocked oil lines, that would be huge.” Over the years, Southbridge has seen a significant drop in service calls, especially during nights and weekends. “We’ve greatly reduced those calls. The systems run smoother. Since using HeatForce, we’re not getting the same kind of fuel-related breakdowns we used to,” explained Travinski.
“During annual inspections, filters from HeatForce customers still look white, like they were just installed,” Travinski explained. “But when we pick up a new customer not using HeatForce, their filters are black, greasy, and full of sludge. Within a year, my service guys started commenting on how much cleaner everything was. That told me all I needed to know.”
Improved System Performance and Tank Protection
As a bulk distributor, Southbridge operates four 20,000-gallon storage tanks at its facilities that are filled with fuel provided by Sprague’s East Providence terminal. For Chris, HeatForce’s impact goes beyond individual heating systems. “We have noticed a significant increase in tank cleanliness since implementing HeatForce. The tanks are getting older, and they’ve been staying much cleaner with HeatForce. That is a big plus for us.” Travinski also emphasized how HeatForce enhances the performance of biofuel, especially as state mandates for biodiesel blends increase. “We’re using B5, and in Connecticut, 10% bio is now required,” explained Travinski. “HeatForce helps optimize the use of biodiesel by reducing corrosion and sludge, leading to longer tank life and fewer replacements.”
Southbridge Tire and Oil Co. fully supports HeatForce as a long-term solution. “I would definitely recommend using HeatForce. For us, it’s about protecting tanks, reducing sludge, and improving system performance. Even after a full year, we’re pulling out filters that look brand new. That’s not something you see every day,” explained Travinski.
Interested in learning more about HeatForce®?
Visit https://www.spragueenergy.com/heating-oil/ or contact rp@spragueenergy.com to discover how you can improve fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and keep your heating systems running cleaner for longer.
