In our current state of affairs – large sporting events and gatherings being postponed, air travel being minimized, and everyone taking extra precautions with their health – Delta Liquid Energy wants to share some ways to keep your home energy use efficient should you find yourself in a position where you are asked to, or choose to, remain home for any length of time. All Delta Liquid Energy locations are currently operating at normal delivery levels, however we may see a time in the near future when propane deliveries could take a little longer.
There are a few short term and easy solutions that you can implement to slow your use of propane at home. We’ve also listed a few long-term solutions that can be considered both now and in the future for a more energy efficient home. Propane is already an energy efficient solution for everyday home energy use – these solutions are intended to add more efficiency in the event of an emergency.
Short Term Solutions:
- Turn off your appliances when they are not necessary (or at minimum reduce your use of appliances when you can). Running heaters and furnaces unquestionably uses more energy than when they are turned off. Bundling up with layered clothing or blankets can sufficiently keep you warm when the temperature outside is mild. Investing in a programmable thermostat can also help with a reduction in home heater use. Pre-setting a thermostat for different temperatures depending on different times of the day can significantly reduce your energy use. Try setting your thermostat to a lower temperature overnight or during times of the day when leaving home is necessary.
When washing clothing or dishes ensure you are running full loads to maximize efficiency. Other ways to conserve energy are to wash dishes by hand and to hang dry your clothing. This will reduce the use of your propane powered clothes dryer and dishwasher.
- Use ventilation fans only when necessary. Ventilation fans are great to use when attempting to remove a smell in your kitchen or condensation in a bathroom, however they also pull out warm air that you’ve spend money heating. Using vents only when necessary can help reduce your home energy use.
- Seal and weather strip your windows and doors. Using an inexpensive sealant from any hardwood store on doors and windows can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It will assist in reducing your energy bills because air leaks are reduced. Weather-striping will also cut down on the time it takes for your home to reach your desired temperature. If you have not yet installed weather-striping in your home, it may be the cause of increased propane use.
ADDITIONALLY, using blinds or drapes to cover your windows can help keep your home more insulated. Open drapes and blinds during the day to let the natural sunlight help heat your home and close them in the evening to keep cooler air out.
- Reduce energy used for water heating. Turning down your thermostat on your water heater by even just five degrees can help save energy. You can also use less hot water and insulate your water heater to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
- Re-arrange some of your furniture. If possible, re-evaluate some of the layouts in your home. Put furniture that you or guests will be sitting or sleeping in up against interior walls. Sitting or sleeping nearer the outside may invite drafts or unintentionally make you feel colder than the actual interior temperature of your home.
Long Term Solutions:
- Give your HVAC system an upgrade. Your HVAC system is your heating, ventilation, and air- cooling system. Running an energy efficient furnace and air conditioner can help reduce the amount of energy used in your home. Home heating accounts for 40% of overall energy use. Also, ensuring your vents are properly insulated, cleaned, and sealed will help them run at maximum efficiency.
- Insulate your home. If your home does not already have the proper insulation, now may be the time to start considering this upgrade. Similar to weather striping and window sealing, having proper insulation will help keep the warm air in and the colder air out. Adversely in the warmer summer months, your house will remain air conditioned and warm, dry air will be less likely to integrate. Your attic, walls, basement, floors, and crawlspaces are all places you should consider installing insulation.
- Schedule annual service for your propane appliances. To make sure all your propane appliances are in top working condition, it is smart to schedule annual service. Delta Liquid Energy service technicians will come to your home to evaluate your propane system as needed and will always check your appliances upon connecting your home to your propane tank the first time. However, it is wise to contact the proper manufacturers or retail stores to service your appliances annually. We will always step in to help if a problem with your propane system is suspected.
- Install flow restricting shower heads. The purpose of these devices is to reduce the amount of water used while maintaining the same water pressure. Most recently built homes will already have a device like this installed in all showers. If your home is older though, this is something that can easily be installed by a professional or DIY-er. If you are unsure about an install, call a professional plumber.
- Purchase energy efficient appliances. ENERGY STAR certified appliances will increase energy efficiency without sacrificing performance. These appliances meet the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many brands sold in your local home appliance store hold this seal of approval. Homes with ENERGY STAR certified appliances can see reductions in their energy bills up to 30%.
We want to help you increase your energy efficiency and get the most out of your propane gallons should you be in your home for a consistent, extended period of time. If you have any questions about how you can reduce your propane use and stretch your gallons, please contact your local office. If you feel you are ready for a propane delivery, please schedule one with your local office but do please keep in mind that most of our offices require a minimum delivery of 100 gallons.
Sources:
https://www.energysage.com/energy-efficiency/101/ways-to-save-energy/
https://www.lakesgas.com/propane-101/energy-saving-tips.html
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/install-showerhead-water-flow-volume-control-33877.html
https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/tools/ENERGY%20STAR%20Appliances%20Brochure_508.pdf