Propane is one of the most energy-efficient and cost-effective options for home heating, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any more opportunities to save. In fact, when it comes to home heating, it’s not just the propane you use. It’s how you use it.
The less propane you use to heat your home the less you’ll have to pay, and there are actually a lot of little things that you can do maximize propane cost efficiency, reduce usage, and lower your heating bill. So, if you’re want to make sure you get the most out of your propane, here are a few seasonal propane tips that you can use optimize propane usage and lower your heating costs.
Lower the Temperature on Your Thermostat
This may seem like a given, but many homeowners overlook just how much they can save by turning the thermostat down a little bit. In general, you can expect to save around 3% on your bill for every degree that you turn down your thermostat, so even a reduction of 5-10 degrees could take a significant chunk out of your heating expenses while still leaving you warm enough to be comfortable.
You may also want to consider turning the thermostat down during certain times of the day. Your home doesn’t need to be warm and toasty while you’re at work all day or sleeping, and lowering the heat when you don’t need it is another great way to cut back on unnecessary propane usage.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat is another great way to use less propane. Smart thermostats are great because they can operate your heating system on an optimized schedule that allows you to keep your home just as warm with less propane.
They’re incredibly easy to use and usually come with apps that allow you to adjust the settings from anywhere with an internet connection, making installing a smart thermostat one of the easiest and most instantly impactful ways to reduce your propane usage.
Keep Up With Heating System Maintenance
Clean-burning propane-powered heating systems are known for their longevity and generally require less maintenance and fewer repairs than other types of heating systems. That being said, keeping up with regular maintenance is still incredibly important if you want to avoid costly breakdowns and ensure that your system is working as efficiently as possible.
Ignoring system maintenance for too long can lead to significant drops in efficiency that guarantee your propane bill will go up, so don’t let that happen. After all, a yearly tune-up is all it takes to ensure that your propane furnace is will be ready to work at peak efficiency all winter long.
Improve Insulation and Sealing Around Doors and Windows
One of the biggest factors that will affect how much propane you use to heat your home is how well it holds heat. Drafty homes with insufficient insulation will lose heat much faster, requiring your heating system to work a lot longer and harder to keep the home warm, so it’s essential that you quickly address any of these insulation or sealing problems if you have them.
Whether you need to install new insulation in your walls or invest in better sealing around a particular door or window, any improvement that prevents heat from escaping your home can end up saving you a ton down the road.
Take Advantage of Natural Sunlight
Another great way to get the most out of your propane supply is to take advantage of all the natural sunlight you can. Even though the winter can be extremely cold, the daytime sun still provides plenty of heat that you can use to take some of the pressure off of your heating system.
Every home has at least one side that gets direct sunlight for a large portion of the day, so instead of keeping your blinds and curtains closed, open them up and let all that sunlight and heat in. You may be surprised by just how much of a difference it can make.
Avoid Using Kitchen and Bathroom Exhaust Fans
Most homeowners use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans every day, but they don’t consider just how this affects their heating system. These exhaust fans get rid of a lot more than just excess moisture, steam, and smoke. They’ll also remove any freshly heated air that your heating system worked so hard to produce.
The important thing to remember is that you don’t need to stop using these exhaust fans completely. Just restrict the amount of time that they’re on as much as possible and only use them when necessary.
Lower the Temperature of Your Hot Water Heater
Heating systems aren’t the only propane appliances out there, and chances are, if you use propane for heating, you probably use it to heat water as well. Regardless of what energy source you use, heating water takes a lot more energy than heating air which means that a significant amount of your propane usage is most likely dedicated solely to your water heater.
Naturally, turning down the temperature on your water heater is a great way to save propane. You don’t even have to go without hot water. Just turn the temperature to around 120 degrees, and you’ll be able to enjoy the savings without sacrificing your hot showers.
Contact MAZ Propane Today
Are you ready to save on your heating bill? Give MAZ Propane a call. Their team of friendly propane experts is always there to answer questions and will happily tell you more about how they can help you make the switch and get the most out of your propane.
They even offer a wide variety of propane delivery and payment options that make getting your propane tanks filled as convenient and affordable as possible. So, don’t settle for anything less than the lowest propane bill possible. Call MAZ Propane and start saving today!