4 Reasons To Choose Propane-Powered Temporary Heating
If you need temporary heating for your construction site, propane heaters are the best solution. We’ve broken down four reasons propane-powered temp heat is better than the rest.
Free Tank Monitoring
At Keystone Propane, we strive to make our customers’ experience as worry-free as possible. One way we do this is by our app and online customer portal. This allows our customers to view their account information, pay their bill, schedule deliveries, schedule service, and much more.
How to Reduce Propane Gas Consumption During the Winter
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.
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!
Lower Home Expenses While Working Remote
Now that some of us have been been working from home for a few months, it’s likely you’ve seen your water or energy bills start to creep up in price. You’re now cooking lunches at home, using more water for coffee, cooking, washing hands, etc. Additionally, you’re computer, lights, and tv’s are getting more use than normal. There are several ways you can cut back on expenses while working remotely. Here are five tips from Keystone Propane:
- When your phone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged, unplug it from the wall. Most chargers will continue to use energy even when they aren’t connected or charging your devices.
- Cooking more at home? Propane-fuelled cooktops and ovens offer instant and complete heat control. This makes cooking faster and more precise compared to other conventional cooking appliances. Due to quicker heat-up times, a gas stove can save you 10% to 30% to operate over an electric stove. Propane gas stoves will also allow you to cook in the event of an emergency power outing.
- Use sleep mode on your devices! Using your computer’s sleep mode or power management features can ultimately save you up to $50 a year. Even more, if you will not be using your computer or device for more than two hours, energy.gov suggests turning it off completely.
- You’re using more water. Whether it seems like it or not, your water consumption is rising while working remotely. Plus with the added precautions being taken in washing hands more often, the hot water will be running more often. Did you know a propane water heater can save you a significant amount of money on your bills each month? The average propane heater lasts about a decade longer than your electric water heating pumps as well. You won’t have to worry about maintaining and replacing your tank for many years!
- When your heating or cooling system is running, close the windows. Don’t waste your money or energy by literally throwing it out the window! If the temperature is nice outside, turn off your heating or cooling and open windows to save even more money!
Switching to propane in your home can save you money whether you’re currently working from home or not! While saving money, propane is also eco-friendly. Since propane is a light and simple hydrocarbon, it is easily one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels. Additionally, propane is non-toxic. This means it will not harm soil or water or endanger the environment. If you have questions about switching to propane for your home contact Keystone Propane today!
Save Money at Home In The New Year
It’s a new year, a new decade, a fresh start. Most of us are starting to put together our resolutions and goals into action for the new year. A popular one among most people is cutting back on expenses in their home. Here are 5 suggestions on how you can cut back the monthly bills this year.
5 Ways to Save Money at Home In The New Year
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Did you know that turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees while you’re at work or away can save you as much as 10% a year on cooling and heating for your home! If a programmable thermostat is not available or in the budget, start making it part of your morning routine to turn back the thermostat. When you get home you can feel out the temperature and adjust it back to what is most comfortable. With the programmable thermostat, you can set the temp to change about 30 min before you arrive home so you’re welcomed with a comfortable temperature.
Turn off the Lights
It’s easy to leave lights on when moving about your home. Start getting in the habit of turning lights out when leaving each room. Leaving a lamp on all day every day will add up over time. Also, try to get in the routine of checking all lights are off before leaving your home. A quick sweep of the house will end up saving you money in the long run!
Switch to Propane Gas
Heating a home in the U.S. with propane has cost far less than heating with electricity according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Propane water heaters can cost one-third less to use and recover water twice as quickly as electric water heaters over time. Also, on average, propane furnaces normally last 5-10 years longer than electric heating pumps.
A propane gas furnace normally heats air to about 130°F – 140°F and runs in short intervals to minimize utility costs. Electric heating units produce heat below body temperature or 98.6°F. This is why the air coming from the heating vent actually feels cool to the human touch if you place your hand in front of it.
Check Home Insulation
When is the last time you have checked the insulation in your home? You know, all that fun fluffy stuff in your walls? Save up to 15% of your annual utility bills by making sure your home is air sealed tight and insulated! A home that isn’t insulated well is essentially heating the neighborhood and their home, as heating and cooling will find ways to escape in the outdoors. Also, cooling or heating units in your home may be working harder to service your home when the air is escaping.
Unplug Unused Devices
Who else leaves countless electrical devices plugged in at all times, but rarely use them? Personally, we are guilty of this one. Most electronic devices constantly draw a small amount of electricity which can add up over time if you take into consideration how many appliances you leave plugged in at all times! To minimize power usage, be sure to unplug cords or power strips you don’t use regularly!
Contact Keystone Propane today for more information on how we can help you save money in the new year and beyond! Our team of experts will help you find the perfect cost-saving propane solutions for your home or business. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and warm new year!
7 DIY Home Insulation Ideas
As the winter season approaches, it’s time to protect your home from the harsh, cold elements. Insulating the home is something many homeowners struggle with, but it doesn’t need to be difficult. Follow these simple DIY ideas to keep your home insulated during the winter season.
1. Inspect the Home
Many homes (especially older ones) have spots where air leaks. Open spaces are prone to allow unwanted air to enter the home. Find some time to walk throughout the home and look for drafty areas. Common drafty areas can include the attic, basement, and crawlspace.
2. Maintain Your HVAC System
The health of your HVAC system is essential for keeping warm air from escaping the home. Check your air filters and clean them regularly. This will help to control the air flow in the home, and it will improve the air quality.
3. Seal Drafty Doorways
Place foam weather-stripping on the bottom and sides of your doors. If the gap underneath the door is especially large, put a double draft stopper to close the gap. You can buy these double draft stoppers from a hardware store near you, or you can create a homemade stopper using fabric, kitty litter, or even a pair of old jeans that you no longer wear.
4. Seal Drafty Windows
Add an extra layer of insulation to your windows with the help of plastic sheeting. This is a cheap DIY option that can stop outside air in its tracks. You only need plastic sheeting, double-sided tape, and a hairdryer. Apply the sheeting to the window sill with the tape, and apply hot air using the hairdryer. This is an easy way to ensure that your windows are insulated.
5. Seal Vents and Ducts
A great deal of air is lost through the vent and duct system due to poorly sealed openings and connections. Your duct system is often overlooked, and it can be hard to spot the leaks. To seal your ductwork, purchase some HVAC tape from a hardware store. HVAC tape is strong and doesn’t dry out (unlike duct tape). Apply the tape to any leaky opening on your ductwork.
6. Install Thick Curtains
If you have drafty windows, a set of thick curtains can really help to keep warm air in and cold air out. While they don’t serve a purpose in the summer months, thick curtains can make a difference in the winter seasons.
7. Swap Out the Screen Door
In the winter, we tend to forget about the screen door, as we have the main door to shield the home from the outside air. But even with the main door, outside air can still sneak inside the home. To stop this from happening, swap out that screen door for a solid pane of glass. This is an incredibly simple way to keep your home insulated during the winter months.
For more helpful tips on home insulation or to order your propane delivery, contact Keystone Propane today!
Prevent Your Heating Bill From Haunting You: Energy Efficiency Tricks and Treats
For many people, there’s nothing spookier than receiving a steep energy bill. To help keep your energy bill in-check this Halloween season, we have compiled a series of useful, actionable energy efficiency tricks you can easily implement.
Energy Efficiency Tricks and Treats
Protect Your Airflow
Those air leaks in your windows and doors allow unwanted, cold air to creep into the home. This air disrupts the internal temperature of the home, causing your energy system to work harder, and for your energy bill to skyrocket. By plugging these air leaks with caulk, you won’t have cold air sneaking into your home. Bonus: you also keep scary, ghostly spirits at bay.
Turn the Lights Off
It’s difficult to keep a spooky vibe if all your indoor lights are on. Save energy by turning off the lights. If there are areas of the home that need to be illuminated, use candles. Candles also vibe perfectly with the Halloween season by creating a spooky atmosphere.
Use LED Lights
If you’re adorning your home with spooky decorations this Halloween, use LED lights. These conserve far less energy than normal lightbulbs. Regular lighting can be like an energy vampire—slowly sucking away your energy, causing your electric bill to rise.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Those electronics and appliances can be another energy vampire. Even if they aren’t being used, they still consume energy. This is called “phantom energy loads,” and it can be stopped by simply unplugging those unused devices and appliances.
Maintain the Chimney
The warmth and comfort of a fireplace can be so welcoming in the fall season, but a chimney that’s always opened will cause warm air to escape during the winter and fall seasons. When it’s not in use, close your chimney flue. Doing so will keep warm air inside, while keeping scary witches out.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are extremely useful for energy conservation. You can program it to raise or lower the temperature when you aren’t home, and you can also program it to adjust during set times.
Protect Your Home with Insulation
Your crawlspace and attic areas are practically outside your house, and they have a high amount of penetrations for water pipes, sewer lines, vent stacks, etc. These are often small penetrations, but they can make a huge difference in how you consume energy. Properly insulating these areas will help to keep warm air where it’s supposed to be—inside the home.
Seeing an expensive energy bill can be a scary sight. Instead, follow the tips in this blog post or contact Keystone Propane today to find out how to keep your energy bill manageable. Happy Halloween!
Energy Efficiency Tips for Back-To-School
School season is back, and it’s a time of the year with high energy consumption. To help you conserve energy during this time of year, we’ve compiled a series of actionable energy efficiency tips you can follow.
Easy Energy Efficiency Tips
1. Install a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats are quite useful. During the warmer months, you should put the temperature as high as you can; during the winter, program the temperature as low as you can comfortably handle. The programmable thermostat can heat and cool your home around your schedule, making it a powerful tool to help you save energy.
2. Optimize your lighting
While the kids are at school, you should be consuming less energy throughout the day. Take advantage of this by ensuring that all unused lights are turned off. It’s also a good idea to replace inefficient lightbulbs. Replace all your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs. These bulbs tend to use less energy, while also lasting longer. Optimizing your lighting surprisingly simple tip that will help you consume less power throughout the course of the year.
3. Unplug your devices
Most kids have an arsenal of gadgets and devices throughout the house, but while they’re away, it’s wise to unplug them to conserve energy. Even though the electronics will be idle, they still consume “vampire energy”, which is energy that leaks out from plugs and chargers while they are connected to a power outlet.
4. Use the fridge wisely
While you’re preparing your kid’s meals for school, you’ll be using your refrigerator while you take out certain items. The more you open and close your fridge, the more energy you consume, so it’s better to take out everything you need to use at once. While this is a small adjustment, it can help you conserve energy in the long run. Also, be sure to inspect your fridge’s seals. If the seals are broken, cold air will leak out, wasting a great deal of energy and money.
5. Use propane
Propane is a great energy source, and if used properly, can be more efficient than other energy sources. Compared to conventional gas and electric systems, propane can be much cheaper, especially when you factor in low installation and maintenance costs. Propane is extremely versatile, as it can heat your home, water, appliances (stove, dryer, etc.), and it can provide back-up power. Propane can also be purchased in bulk with affordable pre-buy contracts.
The school year is a great time to optimize how your household consumes energy. Follow the energy efficiency tips listed in this post to conserve more power and to save money throughout the school season and contact us today for more information!
