Now that fall is 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. Franger Gas 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 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. Be sure to check the gauge regularly and call for a delivery when the level gets low (30% is a great target). This is our busiest season – so stay ahead of schedule and call around that 30% level! We never want our customers in a situation where you are panicking that you may run out of propane to heat your home.
To help, Franger Gas offers Tank Monitoring and Automatic Fill services for our customers to take the worry out of scheduling a tank refill. With remote tank monitoring (available for a small charge) we can deliver fuel when you need it while also keeping a careful eye out for leaks or unusual changes in volume. You can even track your level on your smartphone! Remote propane tank monitoring ensures Franger Gas customers always have an ample propane supply. Learn more about those programs here.
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 Franger Gas employees 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 a technician 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.
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 weatherizing 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 and reduce energy costs.
Following these simple tips can help prep your home and propane appliances for fall and winter weather conditions. Contact Franger Gas today if you have any questions about maintaining your propane appliances or modifying your home for colder weather! One of our friendly representatives would be happy to assist you with all of your propane needs this fall season!
Why Early Fall is the Best Time to Fill Your Propane Tank
There are several reasons why early fall is the best time to fill your propane tank. Here are a few of the most important ones:
1. Propane Prices are Relatively Stable – Early fall is a “shoulder” season between periods of peak demand – which means it is often the best time to save money on your propane deliveries. Pre-buy, auto-fill and tank monitoring options can bring extra savings during this time – contact one of our helpful representatives today to learn more about potential savings opportunities.
2. Weather is More Predictable – Sudden cold snaps are common during late autumn and early winter, but they happen less often in the early fall. Fill your propane tank now and you’ll be read for any sudden weather shifts. Plus, you won’t have to worry about freezing temperatures affecting your propane delivery.
3. You’ll Need it to Keep Enjoying the Comforts of Home – Whether you have a propane gas grill for the big game, a propane fireplace or log set for a cozy evening at home, or a propane spa for a luxurious soak, you rely on clean, green propane to deliver comfort throughout the cold weather months. So make sure your tank is full now and you can relax all season long knowing you have plenty of propane to keep your family comfortable.
4. This is a busy season for Propane – calling early means you won’t have to wait in line! At Franger Gas, this is one of our busiest seasons for new customers and existing customers. We are here and ready to take your call, and schedule your tank setting or propane delivery – but planning ahead and calling to get on our schedule early is a great idea. You can rely on Franger Gas to keep you powered without interruptions or complications. Rest easy knowing your propane needs are managed by Franger Gas.
As you can see, there are many benefits to filling your propane tank in early fall. So don’t wait – contact Franger Gas today and schedule your propane delivery. We’ll make sure you have plenty of propane to keep your home warm and cozy all season long!
Are you looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to fuel your whole home? If so, propane may be the solution. Approximately 50 million American households currently use propane in their homes.
Residential propane use continues to grow in popularity as more homeowners seek out a safe, low-cost alternative to electricity.
The numerous benefits associated with propane use may give you a whole new appreciation for this alternative fuel. Propane is a versatile fuel that can be used for a variety of applications in your home. It is clean-burning and efficient, meaning it will not produce as much pollution as other fuels such as coal or oil. Propane is also more affordable than electricity or natural gas, making it a great option for those looking to save money on their energy bills.
Powering your Ever day Appliances
Propane can run just about any appliance you have in your home—all while using less energy, releasing fewer emissions, and generating more power than natural gas, fuel oil, and electricity. Whether you’ve used natural gas, oil heat, electricity, or a mix in the past, propane is an effective, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative energy source that can help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and manage your energy usage.
Propane can power every appliance and you can opt out of the more expensive and less efficient electrical option. Propane-fueled appliances are almost always less expensive to operate than their electric counterparts. In many cases, they’re also more efficient and have a longer life expectancy.
For example, a propane clothes dryer can dry a load of laundry in half the time and costs 50 percent less per load to operate. Heating your water with propane rather than electricity can save you 30 percent a year. A tankless propane water heater can have an efficiency level as high as 94 percent. Over the lifetime of each appliance, these savings can really add up!
Reliable energy source
Another huge benefit to propane, is its reliability. In an emergency where your electricity is out, your propane-fueled appliances will still work. This is a safe and reliable choice that won’t leave you without heat when you need it most. The only requirement is that you keep your propane tank well-maintained and filled. One gallon of propane provides 27 kilowatt hours of electricity and 91,600 Btus.
Not just for outdoors
Many people associate propane only with outdoor grills, but propane can power as we have seen, propane can help you run your household. You can use propane for home heating or your boiler. A propane fireplace offers more even heating and eliminates the ash and soot produced by a wood-burning fireplace. If your home is equipped to use propane, you have an extensive range of options available to you.
Versatile – Truly able to power your whole Home
Propane is so versatile you can use it for almost anything. As we have said — indoors, homeowners use propane-powered cooking appliances, hot water heaters, dryers, and fireplaces. Outside, residential propane can power your outdoor living space so you can truly enjoy every aspect of space on your property. Propane can power your pool heater, outdoor grill, fire features, whole-house backup generator, RV camper and more.
Indoors
Propane can be an all-in-one energy package for maximum efficiency, performance and comfort.
Propane is the ideal energy source for
Cooking appliances
Clothes dryers
Fireplaces
Furnaces
Space heaters
Water heaters
Outdoors
Just as it does inside the home, propane can add comfort to outdoor living.
Propane can provide power for
Firepits
Grills
Lighting
Pools and spas
Space heaters
RV Campers
Choose Propane to fuel your life
If you are interested in switching to propane-fueled appliances, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you will need to have a propane tank installed on your property. You will also need to have your appliances converted to propane-fueled models. This process is typically not difficult or expensive, but it is important to consult with a professional before making any changes to your home’s energy system. Learn more about switching to propane and choosing Franger Gas as your trusted propane supplier!
Switching your propane provider to Franger Gas is simple and rewarding. In just three easy steps, you can have the best propane service around:
1. Sign up with Franger Gas.
After choosing to end your existing contract with your old provider, take a minute to enjoy the decision to switch from a company that doesn’t care about its customers to one that does. You’ll need to contact us to let us know exactly what you will need, such as a new tank or lease agreement on one of ours. If you already own your tank, get an online quote for our Guaranteed Pricing Program, or talk to one of our specialists at (574) 266-2118.
2. Schedule propane tank set up and installation.
If you do not already own a tank, your new propane tank will be provided for you. We will schedule a tank set up when you call us. This is the first step when a customer is changing companies. We will unhook the old company propane tank, move it aside to where they can retrieve it and then set our propane tank in its place. Then, the outgoing company can come and remove their equipment. Tank set up is always done before removal to eliminate a gap in service for the the customer.
Step 3. Enjoy the switch to Franger Gas.
You’ll get exceptional customer service that you can’t find at big companies. You’ll talk to a real person. We understand that when it comes to your home, you want personal service from a local business you can trust. With Franger Gas, you’ll always have someone there to help you with your needs. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re dealing with a company that’s been in business for over 75 years. You won’t regret your choice to switch propane companies to Franger Gas!
Franger Gas is a family-owned propane company that provides top-quality service to residential, commercial, and wholesale customers in the Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan areas. We are committed to providing our customers with outstanding customer service from a team of experts who care about you. We strive to live up to our motto: Large Enough To Serve, Small Enough To Care.
Franger Gas offers budget-billing and referral programs, tank monitoring and refilling, as well as many other programs and services such as tank refilling, annual inspections/safety checks, bulk propane orders, and more. Call us today at (574) 266-2118 or send us an email for more information!
The rising cost of energy is currently one of the hottest topics in the country. Millions of households now face an even greater struggle to manage their finances as their energy bills skyrocket. Across the board, energy prices are rising in ways we have not seen before – from gasoline to propane to natural gas and heating oil. The change in price is significant, unpredictable, and impacting all of us.
Following a winter in which families experienced even higher costs than in recent years due to price hikes across the energy market and cold temperatures, the cost of home heating is on the minds of homeowners. Issues with home heating and related residential energy consumption will continue for years to come. Now is the moment to take control of the situation.
A quick look at the energy market
It’s fair to say that the current state of the energy market makes for pessimistic reading. The EIA report shows that residential electricity rose by 4.3% in 2021 to a cost of 13.72 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). While this is in line with the general rate of inflation on the Consumer Price Index, it does signal the biggest year-on-year increase since 2008.
Home heating costs climbed by over 50% for many households this past winter. Propane gas supply contracts for both summer and winter have already increased dramatically in cost.
Whether you’re in the 40% of households who face financial difficulties or not, there is no time to waste in the battle to get home heating and energy costs under control. There are three main areas to focus on – the energy source, the home’s efficiency, and how you use the property.
Select the right energy source
Perhaps the most important step in the battle to control your energy cost is to choose the right energy source. While the above-mentioned studies show households that are primarily heated by propane have been the biggest losers during the price hikes, it is still the most efficient solution compared to natural gas heating and other heating choices.
Considered a greener fuel than natural gas both before and after, Propane gas is the perfect choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners. Storing the fuel in tanks rather than relying on pipework can have benefits too.
While it remains cheaper than the alternatives, anyone using propane (or upgrading to it) must acknowledge the price hikes if they want to avoid financial strains. Therefore, it is essential to get your propane from the right supplier and find a residential plan that gives you the best value for money.
Guaranteed Price Payment Calculator
Do you qualify? What will your Guaranteed Price Payments be?
Use our Guaranteed Price Program calculator to find out what your budget billing payments will be.
Franger Gas delivers quality propane to residential and commercial properties throughout Indiana. We also offer wholesale fuel solutions, although the most effective option for controlling your energy cost is our Guaranteed Price Program service.
The program runs from May 1 to April 30 each year. We offer GPP to residential customers who are up to date with their current plan payments. What does this mean for you? You pay a set fee for your energy each month while your actual energy usage is calculated at the end of the year – Franger Gas then uses those figures to set your pricing plan for the month ahead. Franger’s GPP actively saves our customers money, up to 20c per gallon and it protects you against further price hikes over the year. Other benefits gained from this program include;
No nasty surprises, making it far easier to manage your home heating costs.
Pay the same amount each month, removing the seasonal winter increase.
Get your fuel automatically refilled through our Auto-Fill service.
In short, this solution saves time and money throughout the year. Despite the increase in propane costs, budget billing programs such as our Guaranteed Price Program help you manage your heating costs.
Make the necessary home upgrades
Getting the right fuel source is a great starting point that will ensure that the propane gas used costs less money. However, you should additionally try to overcome the current challenges of the energy market by using less energy.
Some home upgrades will require an initial expense but can save money in the long run while others are very affordable, to begin with. Try these ideas to see big improvements;
Invest in thicker windows and better roofing insulation to cut energy loss.
Invest in an efficient boiler and cover any radiator pipes to reduce heat loss.
Choose a smart thermostat that can deliver automated savings.
Clean the filters on HVACs and furnaces at least once per month.
Insulate the walls and floors and use ceiling fans to circulate heat.
Some of the jobs will additionally add value to the property as well as boosting your levels of comfort.
Change your Energy-Use Habits
Habitual changes have always been important in the effort to lower energy costs. However, families have become more accustomed to spending time at home throughout the pandemic, which makes our daily habits even more important to consider.
With the average home spending in excess of $2,000 per year on household utilities, the following checklist is helpful;
Always close the doors of any room that you are heating to prevent energy loss and drafts.
Always turn electronic items like TVs off at night rather than putting them on standby.
Save up to 15% of your home heating bill by reducing the daytime thermostat temperature by 10 degrees.
Keep drapes on south-facing windows open in the day to let heat in, and closed at night to keep it in.
Monitor the time you spend in the shower or use shallow baths.
While most of the steps focus on home heating, it is wise to think about water and electricity usage too. When you do, the savings will be much larger.
The final word on energy costs
There is very little you can do to stop the overall cost of energy from rising. However, switching to the right heating source and delivery program can help you minimize financial uncertainty. When supported by household changes and adjustments to our daily habits, you can make your energy work harder for you.
At Franger Gas, we are constantly monitoring the energy market and how it is impacting our customers.
We encourage every one of our customers to take advantage of our Guaranteed Price Program for peace of mind and predictability. Contact Franger Gas to enroll today!
Choosing the right heating source for your home is a big decision. Did you know that heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home – typically making up as much as 29 percent of your overall energy bill? And, depending on the heating system you choose, it can last upwards of 20 years. All of this makes it vital to take the time to investigate your home’s heating options.
This quick guide will help you choose the right home heating solution for your family as well as your finances. Let’s get started.
What are the key features to consider when choosing a heating source for your family?
It’s impossible to choose a suitable residential heating supply if you don’t first know what you are looking for. Statistics show that around 96% of the country is hooked up to a source of heating, with 47% relying on natural gas while 36% use electricity and 11% use other gas sources like propane gas.
One thing the percentages don’t reflect – is that most homeowners don’t consider the fact that they can change heating sources. Instead, they simply remain on whatever energy source was in place when they moved into their home.
However, switching to the best home heating solution offers a wide range of rewards when you prioritize the following features;
Cost – keeping your energy bill to a manageable level is the main goal for most homeowners, especially after recent price hikes. It is vital to know the cost of your heating per KwH and how it translates to the home heating cost.
Safety – every homeowner needs to know that their property is safe and choosing the proper residential heating will make a difference. Furthermore, making the right choice will put your mind at ease.
Environmental impact – reducing your carbon emissions is an increasingly important goal for families, and home heating is the perfect place to start.
Switching from one energy source to another may seem complicated, but it is a one-time change that can have a significant impact on your home. Given that it can save time, money, and the environment, it is a home upgrade that all families should consider.
Which heating source is best for your home?
As well as looking at the correct heating source, you will need the right heating system. The choice between a furnace, heating pump, and boiler, for example, can have a considerable impact. However, finding the best heating source should be your first goal.
No Heating Source
Some homes do not have any heating source. Southwestern territories show up to 15% of households have no heating source, which reflects the natural climate in those states. However, when living in Indiana (or most parts of the country), a heating source of some kind is necessary for cold winter months.
Natural gas
Natural gas is the most popular choice because it is often the source already in place. If the heating systems are in place, you may take the “don’t fix what isn’t broken” philosophy. Like any gas, it is deemed more reliable than electricity as it won’t drop out during a storm or power outage. Moreover, natural gas is cleaner than fossil fuels and easier to store. The supply across the Midwest and the rest of the United States is very good. However, natural gas is combustible and is not a renewable energy source.
Electric heating
Electric heating as a home heating source is also quite popular. Firstly, it is a solution that requires minimal initial cost as electric heaters are very cheap to purchase. It also offers a convenient option as the installation doesn’t require any changes to the property. However, it is an expensive choice – with electricity costing more than twice that of natural gas and propane. The costs are even higher once the heater becomes inefficient. It is also slower to heat your home and can be unreliable in power outages.
Propane gas
Propane gas for residential heating isn’t always a homeowners’ first thought for heating their home – mainly because it’s not the solution they inherit. The main disadvantage is that it requires an initial expense to make the switch. Meanwhile, it should be noted that it burns at a lower temperature, which does mean you will need to burn more if you want the same room temperatures as fossil fuels. For most people, though, this is not an issue.
Propane gas offers a multitude of benefits for those who want to heat their home and stay warm in the colder months. Those benefits include:
Propane is Environmentally friendly. The 1990 Clean Air Act lists propane as a green energy source. As well as low carbon content, it does not contaminate groundwater. If you are looking for ways to help the environment, switching to propane is a great way to do so.
Propane Gas saves money. It saves money compared to natural gas, even if the energy price has increased significantly in recent times. The Franger Gas Guaranteed Price Program schedule helps you cut the costs further.
Propane Gas is safe. It is a safe solution for your family as the storage tanks are far less likely to encounter punctures. Likewise, propane gas doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals. Propane gas produces heat, vapor, water, and carbon dioxide. It also has a remarkable safety record – due in part to codes and regulations put in place by the propane industry and National Fire Protection Association.
Propane Gas is reliable. Like natural gas, propane will continue to provide reliability when you have an electric power outage. When coupled with the fact it can be used for grills, furnaces, and more, it is a fantastic solution.
The verdict
Whether moving into a new property or upgrading the heating source in your current property doesn’t matter; propane is the best choice for your home. It’s safe, affordable, and reliable. It also signifies a huge step to reducing your carbon footprint.
And for our existing Franger Gas customers, you can further reduce your costs for heating your home with our Refer A Friend program at Franger Gas. Using this service can help a friend attain the benefits of heating their homes with propane gas and see a reduction in your bills with account credit.
Uses far beyond heating the home
Did you know propane can be used for so much more than heating? You can use Propane for:
Home Heating
Water Heating
Emergency backup generators
Gas logs, fireplaces and stoves
Clothes drying
Space heaters for three-season rooms and garages
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
Gas grills
Pool heaters
Hot tub heaters
Excellent Customer Service with Franger Gas
At Franger Gas, we deliver exceptional energy and exceptional service. We are a locally owned and operated family company that understands the community because it is our home as well. With over 75 years of propane experience, we know what it takes to get the job done. We offer several Residential Programs to help keep your cost down and your propane tank filled!
A number of our customers have been inquiring about the difference between Natural Gas and Propane when it comes to providing heat for the home. There has been a marketing push for the conversion to natural gas as it becomes available in the local area. As a marketer of propane, we certainly want to help our customers understand what is involved in possibly making the switch from propane to natural gas. Customers often ask these common questions:
What is the difference between natural gas and propane?
Both fuels are clean burning gases! They burn at different pressures but otherwise are extremely similar. Both are naturally odorless and colorless (but usually have a chemical odorant added for safety). Natural gas is sourced from the ground while propane is a by-product of either crude oil or natural gas. Natural gas is brought to you via pipelines connected to your home but propane is brought to homes on trucks and then stored in pressurized tanks.
Do my current appliances work with both choices?
While there are exceptions to everything, generally speaking the answer is no. Another difference between natural gas and propane is that the fuels burn at different pressures. This means, usually at a minimum you need conversion kits to move to the specific fuel. A lot of appliances are not convertible, so they would need to be replaced.
Is the gas line installed in my house compatible with both fuels?
In some cases, yes. If the house is older, the line would need to be upgraded for the new fuel. But you would certainly need to make sure that compatible line is sized correctly for the appliances in your home.
Which one is less expensive?
Even though they are billed differently (Natural Gas Therms versus Propane Gallons), the pricing for natural gas per unit is less than propane.
Because propane delivers more BTUs for your dollar, it is often the choice fuel to run your home appliances more efficiently. It is also typically better for cooking, especially if you utilize an outdoor barbeque, as it is more cost-effective for high-heat grilling. Additionally, propane is seen as an “off-the-grid” heating solution. Meaning propane is portable and can easily work if other systems in your house malfunction, or if you need to move to another location.
Should I switch from propane to natural gas?
The last question is the toughest, because the answer is dependent on the customer. We have compiled a set of questions below that may help inform a customer so that they may make a good decision:
1) How is the service level of the company that supplies my propane? Do they take care of my needs? Do they answer the phone, or am I stuck in a call center? 2) What is the cost to hook up to natural gas? What are the application fees? 3) What is the amount of repair to my yard for the piping? 4) What is the cost to convert or replace my appliances? How much is it to inspect and/or upgrade the lines inside my house? 5) How many years will it take to break even on the expenses paid to make the change?
Franger Gas is here to meet your energy needs
If you are struggling to choose between propane or natural gas, our team is here to help. Let us answer any questions you might have. Call us today.
