Yes, we want to sell you propane.  However, we want you to get the most out of our services to keep your winter heating bill within your budget.

Here are some helpful tips to maximizing your home’s efficiency this winter.

Turn Down Your Thermostat

Adjusting your thermostat is always the first defense against high heating bills. A sweater makes for a cheap investment. Reducing your thermostat just a few degrees can drastically reduce your annual heating cost. Depending on your heating system, you may benefit from reducing the heat at night while you sleep. However, be careful raising the temperature too quickly the next morning. Overworking the system in the morning by raising the temperature too much too quickly can undo the previous night’s savings.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks in your home’s structure equals a serious loss of heat and efficiency. Pay close attention to windows and doors.  A standard door with a 1/16th of an inch gap around its edge with no weather-stripping results in an opening the equivalent of 15 square inches.  Can you imagine a 15 inch square in the middle of your door leading to the outside?  Since you don’t see it, you might not realize the amount of heat being lost.  That’s why caulking, weatherstripping, door sweeps, and draft prevention are so important and worth the cost.  You can purchase self-adhesive foam strips to create a better seal in any openings. Try filling cracks with spray foam. With your blower and ceiling fans off, light a candle and watch the flame to detect other minor leaks you may not know about. Remember that hot air rises. Check for air leaks around light fixtures, and try add a seal with adhesive foam to your attic drop-down access.

Seal Heating Ducts

Leaks in heating ducts result in loss of heat underneath the house. Ensure that all of your heating ducts are properly secured and that seams are sealed with duct tape. If you are uncomfortable inspecting the duct work under the house, you may consider having a professional inspect them for you.

Insulate Your Windows

Upgrading your windows to energy efficient windows can drastically increase the overall insulation of your home. If you do not own your home or need a more immediate cost effective solution, you can buy plastic window insulation kits from a local hardware store.

Bathroom & Kitchen Ventilation

Ventilation fans, bathroom fans, and kitchen hood fans can drain the heated air out of a modest sized home in little more than an hour?  Over the course of the winter, this amount can add up.  Use them conservatively and minimize the heat loss.  Cutting your shower time in half can save over 25% on your hot water heating costs.  It’s tempting on cold mornings to stay in longer, but it’s going to cost you.

Change Your Filter

Clogged filters are one of the number one culprits that leads to unnecessary repairs to your heating and cooling system. Change your filters once a month for maximum protection. Improving the airflow with clean filters allows your system to operate at optimum performance.

Add Insulation to Your Attic

Especially if you live in an older home, your attic may be in desperate need of an insulation upgrade. Most of a home’s heat loss leaves through the roof. Adding proper attic insulation is like throwing a blanket over your home keeping things cozy and cost effective. Consider hiring a professional home inspector to assess your home’s insulation and ensure you are adequately covered.

Regular Furnace Maintenance

If your furnace is not properly maintained, you may be wasting money through inefficient consumption of fuel. Your burner nozzles should be inspected and the unit should be cleaned of any debris that could block airways. Many newer models contain electronic components that need to be tested by a professional to ensure they are working properly. If your unit has not had proper maintenance recently, please see Furnace & AC Repair for more information on hiring a professional.

We hope you find this information useful. We look forward to keeping your home warm this winter!