December 15, 2021 Issue, Page 6 of 10

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6 Lifestyle December 15, 2021 CLEAN HEAT FAMILY FEATURES Stay warmer with clean energy invest a few minutes enjoy a toasty fire at the flip of a switch with no ash or soot to clean up and no firewood to store. W inter is a perfect time to think about to replace them and renovations that bring coziness and spend time caulking Many models can also operate during electrical warmth to your home. For home­ gaps. When your power outages, providing a critical source of heat owners who live off the natural gas home is well­ to the home. line, propane is an earth­friendly option that can insulated, propane reliably and efÏciently deliver warmer air all can efÏciently keep Furnaces season long. your home toasty There can be a bone­chilling feeling when the “When homeowners upgrade to propane during chilly winter furnace goes out in the middle of a cold winter. during a remodel, they transform a dream home months. If your furnace is blowing cold air – or no air at to include comfort and performance with high­ all – it’s time for an upgrade. Before you buy, efÏciency appliances that have low-carbon foot- Some of the most know propane­powered furnaces have 50% longer prints,” said Susan Kadilak, owner of Kadilak common clean lifespans than electric heat pumps, which reduces Homes, a construction, renovation and interior energy heating their overall lifetime cost for homeowners. Propane design firm. “Not only do families stay warmer upgrades home­ furnaces also provide warmer air than other heat with propane, they can feel better doing so owners request sources, at 120­140 F. because it’s clean energy.” include fireplaces, If you’re considering upgrades to bring more furnaces and boilers. warmth to your home, start with these tips from Boilers Kadilak Homes and the Propane Education & Fireplaces While furnaces rely on forced warm air to heat Research Council: dwellings, boilers use hot water or steam to raise A roaring fire can temperatures in homes. High-efÏciency propane n Do your research. Talk with your contractor be a focal point boilers offer performance, space savings and the about what you’re wanting to accomplish. during the cold versatility to provide heating, hot water and snow Your local propane supplier is also equipped produce. Propane furnaces also emit up to winter months. melting. This versatility also extends to the type to help you navigate questions and find the 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than With 5­6 times the heating capacity of electric of heating delivery system propane boilers serve, right solution for your home. electric furnaces, according to the 2018 Gas fireplaces, propane fireplaces are more energy including hydronic baseboard systems, in-floor n Think cozy. If your electric furnace is Technology Institute Report, so you can feel efÏcient, environmentally friendly, convenient hydronic systems or forced­air systems where the struggling to keep a room warm, consider good about your impact on the environment. to use and easier to install than wood­burning hot water from the boiler (instead of a furnace) acts upgrading to a propane furnace to get to n Make your home more efÏcient. As homes models, Kadilak said. Some parts of the United as the heat source. your desired temperature more efÏciently. age, small cracks can develop around doors States are banning wood-burning fireplaces due to Propane furnaces blow hotter air, which and windows and let cold air inside your their negative effects on the environment. Propane- Learn how propane can help keep your home cozy, is more comfortable than the below­ home or allow warm air to escape. If the seals powered fireplaces are an alternative that emit less including where you can find a propane supplier in body­temperature air electric heat pumps around the windows and doors are damaged, soot and other air­polluting emissions. You can your area, at propane.com/KadilakFireplaces. 10 Winter Safety Tips for a Propane-Fueled Home If your home uses propane to generate heat or have a qualified service technician batteries. Also include a battery­powered downed power lines, damaged gas run appliances, there are some simple steps inspect and service your appliances and weather radio so you can stay informed as lines or damage to your propane you can take to help keep your family safe and propane system. This can help ensure conditions change. tank. Immediately call your local utility avoid potential dangers this winter. your appliances are running as efficiently company or propane supplier if any of 6. Check your chimneys, flue pipes, 1. Make sure you have an adequate propane as possible. vent connectors and propane tank for these hazards exist. Do not attempt repairs supply. Schedule regular winter visits with 4. Create an emergency preparedness damage, blockage or debris caused by yourself. your propane supplier so you always have plan and review it with everyone in snow and ice. Use a broom rather than 9. Never use a stove for space heating and an adequate supply in your tank. your family. Post a list with contact a shovel and clear these areas frequently never use outdoor propane appliances 2. Mark the location of your tank with a information for your propane supplier to help reduce the possibility of carbon indoors or in enclosed areas, particularly flag, pole or stake. Ensure it is higher and emergency services along with monoxide poisoning. in the event of a power outage. Proper than the average snow cover depth for instructions for turning off propane, 7. Consider installing UL-listed propane ventilation is necessary for safe operation, your location. These markers can help you electricity and water. If you need to gas detectors and carbon monoxide and the carbon monoxide fumes can be avoid plowing or shoveling rooftop snow turn off your propane, contact a service detectors. These detectors can provide lethal. Only use appliances indoors that on top of your tank. Should your tank technician to inspect your propane system you and your family with an additional are designed and approved for indoor become covered with snow, use a broom prior to turning it back on. measure of security. Be sure to follow use. Never store, place or use a propane to clear it. 5. Prepare a family disaster supply kit. the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area. 3. Make sure your heating system and Include several days’ worth of water and installation, location and maintenance. 10. Conserve energy. Keep thermostats at 65 F appliances are running efficiently. canned foods, along with a can opener, 8. After a storm passes and it is safe during the day and 55 F at night, and close Before the start of each heating season, extra clothes, blankets, flashlights and to do so, check the entire area for off any rooms that don’t need to be heated.