5 Reason to Convert Your Home to Propane

Heating is a central function responsible for keeping your home comfortable and efficient, which is why it’s so important to choose the best fit for your family. If your heat currently runs on oil or electric, it may be time to consider upgrading to a clean energy fuel like propane. The popularity of propane is growing quickly, and for many reasons. Want to know why propane gas is the first choice for savvy homeowners everywhere? Here are five reasons to convert your home to propane:

Efficiency

Efficiency is at the top of the list, and propane definitely delivers. Compared to other fuel sources, propane offers a level of value and comfort that sets it apart from other heating options. Efficiency is one of the key differentiators that makes propane such an attractive option, allowing you to save hundreds of dollars a year because it burns so cleanly.

Flexibility

Propane does it all and is powerful enough to meet your home’s wide variety of needs. It’s used for home heating, home appliances, space heating, generators, and much more. Not only does it allow you to simplify your life by using propane appliances that lost longer and require less maintenance, it offers flexibility you just can’t get with other fuels.

Safety

When handled properly, propane is one of the safest options for heating and running your home. It’s also extremely handy in an emergency if you happen to be in need of a backup generator.

Reliability

Speaking of emergencies, propane wins hands down over electric heating. When you use propane there’s no need to worry about power outages caused by fallen branches or ice storms interfering with your power lines. Propane is already ready, every day, no matter what type of weather you’re facing.

Green

One of the most popular characteristics of propane is that it’s nontoxic, posing no threat to your groundwater or soil. As an option that burns a lot cleaner than other fuels, propane helps you to shrink your home’s carbon footprint while you do your part to keep your community green.

Your Propane Expert

Keystone Propane is your expert propane provider, here to give you the guidance you need when you need it most. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is ready to discuss your home heating system options and answer any questions you may have about converting to propane any time of year!

 

5 Benefits of Automatic Propane Delivery

If you’re calling in every time you need a propane delivery, you’re missing out on the convenience and ease of Keystone Propane’s automatic delivery program! Here are a few reasons to consider signing up for automatic propane delivery today.

Automatic Propane Delivery Benefits

Confidence

Once you’re signed up for automatic delivery, your days of waiting are over. Although we always offer exceptionally prompt service, automatic delivery allows you to trust our professional staff to ensure you always have gas when you need it. No phone call needed.

No Gauge Checking

Keystone Propane monitors your tank gauge so you don’t have to! No more trudging through the snow to check your tank, and no more wondering whether or not it’s time for a refill.

No More Scheduling

Now that you no longer need to worry about keeping track of refills, there’s no need to call for your order. Simplify your life with one less chore!

Never Run Out

Running out of gas is one of the worst things that can happen during the winter. A huge advantage of signing up for automatic delivery is that you’ll never run out of gas because you didn’t order in time.

In addition to convenient automatic delivery, Keystone Propane offers a wide variety of services that make us the leader in the propane industry, including:

  • 24 hr emergency service
  • maintenance of our tanks and equipment
  • service to your LP gas appliances
  • Guaranteed personalized and professional service

With a full fleet of propane delivery and service vehicles and our dedication to customer service, it’s clear to see why you can trust Keystone Propane to handle your automatic propane delivery. And we’re not just delivering propane … we’re delivering peace of mind.

Propane Tips for your Home this Holiday

With the holidays finally upon us, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of last-minute shopping, gift-giving, and visiting family and friends. And as you spend this time celebrating with those closest to you, we at Keystone Propane want you to know that we consider the safety of the utmost importance. To help ensure your holiday season is a happy one, we’d like to offer a few helpful propane tips for your home.

Propane Awareness

If you’re starting to run low, it’s best not to take any chances … especially during the holiday season. Check your propane levels today and get your order in early so you don’t need to think about it while you’re trying to enjoy this special time.

Christmas Tree Placement

Whether your tree is real or fake, make sure to leave plenty of room between your evergreen and your indoor heating sources, especially radiators and fireplaces.

Candle Safety

Nothing adds ambiance like the warm glow of candles. While you cozy up on these cold evenings, make sure your lit candles are far enough away from your home decor, little hands, and furry friends. And, most importantly, don’t forget to put them out before bed.

Be Prepared

If you do need to place a propane order, clear any debris around your propane tanks outside to ensure safe and timely delivery of propane to your home.

Cooking Safety

Turn all pot handles toward the back of the propane stove when doing your holiday cooking so they can’t be reached by the kids.

Christmas Light Safety

Keep an eye out for any light sets that have frayed wires, excessive kinking, or bare spots. All of these are warning signs that it’s time for them to go.

We at Keystone Propane send you our warmest wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

5 Tips for Perfectly Grilled Thanksgiving Turkey

If you’re tired of traditional roasted turkey (and not quite brave enough to attempt deep-fried turkey), grilling is an excellent option. Here are a few tips for a perfectly grilled Thanksgiving turkey that will have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds.

Tip One – Proper Thawing

Make sure that your turkey is fully thawed and seasoned to taste. Grilling will add a new and complex flavor profile to compliment your seasonings of choice.

Tip Two – Size It Right

Make sure you select a turkey that will fit your grill, allowing you to close the lid entirely. Do not settle for balancing the lid on the turkey and leaving the grill cracked open.

Before you consider sizing, you’ll need to decide whether you plan to put the turkey directly on the grill with a drip pan or place it inside a roasting pan. In either case, make sure your grill is large enough to accommodate your bird.

Tip Three – Use a Full Propane Tank

Make sure you fill your propane tank so you can be certain you have enough fuel to cook your feast. About fifteen minutes before cook time, preheat your grill with the burners on high. Turn off the center burner and when the temperature reaches 325°F to 350°F, you’re ready to go.

Tip Four – Keep the Lid Closed

Once you place your turkey in the grill, you should set your timer and keep the lid closed. In this respect, grilling isn’t that much different than cooking in a conventional oven. So remember, no peeking!

Tip Five – Check the Temperature

The best way to know if your turkey is done is to check the temperature. Ideally, the thighs should be between 170°F to 175°F and the breast about 165°F. The required cooking time should be approximately the same as cooking in the oven, so you can use the original cooking time according to your recipe, adjusting for weight as you normally would.

And that’s all there is to it! We hope you enjoy your grilled turkey and the special time you have with your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

5 Best Home Heating Tips for Fall

Now that it finally feels like Fall, cooler temperatures may be tempting you to turn on the heat if you haven’t done so already. Here are a few useful home heating tips for fall to help keep your energy bills reasonable by preventing waste.

Seal Up Drafts

If you walk past a window and feel a sudden burst of cold air, it’s likely a place you’re losing energy. But it’s important to recognize that this is a perfect opportunity to conserve. Doors and windows are common culprits of energy loss and a great place to start your conservation efforts.

Stop your heating system from working harder by purchasing some inexpensive caulking or weatherstripping. These are easy, affordable ways to help keep the cold air out and the warm air in. By properly sealing your doors and windows, you can quickly save up to 15% on your home’s energy bill!

Air Filter Clean Up

A dirty air filter can also make your heating system work double-time, increasing your energy costs and putting unnecessary wear and tear on your unit. By changing your air filter on a monthly basis, you can drastically decrease the amount of wasted energy.

Another major benefit of cleaning your air filter is improving the air quality in your home, especially if you have family members with asthma or allergies. Removing pollen, dust, and other contaminants efficiently is key to helping your loved ones keep their system at bay and maintaining overall health.

Thermostat Adjustments

You don’t need a programmable thermostat to take advantage of this method, although it does help to have one! As long as you remember to lower the temperature at night or any other time your family is away from the house, you can enjoy savings.

Thermostat Locations

It’s also important to take your thermostat’s location into consideration. Remember to keep it away from hot or cold areas, including sunlit walls and drafty windows, as this can have a negative impact on your heating system’s performance.

Time for a Tune-Up

Having a professional give your heating unit a check-up is a great way to make sure you’re starting off the season on the right foot. It can save you money in the long run and also help keep your heating system running efficiently into the future.

If you have any questions on home heating tips for Fall or would like to talk with us about how we can help keep your heating system in good working order, contact us today!

How to Prep Your Propane Home for Fall

Now that fall is here, it’s time to think about what you can do to get your home and propane appliances ready for colder weather. There’s often more to it than simply refilling your propane tank, and Keystone Propane is here to give you some great tips on how to prep your propane home for fall. Below are just a few suggestions to get your home and appliances winter-ready.

Propane Tank Refills

If your propane tank is at 20% or less, it’s definitely time to call for a refill. Waiting for late October to fill your tank can leave you unprepared in the event we have an early cold snap as we often do here in Northeastern PA. Check your gauge and give us a call today so you and your family are ready for whatever comes your way.

Furnace Maintenance

Don’t assume your furnace is in good working order. Give your heating system a good once over to make sure everything will run properly when you need it to.

Gas Stove Review

Did you know that the color of your propane gas stove’s flame can indicate whether or not it may need to be serviced? It’s true! The color you want is blue, and if your flame is yellow (or any other color) it’s a sign that the burners may need to be adjusted or that your air inlets are clogged.

Water Heater Tank Maintenance

Sediments can easily build up inside your water heater tank and cause all sorts of problems. One of the best ways to avoid this is by draining your tank regularly. After releasing just a few gallons, the water should run clear as a sign that your tank is sediment-free.

Propane Grill Storage

It’s important to protect your grill during the winter months, but don’t forget to make sure you clean it before putting it away for this season. Burn off any remaining residue, wash it with soapy warm water and you’re good to go.

If you have any questions about how to prep your propane home for fall, feel free to give us a call today. Keystone Propane is here to help!

7 Safety Tips for Grilling with Propane

Labor Day is right around the corner, and for many of you, this may be the last chance you have to throw that wild outdoor bash you deserve. Keystone Propane is here to help you do it safely so you can enjoy every second of your Labor Day holiday. Here are a few useful safety tips for grilling with propane to get your party started right.

Propane Grill Clean Up

Some people leave behind all the leftover crusties on their grates because they feel it results in more flavorful cooking. However, it’s extremely important to note that about one in every five grill fires is caused by leftover grease. The risk just isn’t worth it. Make sure you take the time to clean your propane grill thoroughly.

Going the Distance

With the recent upswing in outdoor living spaces, it seems like comfy furniture is making more of an appearance outside while grills seem to be getting closer and closer to your home’s inside. Be smart and make sure you always position your grill at least five feet or more from your house, outdoor furniture, trees, or anything else.

Safety Checks

Whether you’re an avid griller or someone who only fires it up on major holidays, it’s a good idea to check your hoses for damage caused by regular wear and tear. If you find a split or crack, replace your hose immediately.

Proper Utensils

Don’t try to get away with using a short-handled spatula on the grill. Avoid burns by using long-handled utensils only.

Propane Storage

We highly recommend that you store your grill’s propane tank outdoors only. Keep it covered whenever possible and stored in an upright position.

Emergency Readiness

You should always have a fire extinguisher handy, whether you’re grilling or not. Make sure you test your extinguisher regularly so you know you can count on it if the need should arise.

Closing Time

When you’re done cooking, always turn off both the cylinder valve and the burner control so you’re certain your grill is completely off.

And remember … Labor Day doesn’t necessarily mean grilling season is over!

How to Camp with Propane

Northeastern Pennsylvania is known for its beautiful outdoor recreation, which is why camping is such a popular pastime. Families from all over the tri-state area flock to NEPA every summer to enjoy everything our wilderness has to offer. If pitching a tent and becoming one with nature or enjoying the great outdoors in your RV is right up your alley, we have a few tips on how to camp with propane to boost your family’s fun.

Cooking with Propane

Propane is a great choice for camping for a variety of reasons, including its long shelf-life and portability. By utilizing propane, you have more control over cooking a hot meal. A propane camp stove or grill lights quickly are easy to use, and affordable. Best of all, it doesn’t leave behind dirty charcoal ash so it’s a snap to clean up.

Firing Up the Fire Pit

Nothing says camping like a good campfire. But instead of struggling with getting the wood started and keeping the logs lit, why don’t you get yourself a portable fire pit? It’s perfect for a weekend in the woods where your family can create new memories.

Taking a Warm Shower

There’s nothing like a nice warm shower, and you can still enjoy this luxury with the help of a propane hot water camp shower. This portable device has a pump that attaches to your available water source and is available in many sizes to meet your exact needs.

RV Camping

If you’re really not into roughing it, an RV that relies on propane is the perfect home away from home. Whether you have a trailer, folding camper, or full-out motor home, propane can let you enjoy amenities like hot water, heat, refrigerators, and stoves,

There’s no doubt that propane allows you to enjoy the time you spend outdoors without needing to sacrifice all the creature comforts. And in addition to its convenience, it’s easy to appreciate the eco-friendly benefits propane has to offer.

You should always fill your propane tanks before you head out into the wild, and Keystone Propane is here to help you get ready for your next big camping trip!

Preparing Your Propane Tank for Summer

Many people think that propane maintenance only involves prepping your tank for the cold temps and heavy snowfall the winter months bring. However, there are also quite a few things to do when preparing your propane tank for summer, spring, or any time of year. As a matter of fact, performing regular maintenance on your tank is the best way to avoid problems that may require repairs.

Here are a few helpful tips on how to prepare your propane tank for summer:

Check for Rust

Rust can cause serious, long-term damage to your tank if it’s not taken care of quickly. It’s important to inspect your tank for any signs of rust and remove it as soon as possible. This will eliminate the possibility of propane leakage, and prevent water from contaminating your tank.

Paint Your Tank

After you’ve removed any spots of rust you found, you should clean your tank and give it a fresh coat of paint. This will provide you with an extra layer of protection while keeping it looking clean and new.

Clean Up

In order to fill your propane tank as efficiently as possible, it’s important that it’s free from unnecessary debris. Check the area around your tank for any obstacles that may prevent it from being accessible, such as wasp nests, branches, or poison ivy.

Tank Refill

It’s always a good idea to get your tank refilled one last time before summer so you’re already prepared for when winter comes around. Propane can safely be stored all summer as long as your tank is in good working order.

If you feel your tank may need to be repaired, it’s imperative that you work with a certified professional at Keystone Propane. If you have any questions about preparing your propane tank for summer or would like to speak to one of our representatives about a repair, contact us today!

Benefits of Propane Grills

It’s time to start gearing up for that big weekend bash so you can kick your summer off right. If you’re ready to get your grill on but are still unsure whether propane is the best choice, Keystone Propane is here to help.

Did you know that gas grills typically outsell charcoal grills on a national scale? It’s true! There are many reasons for this, and some of the most common include:

Convenience

Propane grills are easy to start, heat up quickly, and hold a steady temperature. Lighting a charcoal grill can often take several attempts, but with propane, all you need to do is turn the dial and you’re fired up and ready to go.

Control

A propane grill normally reaches full temperature in less than 15 minutes and offers a variety of methods for cooking. Whether you want multi-zone cooking or indirect heat, propane gives you the flexibility to cook how you want, when you want.

Easy to Clean

It’s considerably easier to clean a propane grill compared to a coal grill, and one reason for this is that propane naturally has a cleaner burn than coal. Forget disposing of the crumbled briquettes and the soot that seems to end up everywhere. With propane, all you need to do is give the grill a thorough wipe down and you’re good.

Taste

Taste is where proponents of charcoal usually insist they’re on top … but we beg to differ. Some people may enjoy a bit of smoky flavor, but it’s incredibly easy to overdo it, especially if you don’t know when enough starter fluid is enough. No one likes the taste of butane, and we’ll even take it a step forward and say that many people actually prefer to eat meat that tastes like beef.

Versatility

Many propane grills also come with accessories that allow you to expand your cooking station even further if you choose to. With everything side burners to rotisseries add-ons, spice racks, side tables, storage drawers, and more, you’re sure to find a propane grill that meets your needs perfectly.

The Many Benefits of Propane Grills

If you have any questions about the benefits of propane grills or would like to know more about the propane grills offered by Keystone Propane, feel free to contact us today or stop by one of our showrooms!