Long Island has been downright frigid already this winter, and we only just reached the official start of the season! Plus, you know we must be headed for a snowstorm soon! So, what can you do to keep your home warm and more efficient during the coming months?
Here are a few commonsense solutions and preventative measures from your friends here at Liberty Gas Service. If you have any questions or need additional suggestions, please contact us at our Westhampton Beach office at 631.288.0902.
Upgrade Your Boiler and Heating Sources
If any of your heating sources are over ten years old, they may be inefficient. Liberty Gas offers a full line of propane Tankless Water Heaters, Conventional Water Heaters, Space Heaters, Infrared Garage Heaters, Direct Vent Furnaces, Condensing Boilers, and Fireplace Log Inserts. Contact us today to see which of these options may add the most to an efficient and warm home.
Improve the Insulation
Bolstering your insulation is a great habit to employ all year long for heating and cooling. You may not realize you could be losing heat from poorly insulated doors and windows. Seal any potential leaks and use those handy draft doorstoppers for an extra barrier of protection. Most heat escapes through the roof, so it may be time for a checkup to see if adding some extra insulation will save your well-earned money.
If you own a water heater and tank, check to see if it is properly insulated. This will keep the water warmer longer and reduce fuel consumption and heating costs.
Cover Outside Vents to Keep Out the Cold
If you have wall air conditioning units in your home, make sure you cover and seal them to keep out the cool air in the winter. Purchase some covers at your local hardware store for both the interior and exterior of the unit. Sealing leaks or gaps from these units keeps the warm air in and the cold air out. This also reduces condensation.
Space It Out and Clean it Out
Is the sofa blocking your baseboards? If so, it’s preventing the heat from circulating through the rest of the room. By moving the couch, or a bed in the bedroom, even a few extra inches away from the heat source, it will allow the air to circulate more freely. And don’t forget to vacuum those vents for dust regularly, so the air your family breathes in is clean.
Let it Shine – Welcome the Sun!
Heat from the sun is FREE – so take advantage of it! Let the sunlight in during the day by opening any curtains, blinds or drapes to maximize this complimentary heat source. As the sun sets, close them up for an extra added layer of cozy insulation. Who wouldn’t want some relief from the heating bill?
If you’re asking, “Why Propane?” this Winter, consider these quick facts from the Propane Education & Research Council.
Propane Is Unbeatably Clean
For homeowners interested in lowering their carbon footprint, propane is a low-carbon alternative fuel that burns cleanly and produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than most other energy sources. In addition, propane is a non-poisonous, non-toxic fuel, that won’t contaminate soil or groundwater, making it safe to use anywhere.
Propane Saves Money
Propane appliances are extremely energy efficient and can save you hundreds, possibly even thousands of dollars in annual energy costs. And propane itself is abundant and competitively priced compared with electricity, heating oil, or other fuels. Everyone wants to cut energy costs; propane will help you do it.
Propane Works Harder
Performance is the number one reason most people choose propane. After all, it can efficiently and effectively meet nearly all of your home’s major energy needs, inside and out, from space heating and water heating to outdoor flame lighting and fire pits.