As the mercury drops and the winter chill sets in, homeowners across the nation are firing up their heating systems. For those who rely on propane to keep their homes warm, proper preparation is key to ensuring a safe and hassle-free transition into the colder months.
In rural areas, where propane is often a primary source of heating, taking a few extra steps is essential to keep your home cozy and comfortable throughout the winter. Below, we’ve compiled a set of invaluable tips and tricks to help you heat your home with propane efficiently and safely all season long.
Inside Your Home
- Start the Season Right with a Full Tank: At the outset of the season, make sure your propane tank is full. To ensure uninterrupted heat, consider setting up automatic deliveries with Flynn Propane. This way, you won’t have to fret about your tank running low, especially before extreme weather or long holiday weekends.
- Professional Check-Up for Peace of Mind: Schedule a comprehensive inspection of your heating system and propane-powered appliances by a qualified service technician. This check-up ensures that everything is running at optimal efficiency, leading to fuel conservation and utility cost savings.
- Embrace Programmable Thermostats: Install a programmable thermostat to maximize energy efficiency. Homeowners can save an estimated 10 percent on heating costs annually by using one. Remember to set your thermostat to a lower temperature when your home is unoccupied.
- Optimize Your Water Heater: Heating water can be a significant energy expense. Set your water heater thermostat to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce energy consumption and cut down on costs.
- Reverse Ceiling Fan Blades: In winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades to run clockwise. This simple adjustment helps push warm air down, distributing heat more evenly throughout the room.
Outside Your Home
- Properly Store Your Propane Grill: As the grilling season comes to an end, ensure your propane grill is clean and safely stored. Close the tank valve, scrape any food residue off the grates, and wipe down the exterior. Consult your owner’s manual for additional cleaning instructions. Make sure the grill and its cover are thoroughly dry to prevent rusting. If possible, store your grill in a dry location.
- Store Empty Propane Tanks Indoors: After a summer of grilling, ideally, your propane canister will be empty. If it’s not, avoid storing it (or your grill) inside your home.
- Propane Appliances Belong Outdoors: It’s tempting to enjoy a grilled steak in the middle of winter, but remember that propane appliances like grills and generators should never be used indoors. Safety should always come first.
- Clear Appliance Vents: Over the summer, debris such as bird nesting material can accumulate in your propane appliance vents. Before winter arrives, be sure to clear these vents to ensure proper ventilation and safe operation.
Taking the time to prepare your household propane tank and appliances for winter is a crucial step in ensuring both safety and efficiency in your heating system. With these precautions in place, you can enjoy a warm and comfortable home throughout the cold season, courtesy of Flynn Propane.