With autumn just around the corner, many residents of Hunterdon County, NJ, are now taking their Halloween decorations out of storage and filling up their calendar with the various Hunterdon County local fall activities. While there is much to do to prepare for the changing seasons, as the weather gets colder, it is also important to remember to clean and maintain your gas fireplace. In the colder months, many families will return home from apple picking and autumn walks to enjoy their warm gas fireplace; however, leading propane provider GasTec stresses that before they can do this, families must first ensure their fireplace has been properly maintained.

As propane fireplaces are designed to function with minimal effort on the homeowner’s part, it is easy to forget that, like other fireplaces, gas fireplaces must also be maintained. Before the cold months begin in earnest, GasTec encourages Hunterdon County residents and other gas fireplace owners to search for propane services in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and find a technician that can inspect and clean their gas fireplace so they can enjoy it to the fullest during fall and winter.

How Often Should a Gas Fireplace be Maintained?

While gas fireplaces do not need to be maintained daily like their wood counterpart, they still do require annual maintenance. Homeowners are encouraged to have their gas fireplace inspected each year by a professional fireplace inspector certified to perform safety checks. While gas fireplace owners can clean their gas fireplace themselves, you can also ask the fireplace technician to clean the fireplace during their inspection. During their inspection, the technician will check that the fireplaces venting is not obstructed and that there are no natural gas leaks or signs of carbon monoxide leaks.

How Do You Properly Clean a Gas Fireplace?

If you are a homeowner who would like to clean your gas fireplace yourself, similar to maintenance checks, your gas fireplace should be cleaned once a year. Before cleaning, homeowners must follow safety steps and make sure the gas to the fireplace is off while cleaning. Additionally, if your gas fireplace is encased in glass, it is essential to let the fireplace cool before cleaning, as the glass can remain hot long after the fireplace has been turned off. During the cleaning process, the first thing homeowners should do is to remove all dirt and grime from the fireplace and ensure that buildup on the screen is removed thoroughly. If any of the lava rocks or logs show signs of wear and tear or breakage, they should be removed and replaced before relighting the fireplace.

At Gastec we do more than deliver propane to Bucks & Montgomery County homes. Save money by visiting our propane refill station, located at 25 Council Rock Drive. We will not be open on Labor Day so make sure to stop by Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; or Saturday from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. 

Industrial and commercial sectors dominate much of the country’s propane use. However, when we look at residential trends, we can see that more homeowners are relying on this powerful fuel.

Below, we discuss some of the most prominent residential propane usage trends in the U.S. These insights will reveal how the average American relies on this fuel source and demonstrate how it plays a role in the lives of those who rely on propane services in Montgomery County Pennsylvania.

Propane as the Home’s Main Heating Source

Currently, around 5 million homes rely on propane to heat their entire properties. Many homeowners go this route out of necessity. When their property doesn’t have access to natural gas service, they need to find an alternative source. It’s convenient for them to hire a propane service to deliver tanks with reliable energy year-round.

Most homes that don’t have natural gas lines are in rural areas. As a result, propane is the go-to choice among those in the countryside and mobile homes. It comes as no surprise that a whopping one-fifth of mobile homes rely on propane tanks.

Propane as a Supplemental Energy Source

When homeowners use propane as their main heating fuel, they need to store a propane tank outside their house. These tanks tend to range from anywhere to 500 and 1,000 gallons.

However, not all homes use propane as their main heating fuel. Some use oil or another source while only using propane as a supplemental energy source.

Millions of people have smaller, portable tanks for tasks such as cooking and powering their backup generators. They even use them for operating appliances in recreational vehicles.

Consumption by Region

We’ve discussed that rural homes are most likely to use propane as their main fuel source. But it’s important to note the regional variations.

The highest numbers of homes that rely on propane are in the Midwest and Northwest. Some areas see rates as high as 18%.

While the usage rate in Pennsylvania is lower, as we discuss later, more homeowners in Montgomery County are deciding to make the switch.

Consumption by Season

Historically, consumption has always been higher during the winter months. This trend makes sense as homeowners need to heat their homes to combat colder weather.

It’s worth noting that the EIA predicts a consumption increase this winter. Compared to 2020, the 2021 season will see a 5% higher usage rate.

More Residents Are Making the Switch

Even though propane prices are not at their historical low, people are still making the switch. Our propane service in Montgomery County has seen that, like other Americans, local residents are willing to switch over to propane to start enjoying the vast benefits.

For instance, they will enjoy lower energy bills as propane burns more efficiently. Residents get the most out of each drop they purchase, meaning their investment in a tank and refills will pay for itself over and over.

Additionally, residents will be reducing their ecological footprint as the fuel burns cleaner than alternatives like natural gas. They feel good about doing their part for the environment and making their community a healthier, safer place to live.

And let’s be honest, cooking on an electric range or in an electric oven is simply the worst. From a faster boil to consistent, predictable temperatures and cook times, propane is a chef’s delight.

Safety Statistics

Some people hesitate to make the switch because they just don’t understand how safe propane is for your home. Truth be told, you have more to worry about with faulty electrical wiring in your house performed by a previous resident who fancied himself a DIY’er than you do with propane. Making the switch to propane with a professional installation team eliminates any safety concerns. It’s particularly reassuring that propane maintains a strong safety record even with more homes using it these days.

Bottom Line: The Increased Usage of Propane

Industrial and commercial sectors understand the benefits of propane well. As residents learn more about the fuel’s power, they, too, are bound to make the switch. Not many homeowners can resist lower electric bills and more efficient heating.

In Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, we’re experiencing this trend first-hand. Like many homeowners, we hope that the increased demand will lead to lower costs. But until then, we can appreciate all the benefits this powerful fuel has to offer.

Propane is a safe, efficient, and reliable alternative to electricity for many appliances. Propane Services in Hopatcong Borough, New Jersey discusses the benefits of using propane in your family home. Propane is an affordable choice that is ideal for families who want to minimize their carbon footprint and want to go green. Let us look at these benefits.

It is a high-energy alternative to traditional fuels. It has a higher-octane rating than gasoline. Propane is a colorless and odorless liquid that vaporizes into a gas. An electric heat pump delivers air only slightly warmer than the human body, but propane provides a consistent air supply around 115 degrees. Electricity will take an hour to reheat a hot water tank, but propane can do the job in 20 minutes. This is a surprisingly efficient choice for powering your home.

Propane is safe for the environment; it does not contaminate the soil or groundwater. It also has a low carbon content producing minimal emissions. Since propane is derived as a byproduct of natural gas, it reduces petroleum use.

It is a reliable choice in an emergency if your electricity is knocked out, your propane-fueled appliances will still work. If you keep your propane tank well maintained and filled, it will serve as heat when you need it the most. “If you are using propane, keep in mind that propane tanks are only filled to 80 percent of their capacity to allow for expansion. Propane expands in hot temperatures.”

Home propane tanks are typically buried well beyond the natural gas main. They are 20 times more puncture resistant than those used for gasoline, ethanol, and methanol. If you come across a propane leak the added odorant will help you detect it. Propane has the distinct smell of rotting eggs; this will alert you it is leaking. A carbon monoxide detector can provide added safety around propane appliances. Propane appliances can produce carbon monoxide, but a CO detector will alert you to high levels.

Propane is an affordable alternative to electric appliances. Heating your water with propane rather than electric will save you almost 30% of your total cost. “A propane clothes dryer is 50 percent more efficient than its electric counterpart. A tankless propane water heater can have an efficiency level as high as 94 percent.”

There are a lot of people that when they think of propane they think, “outdoor grilling,” but that is not always the case. Propane can power many household appliances. You can use it to heat your home or boiler, fireplaces, clothes dryers, ranges, and ovens can all run off propane. If your home can use propane, then you have many options available to you.

For many years, Downingtown has been recognized for its major role in Pennsylvania manufacturing and industry history. Downingtown industry dates back to the early 1700s, when it was home to some of the first mills on the East Coast. Later, the town would become a hub of manufacturing complexes due to its central location and proximity to rail transportation corridors. Downingtown’s industry continues to thrive, and today, the area hosts a variety of manufacturing companies, including McGuckin & Pyle Inc, Kim Manufacturing, and Strategic Manufacturing Techs. GasTec has long provided propane services to Downingtown, PA, to both local residents and established businesses. GasTec’s Downingtown, PA propane services have been used not only for manufacturing purposes but also by Downingtown construction and transportation companies.

Materials Handling

Transportation is a fundamental part of many different industries. Whether it be construction or manufacturing, moving materials from one site to another is inescapable if not a tedious aspect of business. While each industry’s needs are unique, many organizations rely on propane-powered vehicles and equipment for their material handling needs. Propane-powered forklifts and buggies are some of the most popular material handling machines for their low emissions and affordable fuel. This has been made evident by the National Propane Gas Association, which recently released a report that stated nearly half a million forklifts are powered by propane gas each year.

Propane’s Uses in Manufacturing

While propane is often used as a fuel for various industrial purposes, propane is also used to create refinery products in some manufacturing sites. Petrochemical industries will often blend propane into finished products such as LPG and petrochemical feed to make ethylene or propylene. Propane has also been known to be used by Refrigerator manufacturers as a refrigerant. Propane’s operating pressures and temperatures are frequently used for refrigeration due to its ideal pressure levels and temperatures.

Transportation

Autogas propane has quickly become one of the most used fuels in industrial transportation. A large percentage of industrial fleets have moved away from gasoline and diesel and switched to cost-efficient and low-maintenance autogas to power their vehicles. Typically, propane autogas costs 30-50% less per gallon than its gasoline and diesel counterparts. Additionally, the price of propane is known to remain stable and be less affected by the same seasonal fluctuations gasoline and diesel experience.

In recent years, Marcus Hook has experienced an expansion in both the energy and construction industries thanks to Sunoco Pipeline LP’s parent company, Energy Transfer Partners (ETP). In 2019, ETP announced more than $200 million in new projects in the Delaware County area and 1,200 new jobs at the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex. The construction projects were scheduled under the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, associated with more than 50 construction unions in the Marcus Hook area. For more than 50 years, GasTec has provided propane services to Marcus Hook, PA. Over the years, many Philadelphian construction teams have come to rely on GasTec propane to help fuel their construction vehicles, provide on-site power, and warm temporary sites. Construction companies in Marcus Hook  are encouraged to continue reading to learn more about GasTec propane’s many uses within a construction site.

Used to Heat Temporary Office and Outdoor Spaces

Unexpected weather can present a number of challenges for construction teams. Many construction materials such as drywall, plaster, and paint require heat in order to dry or cure, which is made more difficult during rainy winter months. For this reason, many construction sites use temporary propane heaters to keep team members warm and different materials dry. Here at GasTec, we offer a number of varying propane tank sizes to fit your exact heater model and propane delivery services, so you and your team will never be without adequate heat.

Used to Fuel Construction Vehicles

In order to complete projects on time, construction teams will often be running several machines and vehicles at once. To fuel these machines affordably and cleanly, many teams have turned to propane-autogas to fuel their work trucks. Compared to gasoline, propane autogas has several benefits, including a yield of 12% less carbon dioxide and 60% less carbon monoxide. Additionally, propane autogas is one of the most inexpensive fuels available and, on average, 30-50% less per gallon than retail gasoline. In terms of safety, propane autogas leads the competitions with fewer leaks, narrower flammability range, and more puncture-resistant tanks.

On-Site Power Uses

Today, one of the most popular generators used by construction teams and contractors is propane-field. New advancements in portable generator technology have made propane generators both highly portable and power efficient. With affordable pricing and reliable energy, it’s easy to see why many construction teams choose propane-fueled portable generators to fuel their projects.

Since its foundation in 1752, Northampton County has become one of the epicenters of Pennsylvania export and has attracted numerous families and businesses to the Lehigh Valley area. GasTec, a leading provider of propane services in Northampton County, PA, has seen various Northampton County businesses flourish over the years but perhaps non more so than Northampton’s manufacturing industry. Today, the county leads Pennsylvania in chemical manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, and food manufacturing with help from companies like Phillips Enterprises Inc and Piramal Critical Care. Below, Gastec, a primary supplier of propane services to Northampton County, PA, will discuss how propane is used within Northampton County’s manufacturing industry.

Run Machinery – For decades, propane has been used to help power machines within the construction, agricultural, and manufacturing industries. For job site heaters to forklifts, propane is often the go-to fuel for many businesses due to its low cost, efficiency, and reliability. Additionally, propane autogas frequently has fewer challenges than other diesel trucks and vehicles. Propane autogas engines are less complex and do not require emission fluids. Propane autogas vehicles do not require particulate fillers to meet emissions regulations and will not need to be cleaned or maintained as frequently as other diesel vehicles.

Processing and Cutting Metal – While propane cannot be used for Gas Welding, propane is frequently used for brazing and cutting metals. Propane can be used to melt metals as it burns at an exceptionally high temperature (1980 C). Propane gas can be used to melt aluminum, bronze, brass and is frequently used in stationery and tilting crucible furnaces. For propane to burn at max efficiency, the oxygen-to-gas ratio must be within the recommended range. This range is typically four parts propane to 96 parts oxygen.

Create Materials – Nearly half of all propane used within the manufacturing industry is used to create plastic. However, propane is also frequently used within the manufacturing industry to develop other materials ranging from aerosol propellants to solvents and synthetic vulcanized rubber. For those who may not know, aerosol propellants are gases that have been compressed inside a steel or aluminum can and are used to distribute liquid particles ranging from hairspray to sunscreen. Although synthetic vulcanized rubber is not well-known, it is used in numerous everyday items, including bowling balls, toys, and car tires.

As one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Malvern has attracted a significant number of families and businesses to the area since its incorporation in 1889. Over the years, Malvern has been home to many prevalent companies and today is host to real estate company Liberty Property Trust, investment advisors The Vanguard Group, semiconductor manufacturer Vishal Intertechnology, and automotive accessory retailer American Muscle. Here at GasTec, a leading provider of propane and propane services for Malvern, PA, we understand Malvern businesses’ unique needs and remain committed to providing affordable, efficient, and reliable propane for its many commercial businesses. Today, we will discuss the many uses of commercial propane and how our GasTec teams can help support local Malvern, PA businesses.

Temp Heating

Nothing is worse than a cold workspace. In order to keep employees comfortable and projects on schedule, having the necessary heat in your work area throughout the winter months is key. Whether your team works from the same location each day or travels to different worksites, our Temporary Heating services can provide a comfortable workspace for you and your staff and well as a short-term solution to help different construction projects dry or cure. We can offer propane tanks of varying sizes that will fit your specific needs and our rates are known to be some of the most affordable and competitive.

Restaurants

Malvern is home to a wide variety of established restaurants and eateries. From Restaurant Alba to Julie Anne’s Place, our propane services can ensure Malvern restaurants are able to focus on serving their guests and not their restaurant’s temperature or gas equipment.

Our propane services can help restaurants power:

• Fryers, ranges, ovens, flat tops, broilers
• Heating of restaurant spaces
• Heating water
• Outdoor seating heat sources

Forklift Cylinder Program

One of our more popular programs is our forklift cylinder program. We are committed to helping your business run more efficiently and can supply propane forklift tanks to fit your individual needs. Through our scheduled delivery or propane cylinder exchange program, you can rest easy knowing your forklifts will be operational whenever they are needed. Whether your business specializes in shipping and delivery, automotive services, or storage and warehouses, we can offer you some of the industry’s best propane rates. If your propane company has left you empty without propane, Gastec has plenty and is ready to help.

First settled in 1730, Lehigh County has quickly become of the East Coast’s fastest-growing counties and a hub for Pennsylvania industry and business. With a GDP of more than 41.2 billion throughout Leigh County and the Lehigh Valley area, today, Lehigh County is home to more than 10,000 businesses and a variety of nationally recognized brands and industry leaders. Lehigh County’s excellent transportation infrastructure, available commercial properties, and proximity to major Pennsylvanian cities have allowed Lehigh businesses to grow and successfully penetrate the national market. Since the 1950s, GasTec, one of the leading providers of propane services in Lehigh County, PA, has remained a constant supplier to Lehigh County businesses and watched industry development within the area. Today, GasTec will discuss how propane has helped Lehigh County’s manufacturing businesses and its future in the continued growth of Lehigh County’s transportation sector.

Propane Services and Lehigh County Manufacturing:

One of the largest industries within Lehigh county; today, manufacturing makes up a total of 18% of Lehigh Valley’s total GDP and employs roughly 34,000 workers within the area. Lehigh county and its surrounding neighborhoods are home to some of the nations leading manufacturers of medical equipment, electronics, and mechanical piping. Propane has long been the favored energy source for manufacturing businesses for its reliability and clean-bearing properties. Propane and manufacturing have long held a collaborative relationship, as nearly half of all propane used by manufacturers is used in the development of plastic, a material used to create most consumer goods.

Propane Services and Lehigh County Transportation and Logistics:

Within the last five years, the e-commerce sector has seen a steady growth of 32.4% year-over-year. Analysts now believe this number will only continue to increase, and by 2024, potentially 19.2% of all US retail spending will take place online. In response to this dramatic shift, many businesses are now seeking new and affordable ways to transport goods to consumers across the country. Lehigh county, one of the prime locations for transportation and logistics companies operating out of Pennsylvania, has risen to the new transportation demand and responded by creating over 10,000 new jobs within the last five years. GasTec encourages Lehigh County transportation fleets looking to lower total costs while reducing emissions to consider the benefits of using propane autogas. On average, propane autogas is between 40- 50% less costly than gasoline and diesel and emits 60% less carbon monoxide than its competitors.