Getting Your Home Ready for Autumn in Central New York
Now that autumn is almost here, it’s time to think about what you can do to get your home and propane appliances ready for colder weather. While number one on our minds and yours is making sure your propane tank is checked and filled – there is often more to it than simply refilling your propane tank. Country Propane is here to give you some great tips on how to prep your propane home for fall and winter.
Below are just a few suggestions to get your home and appliances winter-ready.
1. Check Your Propane Tank Levels Regularly
You’ll use your propane appliances more often as the weather gets colder. This means that you’ll need to keep a close eye on your propane tank level, so you don’t run out of fuel. The best way to do this for our existing customers is to talk with your Country Propane representative and find out when we are going to be making regular deliveries to you. Also let us know about any changes in your propane usage so we can schedule deliveries accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to not let yourself fall below 30% tank capacity.
At Country Propane, we always want to make sure that our customers always have an ample propane supply.
2. Clean Your Gutters and Drain Spouts
One of the best ways to prepare your home for winter is to clean your gutters and drain spouts. This will help ensure that melting snow and ice can drain properly, which can prevent water damage to your home. In addition, it’s a good idea to trim any trees or shrubs near your gutters so that they don’t impede the flow of melting snow and ice – especially if this will impact the path leading to or area surrounding your propane tank. This could make it more difficult for our Country Propane delivery drivers to access your tank during delivery.
3. Schedule Your Appliance Maintenance
Once you’ve taken care of the exterior of your home, it’s time to focus on the inside. Start by checking all of your propane appliances—including your furnace, water heater, stove, and fireplace—to make sure they are in good working order. All propane appliances require routine maintenance to function properly and efficiently. Before the cold weather hits, schedule a time for your regular appliance service company to come out and perform any necessary maintenance on your appliances. This will help prevent any issues from arising when you need them most.
4. Keep Your Vents Clear
All propane appliances have vents that allow carbon monoxide and other gases to escape. It’s important that these vents are not obstructed by snow, leaves, or other debris so that the appliance can work properly. Be sure to remove any obstructions from the vents before using the appliance. Clearing out vents in early fall means you start the season where debris can become a problem with clear vents, which will help you keep an eye on them and make clean-up easier in the messier months ahead. One often overlooked vent is the one attached to your propane clothes drier.
5. Educate Yourself on Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be produced anytime fuel is burned in an enclosed space. Because of this, educating yourself and your family on the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and what to do if someone is exposed is important.
6. Weatherize Your Home
Another way to prepare your home and propane appliances for colder weather is by winterizing your home. This means sealing up any cracks or gaps around windows and doors where heat can escape. You should also insulate any exposed pipes or ductwork in your home. These simple steps can help improve the efficiency of your appliances. You would be amazed at how much these simple steps can actually reduce your overall energy costs.
Following these simple tips can help prep your home and propane appliances for fall and winter weather conditions. Contact Country Propane today if you have any questions about maintaining your propane system. One of our friendly representatives would be happy to answer your questions.
