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

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Create a Backyard Oasis with an Outdoor Propane Fireplace

Transform your unused exterior space into a backyard oasis with a comforting outdoor propane fireplace. If you’ve been thinking about how you and your family can make better use of your outdoor areas and how you can spend more time in the fresh air, a fireplace is a perfect solution.

Since the dawn of time, humans have gathered around the hearth to enjoy the warmth of their fireplaces, but things have progressed a lot since then. There are many types of outdoor fireplaces to choose from, so it’s important that take a few minutes to figure out what it is that you want (and need) in your new unit. If it’s warmth and beauty you’re looking for without the hassle that typically goes along with owning and operating a wood-burning fireplace, a propane gas outdoor fireplace is an ideal option.

There are several benefits to choosing an outdoor propane fireplace over a wood-burning unit. Some of these benefits include:

  • eliminating the dangerous sparks that wood can throw off
  • eliminating the sizable clean-up that comes with burning wood
  • propane fireplaces are less harmful to the environment

If you do decide on a propane fireplace, it’s also important to remember that choosing a custom installation can be considerably more expensive than a regular unit. Keystone offers a variety of outdoor propane fireplaces that offers easy setup, giving you a beautiful backyard oasis for a lot less time and money.

Investing a small amount into an outdoor fireplace will also extend your outdoor enjoyment further into the cooler fall season, and let it begin sooner in the Spring. Keep the outdoor chill away in spring, summer, and fall, and get your family outside more often.

Start building your cozy backyard oasis today! For more information about outdoor propane fireplaces offered by Keystone Propane, contact us or visit one of our local showrooms.

 

* Important Note: when setting up your new propane fireplace, always make sure that it’s away from trees, shrubs, or any other flammable materials.

10 Big Green Egg Cooking Tips

If you haven’t used a Big Green Egg before, you’ve never experienced everything it has to offer as far as convenience, flavor enhancement, and safety. The Big Green Egg reaches your ideal cooking temperature in just minutes, is extremely easy to start, and is much safer to use than traditional metal grills because its ceramic surface stays cooler.

Here is a list of Big Green Egg cooking tips that both new and experienced users will find extremely helpful:

Big Green Egg Cooking Tip #1

Use a complete load of Big Green Egg natural lump charcoal, and never use lighter fluid to get your Big Green Egg started.

Big Green Egg Cooking Tip #2

Keep all the vents open when lighting your charcoal, and don’t close the lid anytime during the first 10 minutes your grill is lit.

Big Green Egg Cooking Tip #3

Never open the lid without “burping” it first. Simply lift the lid just a few inches to release the heat to avoid a full blast.

Big Green Egg Cooking Tip #4

Light all of your coals for direct grilling meats like burgers, steaks, and pork chops. You can preheat to approximately 650 degrees and open the top and bottom vents completely. Sear your meat one minute on each side, then lower the lid to seal in moisture and infuse incredible smokey flavor into your cuts.

Big Green Egg Cooking Tip #5

Use the ceramic plate known as a convEGGtor for convenient indirect smoking and grilling.

Big Green Egg Cooking Tip #6

Add 3 chunks of hardwood like hickory to the top of the coals that are unlit to achieve maximum smoke flavoring.

Big Green Egg Cooking Tip #7

Pre-heat to 200 degrees after setting up for slow cooking in order to cold smoke your meats. Add ice to a pan and place it on top of the convEGGtor, and put the food you want to cold smoke on top of that.

Top 5 Safety Tips for Grilling

Grilling is one of America’s favorite past times, especially during the summer months, but there are a few important things to consider in order to avoid potential dangers. Check out our top 5 grilling safety tips to keep the good time rolling and your outdoor cooking on track.

Tip One – Read the Manual

Whether you’re about to light up a brand new grill or are cooking on a grill you’ve owned for years, there’s a huge benefit to understanding its mechanics. You can greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents if you take the time to read your propane grill’s owner’s manual. Every grill has a certain range of operation and safety restrictions that you should adhere to in order to maintain the highest safety standards possible.

Tip Two – Keep Food Cool

It’s extremely important to keep your food cool until the moment you’re ready to throw it on the grill. You may be surprised that bacteria can grow on all different types of food, and that the average person is more likely to get food poisoning than to catch the flu.

Tip Three – Grill in a Safe Location

Grilling in a location that is too close to the home causes hundreds of house fires every year. Be very thoughtful when considering where you are placing your grill when cooking and mindful of the minimum distance it should be from your home, garage, or shed.

Tip Four – Keep a Fire Extinguisher Accessible

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher, and preferably one on each floor or in any location there could be a potential for fire. Keeping a fire extinguisher near the location of your outdoor grill is an obvious choice as it would come in very handy in the event of a small cooking fire.

Tip Five – Keep Your Grill Clean

Make sure you take the time to clean your grill thoroughly before you light it for the first time this season and between every use thereafter. Any build-up of grease or fat will increase the probability that a fire may occur.

Most importantly, use your common sense and think everything through when cooking, cleaning, and storing your grill to make sure you and your family have the best summer cooking experiences!

Spring Cleaning – Home Improvement and Maintenance

Spring is finally upon us, and it’s time to get your home in tip-top shape. Don’t dread your seasonal home improvement and maintenance chores! Here is a helpful checklist to keep your spring cleaning on the right track, brought to you by Keystone Propane.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

You may be excited to turn down your home’s heat as the weather slowly warms up, but you should also consider some air conditioning maintenance before summer’s first heatwave takes you by surprise. Consider contacting a professional heating and cooling specialist to thoroughly clean the outside of your air conditioning system, and be sure to change the inside filters as well. A clean unit will have a much higher efficiency rate and save energy in the long run.

Roof Repair

Inspect your roof carefully as the snow and ice fade to see if there is any significant winter damage to your shingles. If you notice any shingles that may be cracked or broken, consider replacing them before the summer sun does even more damage.

Wood Trim Inspection

Take time to inspect any wood trim that surrounds your doors, windows, decks, and railings. This can be done easily with a screwdriver. Now is the time to repair or replace damaged trim before the spring rains make the problem even worse.

Look for Leaky Gutters

Those spring rains can create some serious havoc if you have leaky or loose gutters damaged by winter weather. Don’t let improper drainage cause basement flooding which can quickly multiply interior damage. Clean out all of the remaining dead leaves and debris from your gutters and make sure the drainage is flowing away from your home’s foundation.

Prepare Lawn Equipment

Do a quick test to make sure your electric and gas-powered lawn equipment is ready to go for your first summer session of maintenance. This will make your yard work easier and give you more time to enjoy some summer fun.

Do you have any suggestions to add to our spring cleaning home improvement and maintenance checklist? If so, please leave your suggestions in the comments below?

When to Upgrade Your Furnace

Whether you’ve recently bought a house or have lived in your current home for many years, it’s important to take time to assess the condition of your furnace. There are numerous benefits to replacing an old heating system, and you’ll find that making such an investment will benefit your family in the long run. Some of these benefits include:

  • A high efficiency heating system will lower your yearly fuel costs.
  • You’ll get peace of mind replacing a system that has previously failed.
  • Higher efficiency means increased home comfort.
  • You’ll be increasing the resale value of your home.
  • A higher efficiency furnace will reduce green house emissions and is environmentally friendly.

But how exactly do you know when to upgrade your furnace? One of the most reliable signs is that your furnace has something known as a “high idle loss.” Simply put, a high idle loss means that your system is wasting a considerable amount of heat when the furnace is off. This high idle loss has an enormous impact on the amount of heating fuel you consume each year.

Signs of High Idle Loss

Although hiring a professional to assess the state of your furnace is recommended, you don’t need to be a heating and cooling expert to recognize the signs of high idle loss in your home. You can start by answering the following questions:

  • Is your furnace room hot? If so, chances are good you’re experiencing high idle loss.
  • Is the furnace hot when it’s not making heat or hot water? This is another sign of high idle loss, especially if it’s occurring during the fall or summer months.
  • Is your furnace sized correctly? If your propane heating system frequently cycles on and of during the coldest days, it likely has too much capacity making the furnace highly inefficient.
  • Does your furnace have a pilot light? Pilot lights are continuously using energy, creating a less efficient idle loss.
  • How well is your heating duct system insulated? A substantial amount of heat loss occurs if your ductwork is not insulated properly, particularly in unheated areas of your home.

Once you have determined whether or not you’re experiencing high idle loss in your home, consider talking to a professional for information on the cost of replacing your current heating system. Upgrading your furnace can truly be a wise investment in your home, the environment, and your well-being.