Spring and Summer Weather Safety with Propane

Now that the warm weather is finally here, we can say good riddance to the snow, sleet, and freezing rain. But before we begin celebrating with outdoor parties and barbecues, we need to make sure that we’re ready for any curveballs that spring and summer may throw our way.

Violent weather can occur anytime, and summer storms, in particular, can put you and your family at risk unexpectedly. Here are some helpful tips on spring and summer weather safety to ensure you’re fully prepared.

  • Create an emergency weather preparedness plan and review it regularly with your family so you’re ready for power outages or other emergencies.
  • Make a list of instructions on how to turn off your propane, electricity, and water and keep it in a centralized location.
  • Make sure your family is familiar with any propane safety info provided by Keystone Propane.
  • Never use propane appliances in enclosed areas or indoors. This includes both portable heaters and barbecues.
  • Never use a gas oven as an alternative space heater.
  • Never use a portable generator in an enclosed area or indoors, including garages, basements, tents, and sheds.
  • Be sure you know what propane smells like so you can recognize a possible leak. It’s often compared to the smell of rotten eggs or skunk spray.
  • Know how to turn your propane off. This includes both your indoor appliances and your outdoor propane tank.

Remember that hail and high winds can shift or damage tanks, gas lines, or your equipment. After a severe storm is over, be sure to check your propane tank and appliances and call Keystone Propane immediately if you suspect any damage.

If you smell gas anytime, whether it be outside or inside of your home, shut off your gas immediately by turning the main valve on your propane tank as long as it is safe to do so. Clear the area where you suspect the gas may be leaking and report the leak immediately.

Do not turn your propane back on until it is deemed safe to do so by a qualified technician. If you have any questions on spring and summer weather safety with propane, or to find out more information on general propane safety, contact Keystone Propane today.

U.S. and Canada Join Forces for Clean Energy

President Barack Obama and Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau have released a joint statement on climate, energy, and arctic leadership according to recent information from the White House. After a tumultuous history, the two countries will finally share a comprehensive plan for climate action.

Over the years, serious conversations regarding the climate between Canada and the U.S. have not been the norm. This new climate change agreement is a rare event indeed, considering the lack of agreement they’ve had in the past.

In what’s now being called the Paris Agreement, the U.S. and Canada have made an ambitious agreement to reduce methane emissions by 40-45 percent below 2012 levels by the year 2025. Both countries are also inviting other countries to join the initiative or develop their own methane reduction goal as they continue to explore new opportunities for additional methane reductions.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working quickly to develop the new methane emission regulations as they begin a process that will require companies to provide information to assist them in their efforts.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is following suit and intends to publish an initial phase of proposed regs by early 2017.

The Paris Agreement is also focusing on other pollutants like hydrofluorocarbons (potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators, aerosols, and air conditioners), and black carbon (a particulate component of soot).

“If we don’t agree, if we’re not aggressive … if we don’t pool our resources around the research and development and the clean energy agenda that’s required to solve this problem, then other countries won’t step up,” Obama said at the White House news conference announcing the Paris Agreement.

The Paris Agreement is being welcomed by many environmental groups who have been encouraging the EPA to expand its methane rules. This recent development will position the U.S. and Canada as leaders among the nations of the world as we demonstrate our ability to replace dangerous pollutants with clean energy solutions.

How Warm Temperatures Are Lowering Heating Bills

With annuals already beginning to sprout, it’s clear that spring is making an early arrival in many parts of the Northeast. Recent reports show that the warm weather is bringing homeowners across Pennsylvania and other states more than early blooms … it’s bringing a welcomed price drop in home heating bills.

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the warm winter temperatures have drastically lowered monthly heating bills for many homeowners. Compared to last winter, we’ve experienced a 15% warm-up, which has been very beneficial for all those looking to cut back on their heating costs.

Thus far, the winter of 2015-2016 has been very mild in most regions of the U.S., with only the West suffering colder temperatures than they had the previous year. Experts explain that the U.S. warm-up of 2015-2016 is being caused in part by a strong El Niño pattern off the West Coast that’s delivering warmer air temperatures to the areas of the Northeast Region which are typically frigid.

The good news for consumers is that this increase in temperatures has had a direct impact on the price of most heating fuels, including propane, natural gas, and oil. The pricing for some of these fuels is at record lows, with nearly a 25% decrease in price compared to last year.

The pleasant warm temperatures we’ve experienced this year are likely to continue throughout the remainder of the season, allowing homeowners to continue enjoying the benefits of lower heating fuel costs in most areas of the U.S.

Propane Safety: Best Practices

Using propane gas is one of the safest ways to heat your home, power your vehicles, and cook your food. It is a clean-burning fuel that provides many Americans with a cost-efficient source of energy that can be adapted to a wide variety of needs.

There are many ways you and your family can ensure that you’re following the best practices in regards to propane storage and usage around your home so that you can safely enjoy all of the benefits propane has to offer:

Know Your Service Lines

It is very important that you are at least somewhat familiar with the location of your home’s service lines, especially if you have plans for landscaping or renovation in the near future. Accidentally digging up a propane service line can be a costly mistake.

Furnace Service

One of the best ways to care for your home heating while promoting safe propane usage is to make sure you have your furnace serviced regularly by a qualified technician. Simply check with your propane provider and schedule a service call to ensure your unit is clean and working properly.

Address Damage Immediately

If you suspect that any of your propane appliances have been damaged by recent flooding, have them inspected immediately to avoid potential issues.

Grilling Safety

Always follow the guidelines set forth in your grill’s owner’s manual when cooking and even when your grill isn’t in use. It’s also important to make sure that you keep your grill’s surface clean and corrosion-free.

Be Aware

Be alert if there is a suspicious smell of propane in the air. An unpleasant odor could be a sign of potential danger.

Proper Usage

Never use propane heating units that aren’t intended for indoor usage. This includes range burners and grills.

Following these best practices will help you and your family maintain safety standards that will allow you to enjoy all of the benefits of using propane, one of the safest choices for your home heating. If you have any questions about propane safety, feel free to reach out to our qualified experts today.

Preparing for Propane Delivery and Winter Safety

With the first true snowstorm of the year, winter is finally upon us. And along with the snow comes lower temperatures and the need for frequent propane refills. Heavy snows can also bring complications in addition to dangerous roads and sidewalks that could potentially impact your home heating.

As the temperatures go down, your preparation for winter weather should go up. There are several winter-related safety precautions you and your family should take to ensure that your propane deliveries can be made efficiently.

Mark Your Propane Tank

Whether your tank is situated above or below ground, it is very important that it is clearly marked. Use either a stake, flag, or pole to ensure it is able to be located by either a new delivery person or snowplow operator that may strike it accidentally with disastrous consequences.

Clear a Path

After a snowfall, be sure to clear a direct path through the snow to your propane tank. This will both ensure the safety of your propane delivery person as well as allow your scheduled delivery to be made on time. If the delivery person can not safely reach your tank, your delivery can’t be made and you risk running out of fuel during the worst time of the year.

Safety Fill Tank Levels

Understand that when a delivery is made during cold weather, there is a limit on how much the tank can be filled. Do not be alarmed that your most recent order has resulted in just 85% of the tank refilled. Our delivery experts are required to leave a certain amount of space for the fuel expansion that takes place when temperatures are frigid.

Schedule a Regular Delivery

Although it is recommended to have an adequate amount of fuel at all times, it is especially important during the winter months. In case of an emergency, remember that inclement weather could mean that roads leading to your home are impassable, making a delivery impossible. Having a regularly scheduled delivery can eliminate emergency situations and give you peace of mind that your family is always prepared.

If you would like more information on scheduling regular deliveries with Keystone Propane or tips on winter fuel delivery safety, contact us today.

Benefits of Propane for Reducing Emissions

The global pursuit for a cleaner environment includes over 180 nations that have submitted proposals on how to reduce emissions according to a recent report from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). In the U.S. we’ve been working diligently to accomplish the latest target emission rate set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the states are coming up with some very creative solutions, many of which involve the use of propane.

The NPGA states that propane gas water heaters, which are found in many U.S. homes and businesses, are one of many tools that can help the states to achieve the EPA standards. Many homeowners across the U.S. don’t realize the tremendous benefits of propane and how it can greatly contribute to reducing dangerous carbon dioxide emissions.

For example, a propane water heater will actually create 65% fewer emissions than a traditional water heater, as well as cut costs in half. Most of the energy used by an electric water heater isn’t actually used to heat the water, but instead, it is simply lost due to the unit’s inefficiency. By making the switch to a propane water heater, you can help save the environment while saving money at the same time.

In addition to propane gas water heaters, propane furnaces and back up generators make a huge impact in emission reduction. There are a wide variety of propane-powered appliances suitable for homes and businesses, as well as agricultural and manufacturing industries. With such a wide selection of propane-based solutions, making a real impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions is easier and more affordable than ever.

Citizens and representatives are working together for state reform and to encourage both individuals and companies to adopt the usage of propane in the home and workplace. To make this future a reality, we need to use a wide variety of approaches and technologies, while striving to incorporate reliable policies into our EPA compliance plans that focus on the benefits of propane usage.

Uncle Sam’s Prediction for Lower Heating Bills this Winter

It looks as though we may be getting a break this year from Old Man Winter, according to U.S. Energy Department. Their annual outlook is calling for warmer temperatures that will mean lower heating bills, particularly for those using propane or oil to heat their homes.

Their prediction was released in early October, and we can already see the trend for above-normal temperatures continuing, despite the impending winter weather. According to an article recently published by U.S. News, the U.S. Energy Department is funding their claims on a forecast made by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calling for warmer weather across most U.S. regions.

What does this mean for you? The department predicts that homeowners using propane gas to heat their homes can expect to see an 18 percent decrease in their winter heating bill. And according to the administrator of the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Adam Sieminski:

“If winter temperatures come in as expected by U.S. government weather forecasters, U.S. consumers will pay less to stay warm this winter no matter what heating fuel they use.”

While warmer temperatures seemingly mean good news for all, there’s no denying the benefits of saving with propane gas this winter. Of course, the obvious linchpin in these savings is that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast holds true. Last year, the forecast also called for warmer temperatures across the U.S., which was the case for many regions, but certainly not for the Northeast.

But as many in the Northeast region prepare for winter, folks are staying positive and looking forward to a break from the bitter temperatures and high heating bills, thankful that propane gas has been their heating fuel of choice.

If you’d like more information about heating your home with propane gas and what Keystone Propane can do to simplify your home heating, contact us today to talk with one of our experts.

Fall Checklist for Winterizing Your Home

Fall is officially here, and it’s time to think about ways you and your family can conserve energy. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can to protect your home from inclement weather while also lowering your utility bills.

Time for a Tune-Up

When’s the last time you’ve had a professional give your heating unit a once over to make sure everything’s in working order? You can save yourself a lot of time and aggravation if you schedule a quick maintenance call with a qualified professional. A quick tune-up can often cost less than $100 and help prevent any serious problems from occurring during the coldest time of the year.

Put It in Reverse

Most people understand that heat rises, but did you know you can redirect this heat into the heart of the room by putting your fans in reverse? It’s true. Most fans today have a switch that will reverse the direction of your fans, forcing the warm air down and possibly allowing you to turn your thermostat down a degree or two.

Replace Missing Shingles

Time to pull out those trusty binoculars and scan your roof for loose, broken, or missing shingles. You should make it a point to repair any issues now before the melting snow from winter storms cause leakage that will eventually damage your interior.

Gutter Clean Up

Don’t let dead leaves clog up your gutters. Now is the time to clean them up so they don’t back up water which can cause additional leaks or even damage your roof.

Empty Outdoor Faucets

Make sure you disconnect hoses from your outdoor faucets drain any water that may be left behind. This will prevent your pipes from bursting when cold weather causes the water to freeze and expands. If you happen to live in a newer home, you should also turn off the exterior faucet shut-off valve inside your house.

Stock Up on Home Essentials

Don’t wait until the first storm to find out that you’re out of home emergency supplies. Take a quick inventory and pick up anything you need now, including salt or ice melt. You may also be considering filling up your propane tank early in the season before the first cold weather snap hits.

Summer Energy Savings

August may be one of the hottest months of the year, but there’s a lot you can do to beat the heat while saving on energy costs. Here are some helpful tips to help you keep your cool:

Turn on Ceiling Fans

Air conditioning is a great way to bring down the temperature in your home or business, but it will also drastically increase your energy bill if you aren’t careful. Consider using an air conditioner only in the daytime … and make sure you close your windows to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. When the temperature drops at night, it’s time to open those windows up and turn on your ceiling fans to get the air circulating.

Use Air Conditioning Moderately

Soaring temperatures may tempt you to crank the AC, but it’s important to remember that the lower the house temp, the higher the electric bill. Did you know studies show that for every degree you set your air conditioner below 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you are using approximately 3-5 percent more energy? Setting your air conditioning temp just a few degrees higher can help to shave more than just a few dollars off your monthly bill.

Try Temporary Awnings

If you don’t want to make awnings a permanent addition to your home, you can always install temporary awnings to keep the sun out of south-facing windows. This will help to keep your home cooler in summer, and then you can remove the awnings to let the sunshine in during the cold winter months.

Get Casual

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve experienced the sting of high AC bills during the hottest months of the year. One way to help alleviate the burn of high energy bills is to forget about casual Fridays and let your staff sport casual clothing all week long. Lightweight, comfortable clothing can help lower your AC bill and while making your employees more productive.

3 Tips for Hiding Your Propane Tank

There are many reasons why homeowners use propane gas to heat their homes. Propane is one of the most versatile energy sources available and has the ability to provide affordable home heating that is both environmentally friendly and efficient. Delivery is an easy process and Keystone’s personnel will fill your tank to meet your predetermined needs.

Although most propane tanks are located in the rear of the home, out of view from passersby, they do stick out like a sore thumb. Who wants their beautiful landscape marred by a propane tank? That’s why many homeowners take the time to fully integrate their tanks into their backyard space for maximum outdoor beautification.

How to Hide your Propane Tank

If you enjoy spending quality time outdoors and feel that your propane tank could use some extra TLC, here are a few tips to safely hide your propane tank from view:

Tip 1 – Landscaping

This is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to make your propane tank easy on the eyes. Some beautiful flowers or low shrubs can lessen the stark contrast the tank has against its organic surroundings. It is extremely important to avoid hitting any propane lines when landscaping as they are typically located no deeper than 12 inches under the surface. All plants, flowers, or shrubs should have shallow roots and should be planted a minimum of 3 feet away to avoid potential interference with the propane line when hiding your propane tank.

Tip 2 – Additional Fencing

Another very common trick is to create additional fencing that extends in front of the propane tank and blocks it from view. This is a very successful tactic as long as you are very careful about leaving adequate access to the tank and proper ventilation. Avoid completely enclosing the propane tank with fencing, but instead, use your fence camouflage. This is especially important if you live in areas that have a snow accumulation, as the enclosed area can easily fill up, making it extremely difficult for your propane provider to access the tank.

Tip 3 – Create a Facade

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can create a facade resembling the front of a small shed (or any object you’d like) to hide your propane tank. This is a project that can be fun for the whole family while keeping your propane tank out of view. This is also an excellent way to make sure your propane tank is still fully accessible and receiving an adequate amount of sun.

Any of these ideas for hiding your propane tank are great for making it look more at home in its natural surroundings, but it is imperative that you always make sure there is enough ventilation for your tank and a lot of space to allow for easy access.

If you are unsure on how much access space or ventilation is required for hiding your propane tank, feel free to contact Keystone Propane and one of our propane delivery professionals will be happy to supply you with the info you need to make your propane tank project successful.