Blog Archives - Page 5 of 14 - Keystone Propane

Tailgating Safety for 2022

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

Prepare Beforehand

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.

Transporting Your Propane Grill

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.

Propane Grill Set-Up

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.

Remember to Clean-Up

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.

Emergency Tailgating Safety Tips

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.

This is the Best Time of the Year to Purchase Propane

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.

Early Fall is the Ideal Time

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.

Summer is a Great Time To Schedule Propane Deliveries

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.

Ready to Restock?

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.

Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space with Propane Products

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.

Heating the Patio with Propane

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.

Outdoor Cooking

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.

Ready to Add Propane Products to Your Outdoor Living Area?

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.

Getting Ready For Spring Grilling

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:

Gather Cleaning Supplies

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.

Cleaning and Scrubbing

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.

Grill Inspection

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.

Refill Your Grill’s Propane Tank

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!

Using Propane For Patio Heating

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.

Propane Vs. Wood Fire Pits: Which Is Better?

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:

Poor Lighting: Imagine trying to light a fire on a mildly windy night. This is a challenge with wood fire pits. They can either be difficult or take too long to light, causing an annoyance for everyone. If you use a propane gas fire pit, you can enjoy a warm and well lit night at the push of a button.
Keeping the fire (and party) going: Aside from being a challenge to light, it can also be difficult to keep a fire going consistently. Using wood requires you to continuously feed the flames to keep the fire going. However with propane, as long as you have gas, you will have a fire constantly going in your fire pit with minimal maintenance, if any at all.
Smoke Hazards: We know that one of the most appealing aspects of a wood burning fire pit is the smell of the wood. However with that smell comes smoke – which could cause eye irritation and other issues. No one wants to end up dealing with red or irritated eyes and smelly clothing all night. Using propane eliminates all of this.
Safety and Peace of Mind: It’s no secret that gas fire pits are usually more safe than wood-burning ones. Wood fire pits can emit sparks or embers that could pose a big threat. Meanwhile, gas fire pits don’t do that. Gas fire pits are also easier to extinguish. With a click of a button, the fire can die away just as easily and quickly as it started.

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!

Transitioning From Winter to Spring Propane Use

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.

Properly Store Propane

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.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors Throughout Your Home

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.

Emergency Utility Shut-Off

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.

Plan Ahead

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!

2023 Winter Home Safety

During the heart of winter, navigating daily life becomes challenging. Simple things such as getting off the driveway to go to work, or the way we plan our days becomes chaotic. Even heating our homes can seem like a lot of extra work during these times.

Keystone Propane wants to help simplify some of these things, so we put together this list of tips to help keep day-to-day tasks on track. Here’s how to keep an eye on propane levels for heating your home and more:

Be mindful of your propane levels. You’re probably running your heater more than normal or cooking a lot more often during these cozy days. Try your best to check your tanks regularly. This reduces the risk of running low on fuel and lessens the number of emergency propane deliveries you may require throughout the season.
Try to spend a little time throughout the day keeping your driveway clear of snow during inclement weather. This makes it easier to get in and out for work or emergencies.
If there is any part of your property where snow is heavy, make sure you sprinkle salt and/or cinders. Do this for driveways, sidewalks, stairs/steps, landings, and anywhere else you feel someone may walk. This will keep your neighbors, family, and delivery people safe.

Keeping these helpful tips in mind will make it easier to get extra propane delivered if needed, as well as ensure the safety of you, your family, and your neighbors. If you have any questions about winter propane deliveries or keeping your home warm and safe this season, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Tips to Lower Your Home’s Utility Costs in 2022

Now that we’re entering a new year, some of us are probably thinking about how to make home life more comfortable, efficient and less costly – especially as some of us continue to work remotely. You may have seen your utility bills start to increase in price over the last year, between preparing more meals at home and using more water. On top of that, computers, lights, and tv’s are getting more daily use than normal. There are several ways you can cut back on expenses in 2022 though, while continuing to work remotely or just spending more time around the house in general. Here are five tips from Keystone Propane:

When electronic items such as phones, tablets, or laptops are fully charged, unplug them from the wall. Chargers typically continue to use energy even when they aren’t connected or charging any devices.
Making more home cooked meals? Propane-fuelled stovetops and ovens provide complete heat control, making cooking faster and more precise. Because of faster heat-up times, a gas stove can save an average of 10% – 30%, over an electric stove. Propane gas stoves will make it possible to continue cooking in the event of an emergency power outing.
Put your devices to sleep! If you don’t want to completely power down your laptop or device, using your computer’s sleep mode or power management features can ultimately save you up to $50 a year.
Whether it feels like it or not, your water consumption is increasing while working from home. Plus with added precautions being taken in washing hands more often, the hot water is running more often. Did you know a propane water heater lasts about 10 years longer than electric water heating pumps? Propane water heaters can save you a significant amount of money on your monthly bills. You won’t have to worry about maintaining or replacing your tank for several years.
Make sure windows and doors are closed when running your heating or cooling system. Don’t waste your valuable energy (or money) by literally throwing it away! If the weather is nice outside and the temperature feels good, turn off your heating or cooling system for the day.

Regardless of your reason for spending more time at home this new year, switching to propane in your home saves you money! Propane is also eco-friendly and non-toxic. Since propane is a light and simple hydrocarbon, it is easily one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels. This means it doesn’t harm soil, water, or endanger the environment. If you have questions about switching to propane or are ready to make the switch, contact Keystone Propane today!

2022 New Year’s Outdoor Party Planning

2022 is right around the corner. How are you going to bring in the new year? If you’re torn between staying in or going out, why not do both? Hosting an outdoor New Year’s Eve party is a great way to get together with family and friends to celebrate goals, accomplishments, new beginnings, and everything in between. As you plan your outdoor get-together, here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure everyone is warm and having a great time:

2022 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Transform your outdoor living area. If your home has a pool, why not use it as the visual centerpiece of your party? Now that we’re in the colder part of the year, you may think that your pool can’t be used. However, by adding a few lights and a balloon arrangement, you can put it to work visually. A cost-efficient way to accomplish this is to put a glow stick in each balloon. Then add in a small amount of water, and inflate the balloons to your preferred size. Getting balloons that spell out Happy New Year or 2022 is a great touch as well.
Make sure you have enough seating. Keeping your guests comfortable is key to successfully hosting a party. One of the main components of this is providing comfortable seating. Set-up your patio furniture to mimic the comfort of your indoor living room. This will help facilitate conversation. Remember to power up your fire pit or outdoor fireplace to keep the good times going.
Keep your guests warm. Whether your backyard is large or small, strategically placing several fire features around it has several benefits:
- It ensures that your guests remain warm no matter where they sit or stand.
- It keeps areas well lit, making sure that all or most of your backyard can be utilized.
- It adds another opportunity to create a beautiful visual centerpiece or conversation starter.

Once you add in refreshments, games, and music, you’re all set. Just remember – comfort is key when planning your get-together. So make sure you’re set to provide a warm atmosphere for your guests by getting set up for propane auto refills or having your equipment checked.

CONTACT KEYSTONE PROPANE TODAY

If you’re looking to make sure your home is party-ready using propane, Keystone Propane is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a check-up, service appointment, or for additional information about our propane services and products.

When is the Best Time of the Year to Purchase Propane for Your Home?

We all like to save a few dollars here or there, right? From grocery store coupons to holiday sales and even discounts for your auto insurance, it’s all something we can agree on — saving money is a good thing.

So if you could save a few dollars on your propane bill, you would definitely jump at the chance, right?

Well, there is a way, if you know when is the best time to buy propane for your home. And Keystone Propane is here to share that knowledge with you.

Early Fall is the Perfect Time to Buy Propane

Unfortunately, when it comes to buying propane, many don’t think about it until the temperatures begin to turn colder. And that’s a mistake. As you can imagine, the winter months are usually the time when prices are higher than they are right now. In fact, prices are always fluctuating, even in the summer months where people are buying propane for grilling or camping. And the higher the demand, the higher the prices go.

But early fall is the perfect time to buy propane. The temperature during this time of year is pretty stable so you know the likelihood of a sudden cold snap won’t happen as it does in the wintertime. And without that demand, the cost of propane should be quite low.

Also, by scheduling your delivery in the early fall, you know that you’re ready for when the cold weather does hit. While your neighbors are scrambling to set up propane deliveries, you and your loved one will be enjoying the warmth of your gas fireplace without worrying about your propane running out.

Summer Months are Also a Great Time to Schedule a Delivery

But early fall is not the only time you should be thinking about buying propane. Summertime is also a great time to schedule your next propane delivery. Not only is the demand for propane still somewhat low compared to the winter and early spring months, but you may also be using more propane now than you thought.

As we’ve mentioned before, if you’re a fan of outdoor living, then chances are you’re using your propane to heat your pool, keep your patio warm, start a fire, or even grill up some dogs. So make sure you don’t run on empty before the cold weather settles in!

Still Worried About Prices? Try Our Pre-Buy Program!

From August 1 through September 30, Keystone Propane offers a propane pre-buy program that allows you to purchase a minimum of 500 gallons of propane to use from October 1 through May. This allows you to lock in the current price to pay for these gallons. It’s a great way to save money, so make sure you sign up through the Customer Portal or our mobile app.

We also have a budget program available. With the program, we review three years of your propane delivery history. Using that information, we create a budget-friendly plan. A letter will be sent to you with a determination on your monthly budget payments for the year. The budget program starts each June and runs until the following May.

If you want to learn more about our programs or are interested in scheduling a propane delivery, now is the time to pick up the phone and give us a call at (800) 598-5047. And don’t forget, you can always schedule your next propane delivery from our easy-to-use mobile app or our online Customer Portal.