If you've lived through an Iowa February, you know the drill. The novelty of winter wore off weeks ago, but the cold hasn't let up. Temperatures hover well below freezing, wind chills bite harder, and your propane tank is working overtime. It's the stretch of winter that tests both patience and planning.

At W&H Cooperative, this is the season we're busiest—and the season we want to make sure our members and neighbors are set up for success. Here are our best tips for making it through February without a hiccup.

Check Your Tank—Don't Guess

It sounds simple, but the number one call we get in February is from customers who ran lower than they expected. Cold snaps push furnaces into overdrive, and a tank that looked fine last week can drop fast when wind chills hit −20°F.

Small Moves That Save Big on Heating Costs

You don't need a major renovation to cut your propane use. A few simple habits can make a real difference on your bill this month:

• Lower your thermostat by 2–3°F at night or when you're away. A programmable thermostat pays for itself quickly.
• Check weatherstripping around doors and windows. Cold air leaking in means your furnace works harder.
• Keep curtains open on sunny days to capture free solar heat, then close them at dusk to insulate.
• Make sure heating vents aren't blocked by furniture, rugs, or stored items.
• Change your furnace filter. A clogged filter reduces efficiency and costs you money every day it runs.

Farmers: Protecting Livestock & Equipment

February's extreme cold is hardest on livestock operations. Propane-powered heaters in farrowing houses, poultry barns, and calf shelters are running at peak demand right now. Here's what we recommend:

1. Inspect propane lines and connections for cracks or wear. Cold weather makes fittings contract and can open small leaks.
2. Keep snow and ice cleared from regulators and tank valves. Frozen regulators are one of the most common causes of mid-winter heating failure.
3. Have a backup plan. If you rely on propane for critical livestock heating, talk to us about emergency delivery options so you're never caught off guard.
4. Don't forget your equipment. Diesel fuel gels in extreme cold—our Ruby Fieldmaster™ is formulated to perform in harsh Iowa winters.

Propane Safety Reminders

Winter is peak season for propane use, and that means safety matters more than ever. Keep these essentials in mind:

• Know the smell. Propane has a distinct rotten-egg odor added for safety. If you smell it, leave the area immediately and call 911, then call us.
• Never use outdoor propane appliances indoors. Portable heaters, grills, and generators produce carbon monoxide and are not safe for enclosed spaces.
• Test your CO detectors. Replace batteries now if you haven't already this season.
• Keep your tank accessible. Our drivers need a clear path to your tank for safe delivery. Clear snow and debris so we can get to you quickly.

We're Here When You Need Us

W&H Cooperative has been keeping north-central Iowa warm since 1929. Whether it's a routine fill, an emergency delivery, or a question about your system, our team is local, responsive, and ready. That's the cooperative difference—you're not a ticket number, you're a neighbor.

February is tough, but it's temporary. Spring is on the other side. In the meantime, stay warm, stay safe, and don't hesitate to reach out.