Home Heating Energy Saving Tips

• Residential heating systems need regular tune-ups. Contact your local propane supplier to inquire about a home-heating system inspection program.

• Change your furnace filter monthly. Clean filters will save you money on your heating bill.

• Consider investing in a furnace thermostat timer that can save money by lowering your home's temperature when you are not at home.

• Protect against drafts around windows and doors by caulking and weather-stripping.

• If you are purchasing a fireplace, consider selecting one fueled by propane. Propane fireplaces burn more efficiently than wood-burning models and distribute heat more evenly throughout the room. 

Water Heaters

• You can save more than 10 percent on your water-heating bill by turning down your water heater from the standard 140 degrees to 130 degrees.

• To extend your water heater's life and increase energy efficiency, drain it every six months to remove lime deposits and sediment.

• Install flow-restricting showerheads. You can reduce hot water usage by up to 50 percent without affecting shower pressure.

• Repair leaky faucets. A leak that fills a coffee cup in 10 minutes wastes 3,200 gallons of water a year.

Home Appliances

• Gas ranges with electronic ignition systems will use 40 percent less energy than a standing pilot system.

• Be sure that all burners are burning with a blue, cone-shaped flame. A yellow flame indicates clogged air inlets or burners that need adjustment. Contact your propane supplier's service department immediately if you do not see a blue flame.

• Check the seal on your oven door. Gaps or tears in the seal will let heat escape and waste energy.

ropane Gas Grill and Range Safety Tips

Propane Grill Do's:

• Always use the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Do not bring propane cylinders indoors or into an enclosed space such as a garage or basement.

• Always follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and keep written materials and manuals in a safe, accessible place.

• Make sure the grill burner controls are turned off. Keep the cylinder valve closed when not in use.

• Make sure the gas grill is shut off and cooled off before covering your grill after use.

• Always use or store cylinders in an upright, vertical position. Store them outdoors away from sources of ignition.

• When you have your cylinder refilled, have your supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks. 

• After filling, take your cylinder home immediately. Keep your vehicle ventilated with the cylinder valve closed and plugged or capped. Do not leave the cylinder in your car. 

• When your grill is not in use, cover disconnected hose-end fittings and burner air intakes with small plastic bags, or obtain protective fitting caps from your propane supplier to keep out dirt, insects and moisture.

• Before lighting your propane gas grill burner, use a leak-detection solution to check all connections for tightness. Contact your local propane gas supplier to obtain the leak-detection solution and instructions on how to use it. 

• Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks.

• If there is a significant and uncontrollable release of gas or a fire, call the fire department immediately and move all people and pets away from the unit.

Propane Grill Don'ts:

• Do not smoke while handling the propane cylinder.

• Do not leave the cylinder in your vehicle.

• Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.

• Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.

• Do not use, store or transport your cylinder where it would be exposed to high temperatures. (This includes storing spare cylinders under or near the grill.)

Propane Gas Range Do's:

• Follow the manufacturer's installation and operating instructions.

• Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need to be adjusted.

• Keep pot handles turned inward.

• Schedule regular preventive maintenance checks for your appliances.

• Keep the range surface clean.

Propane Gas Range Don'ts:

• Do not cover the oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air circulation.

• Never use gas ranges for space heating.

• Never allow children to turn the burner control knobs on your propane gas range.

• Do not leave food simmering unattended.

• Keep flammable materials away from burner flames.