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:

 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

How to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space with Propane Products

If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it taught us how to enjoy the great outdoors. According to recent news articles, with stay-at-home and shelter in place orders, many residents took a good look at their outdoor living space and began to imagine ways to improve the space. And even with the pandemic nearing the end (finally!), many homeowners are looking to spend more time outside with their loved ones.

So, where does propane come into the equation? You would be surprised! From backyard barbecues to warming up chilly nights, to even heating your swimming pool, propane can be used to power your outdoor living area in various ways.

If you’re thinking of improving your outdoor living space this summer, here are a few propane products you may want to consider in your design plans.

Propane Patio Heaters

The patio is the focal point of many backyards. It’s a gathering place where you can enjoy the weekend with your family, entertain your guests, or just decompress after a long day at work. But summer nights tend to get rather cool, especially if you’ve been out in the sun all day.

The best way to get the chill out of the air is with a propane patio heater. These heaters can throw off a lot of heat, warming up your patio pretty quickly. And since a patio heater uses propane, a cheaper alternative to gas or electricity, you can heat your patio space without worrying about your wallet.

Propane Pool/Spa Heaters

Sure, everyone wants the pool to be cool when jumping in on a hot, summer day. But pool temperatures can be temperamental, and that chilly pool water can easily become uncomfortable after a bit. But if you heat it with a propane pool heater, the temperature can be more reliable and in your control. So even on a cold summer day, it can stay a nice 70 degrees.

And as the temperature begins to cool, you can easily change over to your hot tub, complete with a propane heating system. These systems are smaller than the electric ones and can heat the water much more quickly.

Outdoor Fireplace and Fire Pits

If you want to get the party started this summer, you may want to consider adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit in your home.

Propane fireplaces or fire pits offer a clean and smokeless burn, so you won’t smell of charred wood by the end of the night. And with a continuous fuel source for your fire, you never have to worry about feeding the fire or cleaning out the debris before lighting a new fire. And best of all, they’re safer for kids. All you need to do is turn off the flame before anyone is harmed.

Outdoor Kitchens

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, propane grills are your choice for cooking outdoors. With easy cleanup, quick-cooking times, temperature control, and safety features, a propane grill is the item you should add to your outdoor kitchen this summer.

But that’s not the only propane appliance you should add to an outdoor kitchen. If you love pizza (and who in NEPA doesn’t love pizza?) consider adding a propane pizza oven. In fact, you may want to consider purchasing a Big Green Egg. With popular accessories such as a deep dish baking stone, pizza peel, and cast iron cooking grid, it’s the perfect cooker to add to your outdoor kitchen.

Considering Propane Products for Your Outdoor Living Area?

If you’re thinking about expanding your outdoor living area this summer, don’t forget the propane appliances! It will turn your backyard into the oasis you’re craving.

Keystone Propane can help. From tanks and equipment maintenance to emergency service and automatic delivery, we’re here to make your summer great! Stop by our showroom to see what we have in store or contact us for more information.

Spring Cleaning? Don’t Neglect Your Propane Appliances!

The chill is out of the air and the trees are in full bloom. Spring has sprung here in Northeastern Pennsylvania and as we begin to inch closer to the summertime, now is a good time to give your home a deep clean.

If you’re ready to clean out the cobwebs and get a fresh start, you don’t want to neglect cleaning your propane appliances. But how do you go about it? Don’t worry, here are a few tips on keeping your propane appliances in proper working condition.

Propane Gas Grills: Clean Before You Grill

As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, you should give your grill a thorough cleaning before firing it up this season. Unless you’ve been doing some winter grilling, your grill has been sitting dormant for six months or more. So a good scrub is in order!

Remember to not only clean the grill but the burners and gas lines as well. Use soapy water and a clean wire brush to get rid of any tough grease stains. Don’t forget to towel dry your burners before use!

Propane Tanks: Clear Away the Debris

With a snowy winter and a stormy spring, chances are your propane tank may be surrounded by down branches, dry grass, and other debris. You want to remove any flammable debris that is within 10 feet from your tanks. This will not only ensure safe delivery of any propane gas but also for safety precautions. Since propane is flammable, surrounding debris could easily cause a flare up in your background.

Remember not to store your propane cylinders or tanks inside your home. Instead, you want to store them in a cool, outside area to avoid any possible explosions. Also, remember to schedule an annual inspection of your propane system to make sure everything is in working order.

Propane Water Heaters: Wash Away the Grit

Propane water heaters can heat your water quicker while producing less of a carbon footprint and use less energy than an electric water heater. But just like all other propane appliances, it’s good to keep your water heater in top condition to keep it working properly for years to come.

The best thing to do to this time of year is to flush out your water heater to remove any sediment buildup that may have formed over the winter months. Sediment can form from the minerals in your water supply. The sediment can harden into grit, causing it to build up in your heater and decreasing its effectiveness.

Propane Fireplaces: Keep it Clean

After months of use, you’re ready to shut off your propane fireplace until the winter. But before you do, take the time to clean it. Even though propane burns cleaner than a wood-burning fireplace, it’s still important to clean around the pilot on a regular basis to avoid any buildup.

And don’t forget to clean your chimney! Gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually to prevent any issues down the road.

Propane Furnaces: Change the Filter

Like your fireplace, chances are you won’t be using your propane furnace until next winter. Now is the perfect time to have it inspected to make sure there are no issues with the furnace. By scheduling an inspection now, you can prevent any problems down the road such as links or any blockages. And don’t forget to change the filer regularly!

Keystone Propane is Here to Meet Your Propane Needs

The most important cleaning tip we can recommend is to schedule an annual inspection by the experts at Keystone Propane. We’ll make sure your propane system is running properly for years to come. Contact us today for more information.

Heat Up Your Spring With a Propane Fire Pit

Warmer weather brings with it thoughts of summer barbecues, backyard parties, and relaxing days in the sunshine. With the world starting to slowly go back to normal, chances are you are planning to spend more time outdoors with friends and family in the next few months.

You want to bring some real heat to your outdoor living space? It’s easy; all you have to do is add a propane gas fire pit.

The Need to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space

Since Covid-19 hit, many Americans are rethinking their home space. More specifically, their outdoor space. According to Forbes, outdoor living spaces have grown in popularity for the past few years. And with the pandemic’s stay in place orders, more homeowners have become increasingly aware of their outdoor space.

Now, more than ever the need for patios, gazebos, and decks is on the rise. And so is the need for amenities to stock those areas, like outdoor kitchens, inground swimming pools, and yes, outdoor fire features such as fireplaces and fire pits.

Keep in mind, before getting any type of outdoor fire pit or fireplace, check with your municipality’s open burning regulations to make sure if it’s legal to have one.

Wood vs. Propane Fire Pits: Who Wins?

When you think of a fire pit, you may think of a wood-burning fire roaring in a metal or stone ring. It’s a great gathering spot to drink a few cold ones with your friends or roast marshmallows with the family!

But, much like wood-burning fireplaces, wood fire pits do have some drawbacks:

  • Lighting problems: Wood fire pits can be difficult or take too long to light, especially on a windy spring night. However, a propane gas fire pit takes only a push of a button to light up the night!
  • Keeping the fire alive: Not only can it be hard to light but it can be hard to stay light. With wood fire pits, you need to continuously feed the flames with wood to keep the fire going. But, as long as you have gas, you have a fire in your propane gas fire pit!
  • Smoky situation: We get it, wood fire pits do smell nice. But with fire comes smoke and that smoke will get in your eyes every time. You’ll end the night with red eyes and smelly clothing! But with the propane fire pit, there’s no smoke to worry about!
  • Safety first: It’s true — gas fire pits are usually much safer than a wood-burning fire pit. Unlike a wood fire, which emits smarks that can easily catch anything outside the pit on fire, gas fire pits don’t emit sparks so no danger is present! And with a click of a button, the fire can die away in case any kids try to stick their hands in the flames.

Convinced? Keystone Propane Has the Fire Pit for You!

If your thinking of adding an outdoor fire pit or fireplace to your home this spring or summer, then check out what Keystone Propane has to offer. Contact us today or visit our showroom to find the right outdoor fire pit for you. And get out and enjoy the great outdoors!

Propane or Charcoal Grill: What’s the Best One For You?

Spring is just around the corner and that means the weather will soon be turning warmer. Soon enough, you’ll be grabbing your favorite pair of tongs and fire up the grill (that is if you haven’t already). But if your grill has seen better days, maybe it’s time for an upgrade! But which should choose: the reliable propane grill or the old-school charcoal grill?

With so many grill options to choose from, you may not know which grill is best for you. But don’t worry, we got your grill needs covered. Read on!

 

The Ultimate Decision: Propane or Charcoal Grill?

Propane or charcoal grill? This question has divided barbeque masters since the invention of the grill. Many prefer the smoky flavor that comes with a charcoal grill. Meanwhile, others are more interested in the efficiency that comes with propane. But if you’re not partial to either grilling method, how can you decide?

Before you can answer this question properly, you need to know what makes each grill distinct.

 

The Wonder of Propane Grills

Propane grills are known for their performance and their simplicity. With just a simple turn of the dial and a press of a button, it’s flame on! No need for a chimney starter to get your fire started. A propane grill also gives you more control of the temperature of your heat, allowing you to cook something slow and steady without having to worry about moving around hot coals to get the optimal cooking temperature.

Maybe you think the charcoal grill is more environmentally friendly than a propane grill but that is far from the truth! According to a study in the Environmental Impact Assessment Review, charcoal has a much larger carbon footprint than that of clean-burning propane gas.

And although we all love the smokiness of grilled food, it can sometimes be overpowering to the taste of more delicate foods like fruits and veggies. But, if you are looking to capture that smoky flavor with your propane grill, you will need to purchase a smoke box.

 

The Benefits of Charcoal Grills

Although a charcoal grill is a cheaper option compared to a propane grill, that doesn’t make them any less inferior! In fact, a charcoal grill can reach higher temperatures than propane, up to 600 degrees. Because they can reach those high temps, this will make your food taste even better. That’s because the juices from your food will drop down on the hot coals, creating a flavorful smoke that will go right back into your food. Yum!

However, there are some cons to the charcoal grill. Because it reaches hot temperatures, it can take quite some time to heat up the grill. On average, it can take up to 20 minutes to get the charcoal up to the proper cooking temperature (not including the time it takes to light the charcoal). Cleanup can be a time-consuming process as well — not only do you need to scrub the grates, but you’ll have to remove the ashes beforehand.

 

Still Undecided? Keystone Propane Has You Covered!

If you’re still undecided about going with either a propane or charcoal grill this summer, Keystone Propane has exactly what you need. From our line of top propane gas grills to one of the most versatile charcoal cookers on the market today, we can steer you in the right direction. So don’t wait for the warm weather — stop by our showroom to pick up your new grill today!

The Benefits of a Propane Fireplace

Brrr! It’s been a harsh winter so far here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Each week is bringing snowfall, icy conditions, and frozen temperatures. Good thing we can all huddle around our propane fireplaces to stay warm!

What’s that? Don’t have a propane fireplace? It’s never too late!

There are so many benefits of a propane fireplace. Not only does it keep you warm on those frosty days, but is more efficient and safer than a wood-burning one.

But what makes a propane fireplace better than a typical fireplace? We’re glad you asked.

No Muss, No Fuss

We all know that a fireplace can take a lot of work. If your wood is wet or not seasoned properly, it’s going to take some time to get your fire to light and catch on. Then there’s the ash and soot that needs to be cleaned out before you start another fire. Not to mention the mess wood logs can leave behind!

Propane fireplaces easily light every time with just a touch of a button. There’s no wood to worry about so there won’t be any ash or soot that needs cleaning. Just a clean-burning fireplace that will be the centerpiece of your home.

It’s Safer Than a Wood Fireplace

In a gas fireplace, you don’t have to worry about any stray embers hitting your carpet or smoke filling up the room. This makes wood fireplaces unsafe to leave unattended, even when it looks like it’s completely out.

With propane gas fireplaces, there are no embers and no smoke to worry about. And just like lighting the fire, that push of a button means the fire is officially out.

It’s More Efficient

A wood fire definitely sets a mood. But what it doesn’t do is warm you up! According to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, wood fireplaces are an extremely inefficient way to heat your home since the drafts can pull the warmer air up the chimney, making the room colder.

The same can’t be said for propane gas fireplace inserts. According to HGTV, a one-pipe vent fireplace can provide a 50% efficiency rating whereas a two-pipe vent model has a 70% efficiency rating.

Propane Gas Fireplaces are Cheaper

When comparing the cost of a gas fireplace with a wood fireplace, it’s clear to see that propane gas fireplaces are a much cheaper option. With a wood fireplace, you have to purchase a cord of wood every winter, plus cleaning costs to keep it properly maintained.

With propane, after purchasing the inserts, all you have to worry about is keeping your propane tanks filled. That’s all!

Make the Switch to a Propane Gas Fireplace Today!

If you’re tired of struggling with a wood fireplace, now is the time to make the switch! With our large selection of propane gas fireplace and inserts, you’ll find the right fireplace that matches your style. To see what we have in store for you, visit our showroom, give us a call, or take a look at our products today!

Yes, Winter Grilling is Possible with Your Propane Grill

Grills work just as well in the cold as they do in the summer. But there are some differences in winter grilling you should be aware of.

Read more