During the winter, propane gas is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to keep your home warm. However, it can also be expensive. On average, households consume between 400 and 1,000 gallons of propane annually. Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to reduce propane usage during the winter and save money on your bill. Read on for five propane heat cost savings tips during the winter.
Whether buying your first grill or ready to upgrade, you may wonder if a gas or charcoal grill is right for you. Here’s a quick guide to the benefits of charcoal and propane for your home grill to help you make the best decision for your outdoor cooking needs.
Each type of grill has its benefits, making it the best choice for different grilling needs. For outdoor gas grills, some advantages include:
Propane gas grills heat quickly, so you can start cooking your food sooner than a charcoal grill. This is perfect if you’re grilling for a large group and must get the food on the table fast. Many consumers choose an outdoor gas grill for this reason.
When you choose propane for your home grilling needs, you’ll notice that it lasts much longer than charcoal. This is because propane is cleaner burning fuel, so less is needed to produce the same amount of heat. You’ll save money in the long run by using a gas grill since you won’t need to buy fuel as often.
Outdoor gas grills also offer superior temperature control. This is excellent news for those who want to cook delicate foods that can quickly dry or burn. By controlling the temperature, you can ensure that your food comes off the grill just as you want.
Propane is also a much more environmentally friendly option than charcoal. A gas grill will produce fewer carbon emissions since propane burns cleaner than charcoal. This is an essential consideration for those who want to do their part to protect the environment.
An equal number of consumers prefer charcoal grills for their outdoor cooking needs. Some reasons they choose this type of grill include the following:
The smoky flavor imparted by charcoal is one that many home cooks strive to achieve. For many, the taste of food cooked on a charcoal grill can’t be beaten. If you’re looking for the best flavor, a charcoal grill is a way to go.
While gas grills have better fuel economy in the long run, they can be more expensive to purchase. Charcoal grills are typically more affordable, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Charcoal grills are also easy to use once you get the hang of them. They’re perfect for those who want a simple grilling experience without all the bells and whistles of a gas grill.
So, which grill is best for you? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. A charcoal grill is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best flavor. A gas grill is a way to go if you’re looking for convenience and faster cooking times. Ultimately, the best grill is the one that meets your specific grilling needs.
At Keystone Propane, we don’t make you choose. Many of our customers Check out our line of gas and charcoal Grills. Also, ask about our home propane service and how it can simplify your outdoor cooking needs.
Are you seeking propane services for agriculture? This clean-burning and green energy source is a popular choice for professionals, thanks to its affordability and higher efficiency. Propane is also highly versatile and can be used across a wide range of agricultural options, including heating properties, powering equipment, and producing power.
Propane costs up to 40% less than diesel. Propane also burns cleaner which results in reduced wear and tear on equipment. That means equipment requires less maintenance and servicing, reducing expenses even further.
Of course, it’s not just about saving money. Utilizing propane services for agriculture is also a great way to reduce emissions and eliminate the risk of contaminating local waterways and soil.
Propane is an incredibly versatile solution and can be used in a wide array of applications, including:
Propane engines are highly efficient and can power pump systems for irrigation.
Propane crop dryers yield higher-quality produce and use less thermal energy.
Propane heaters help to decrease costs and emissions alongside operating more efficiently.
Propane farm equipment runs more efficiently and has none of the noise or toxic fumes that come from diesel alternatives.
Are you looking to discover the benefits of propane? Here at Keystone Propane, we provide a wide array of agricultural services, helping you to reduce your emissions and save money. Want to find out more? Get in touch today!
Paying energy bills gets expensive, even in Pennsylvania. Here are some quick and simple tips to help you save money on energy bills.
Make sure that all of your energy-consuming machinery, especially your A/C unit, is tuned up. When you tune up your machines they run cleaner and more efficiently.
Tuning up your A/C unit every year can save you a lot of power usage bills.
If you need to get your A/C unit tuned up in Northeastern PA, contact Keystone Propane.
Always try to get the most out of your power-guzzling machines when you use them. Try to wash and dry full loads of laundry. Running small loads all the time starts to add up in power spend.
Phantom power is a real thing. Plugged-in idle devices are slowly but surely sucking up energy. Unplug all unused, idle devices. You can also use a power cord and turn it off when idle items are not in use.
Creating cold air in the summer costs more power. Try to increase the temperature of your home when no one is around.
Due to technological advancement, household machines have improved overall energy usage and efficiency. Consider upgrading if you have an old clunker A/C unit, washer, oven, etc.
Using an oven to cook your meals requires a lot of power. Additionally, it increases the temperature in your house, which you don’t want in the summer. Go outside and use that grill instead.
Taking care of your power-using machines, unplugging them, and remaining energy conscious will help you save on energy utility bills in PA.
Don’t tinker or mess with machinery that you have not yet learned the mechanics. Call a professional, contact Keystone Propane.
Football season is around the corner, and that means one thing – it’s time to tailgate! But have you prepared for it? Keep in mind some stadiums or venues have banned charcoal grills, which means portable propane grills are becoming the top choice for grilling. If you’re getting ready to make the switch, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure you have a fun and safe time.
Tailgate Grilling Safety Tips
Be sure to check if your propane tank is full before you head out to cheer on your team. Make sure it’s safely secured too for transporting to and from the game.
Let’s dive into transporting your grill for a moment. You should take extra measures when doing this by first disconnecting the tank and then placing it in an upright position to keep itfrom leaking. Try to avoid putting it in the trunk if you aren’t transporting it in a truck. Instead, you can put it on the back seat floor and open a window in case there is a leak.
Some grills, like the Big Green Egg are very easy to set up. Even with these, you’ll want to make sure you set your grill station up away from cars and other potentially flammable areas.
Another step to be mindful of is to open your grill before lighting it. During a leak, propane builds up under the hood of a grill and could become combustible if it’s not released. Make sure you don’t allow smoke near the grill to avoid unintended combustion.
Prior to going into the stadium, make sure the space you occupied is left clean. Throw away all garbage including plates, napkins, cups, and other trash that could potentially catch fire. Also allow time for your grill to cool off before leaving the tailgate. You can speed up the cool down time by leaving the grill’s hood in the upright position.
In the event of an emergency during game day, dial 911 or connect with the stadium’s security for assistance.
If you have grilling concerns or need help leading up to game day, contact Keystone Propane. It’s our responsibility to provide you with quality propane for both commercial and residential areas, and to make sure you’re able to use them safely.
We all love savings – whether it’s store specials or coupons, or insurance discounts – we all love to save money.
This extends to home savings as well. Did you know you could cut back expenses on your propane bill? All you have to do is know the right time of year to purchase propane.
Most people wait until the colder months to consider buying propane, which is normally too late in the year. Winter is typically when prices are higher due to the increased demand. It’s not unusual for prices to fluctuate, even during the summer months when people are purchasing propane for outdoor activities. The greater the demand, the more prices increase.
This means that early fall is actually the best time to purchase propane. Temperatures during this time of year are usually just right and stable, which means the likelihood of a cold snap isn’t as great. That means prices don’t tend to fluctuate during this time due to increased demand. Scheduling your propane delivery during early fall also means you’ll be prepared for when colder weather does come around again.
Early fall isn’t the only time of year you should consider buying more propane. Summer also makes for an ideal time to restock on propane or schedule your next delivery. This is because the demand for propane is still low compared to winter or early spring. With all the summer activities going on such as camping, grilling, and hosting outdoor parties, you may also be using more propane now than you realize.
If you enjoy outdoor living you’re probably using propane to warm up your patio or heat your pool on cooler summer nights, enjoy your fire pit, or grill for the family. These activities can extend into the cooler months of the year as well, so make sure you don’t run out of propane before the cold weather comes back around.
If you want to learn more about the best times of year to purchase propane or if you’re ready to re-stock, feel free to give us a call at (800) 598-5047. Remember you can schedule your next propane delivery any time from our easy-to-use mobile app, or try our online Customer Portal.
Summertime has always been one of the best seasons to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you do so at home or out and about. However, because of the pandemic and subsequent shifts in everyday life, many people have taken a great interest in staycations. To create the ideal setting for relaxing at home, many residents are looking into updating their homes’ outdoor living spaces.
You’re probably wondering how propane fits into all of this. The answer is pretty simple – it fits into just about every part of creating a comfortable and functional outdoor living area. From cooking out to heating the patio on cooler nights, or even heating the pool, propane can be used to fuel your summer at home in several ways.
If you’re considering elevating your outdoor living space this season, here are some propane products you’ll want to add to your plans.
The patio is usually the main gathering area and focal point of a backyard. It’s where everyone in your household comes together to enjoy weekends, entertain visitors, or just simply unwind at the end of a long day.
Even though your patio may have been hot all during the day, summer nights have a tendency to get cool. The most effective way to warm things up is to use a propane patio heater. These powerful heaters can warm up your outdoor area pretty quickly. It’s also the safest and most cost-efficient choice, so you can heat your patio without worrying about electricity costs or traditional fires that need constant attention.
Another great option is to use an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. These provide a clean, smokeless burn so you won’t have to worry about smelling like wood or having irritated eyes by the end of the night. They’re also virtually maintenance-free since there is no need to feed the fire. And last but not least, they’re a safe option for children to be around.
Gas grills are the top choice for cooking outdoors. The easy clean-up, fast cook times, temperature control, and safety features make this item ideal to add to your summer kitchen.
But it doesn’t stop there. You can also add in a propane-powered pizza oven! If you count yourself among the pizza lovers throughout the area (basically everyone in NEPA), you should consider purchasing a Big Green Egg. With great accessories like the pizza peel and deep dish baking stone, it makes for the perfect outdoor pizzeria set-up.
If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor living area this summer, be sure to look further into the propane appliances mentioned above. They will elevate your home and create the perfect atmosphere for a staycation.
Your Keystone Propane family is here to help as well. Stop by our showroom to see what we have available or contact us for more information.
We’ve braved the colder temperatures and now spring is in full effect. Even if you did manage to use your grill a few times throughout winter, it’s still a good idea to clean your grill and do some safety checks to ensure you’re ready for spring and summer grilling. Let’s jump into some tips on how to prepare your grill:
The first step is to gather all the cleaning supplies you will need in advance. This typically includes a bucket of soap and warm water, sponges, paper towels, or something else for wiping away messes, and a grill scrub brush. You’ll also want to make sure that you have tools nearby to take apart your grill for easy cleaning.
Next, you will need to take the grates off of your grill and clean them using your bucket of soap and water. There’s no need to do this frequently, but we recommend doing this at the beginning of the grilling season for a good clean start. If it’s been at least a year since you last scrubbed them, then you may need to let them soak. This step is important because cleaning them properly will help keep food from sticking later when the grill is in use.
A good way to minimize scrubbing is to spray the grates with equal parts of vinegar and water, then wait for about an hour. You’ll be able to easily scrub away all the grease and gunk afterward.
For this step, you’ll need to dismantle as much of your grill as possible so that you can clean the inside and outside using soap, warm water, and a strong bristled brush. Using a citrus-based degreaser for the tougher areas to clean may help as well.
You should also take this time to inspect the burners on the grill for any holes. If you see any, they should be replaced immediately. Also, take a look at the tubes to make sure that no spiders or other insects made their way into them during the colder months. Additionally, check around the grill’s air vents to remove debris, ensure free airflow, and eliminate potential fire hazards.
The last thing you’ll need to do is make sure your propane tank is full before you start grilling. It’s best practice to keep an extra tank on hand.
If you did all of these tips and realized it might be time for a new grill altogether, Keystone Propane can help with that as well. Take a look at our selection of propane gas grills and let us know if you have any questions!
Propane is a great and safe source of energy and heating for your home. Now that we are in the spring season, we know it’s time to start using your outdoor living area for different activities such as grilling and get-togethers with friends and family. With some cooler days and nights still occurring, you may be wondering what the best way is to heat your patio or outdoor living area. Maybe you’re torn between using a traditional wood fire pit or trying out a propane gas fire pit. Keystone Propane can help you decide which is the right fit for you.
Before We Dive Into The Pros and Cons of Propane Vs. Wood…
Remember to check with your municipality’s open burning regulations prior to getting any type of outdoor fire pit or fireplace. You want to make sure it’s legal to have one first.
The first thought that comes to mind when thinking of a fire pit is probably a wood-burning one, with a roaring fire contained in a stone or metal ring. You can probably picture gathering around it to spend quality time with friends and loved ones.
However, similar to how wood-burning fireplaces have some imperfections, so do wood fire pits. Here’s a few of them:
Ready to Try a Propane Fire Pit?
If you’re sure you want to add an outdoor fire pit or fireplace to your home this season, take a look at what Keystone Propane has to offer. Contact us today or visit our showroom to find the right fire pit for your needs. We look forward to helping you enjoy the great outdoors!
There’s no doubt that propane is a safe energy source for your home. However, using it responsibly should be kept at top of mind to safely heat and power your home. At Keystone Propane, we prioritize propane safety to keep you and your family safe. So as we near the end of the winter season and approach warmer spring weather, you’ll more than likely be using your propane in a few extra ways for activities such as grilling and patio heating on those cooler spring days. Here are a few propane safety tips to put into practice to keep your home safe for the upcoming season, both inside and out.
First, let’s talk about storage. You should never place propane cylinders inside or in any enclosed area. These include areas such as sheds, basements, and garages. Due to potential leaks, always store them upright and outdoors in a place that they won’t get knocked over.
Always have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors installed on each level of your home when using propane. Be sure to have them in your bedrooms in particular. There are times when carbon monoxide leaks occur with no clear warning, such as a distinct smell. For example, propane gas leaks can smell like rotten eggs, which normally serves as a clear indicator of a leak happening.
It’s also beneficial to install propane gas detectors in areas where propane is in use. These can be purchased from your local hardware store.
Educate everyone in your household on how to turn off the electricity, propane, and water supplies, in case of an emergency. Also make sure you work with your loved ones to create an emergency plan of action that is thorough, but easy enough to remember. This will come in handy for situations such as leaks, bad weather, and more.
Since we’re not quite done with winter yet, having a back-up plan in place (that includes a back-up propane supply) helps greatly. Propane is used for powering generators, cooking equipment, heaters, and a lot more. So make sure you plan ahead and have at least a week’s worth of propane stocked up, in case traveling to one of our locations for refills or extra isn’t an option due to weather conditions.
At Keystone Propane, we take pride in educating our customers on the benefits of propane, and using it safely. By providing exceptional service, including 24-hour emergency services, and top-quality products, we have remained an industry leader. For more information on safety, or our products & services, give us a call today!