Advantages Of Using Propane In Massachusetts

September 15, 2013

Homeowners have a lot of choices when it comes to the type of fuel that they use to power and heat their homes. There are a lot of advantages to choosing propane gas over other energy sources. While propane use only accounts for less than two percent of all the energy that is used each year in the United States, it is currently the most common source of energy in rural areas that do not have natural gas service.

How is Petroleum Gas Used?

Contents

0.1 How is Petroleum Gas Used?
0.2 What is Propane Gas?
0.3 How Do Homeowners Get Propane in Massachusetts?
0.4 Is Propane Environmentally-Friendly?
0.5 Are Propane Appliances Energy Efficient?

1 Columbus Energies Makes It Easy to Get and Use Propane

When most people think about propane gas, they tend to think about outdoor barbecue grills or fireplaces. However, there are many different uses for propane within homes, farms and as an energy source for transportation. In the home propane gas can be used to dry clothes and heat water. It can also be used as a fuel source to power a furnace to keep the home warm during the winter months. Propane is also used for cooking and refrigerating food. Of course, there are many homeowners who use propane gas to fuel barbecue grills and gas fireplaces as well.

There are many uses for propane gas on the farm as well. In addition to the other uses listed above for homeowners, propane is also used to power irrigation pumps and farm equipment. It can be used to dry corn and other grains. There are many forklifts and other related types of equipment that run on propane that are used on farms and in commercial or industrial business settings.

With regard to transportation, propane is currently the second-largest alternative fuel that is used in America today. Propane is used to fuel fleets of vehicles, such as taxi cabs, government cars, school buses, and city trucks. Propane is used to heat the air that makes hot air balloons rise and is also used in a number of recreational vehicles.

What is Propane Gas?

Propane is an energy-rich gas that is one of the liquefied petroleum gases that is found mixed with oil and natural gas. The propane, along with other liquid gases, such as butane and ethane, is separated from the natural gas at the processing plant or at refineries from crude oil. Liquid petroleum gases were discovered in 1912 and quickly became a popular alternative fuel source in America.

At lower temperatures or under high pressure, this naturally occurring gas becomes a liquid, which makes it very compact and easy to store and transport to customers. When a valve is opened to release the liquid propane from its pressurized container, it becomes a gas again under normal pressure so it can be used as a fuel source.

How Do Homeowners Get Propane in Massachusetts?

Many homeowners get propane delivered to them directly from a reputable energy supply company. Columbus Energies is based in Swansea, Massachusetts, but delivers propane and home heating oil to customers throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

A propane delivery truck comes directly to your home to deliver it to a storage tank outside the home. A typical residential propane tank can hold between five hundred and a thousand gallons of liquid fuel. These residential propane tanks are refilled several times a year to ensure that the customer always has a reliable source of fuel.

The home delivery service provided by Columbus Energies makes it easy for homeowners. They track your usage and help you stay on top of your supply. Residential propane tank rentals are available for homeowners that don’t already have a propane tank installed or for homeowners that can’t afford to invest in purchasing a new tank. 24-hour emergency services, safety checks, and a gas check program are all provided by certified service personnel for top quality service.

Is Propane Environmentally-Friendly?

One of the advantages of using liquid propane is that it is a clean-burning fossil fuel, which is why it is usually a top choice for use with indoor equipment, such as forklifts and other industrial tools. It is non-toxic and its clean-burning properties and easy transportation make it a great choice as an alternative fuel for transportation.

Studies have shown that engines that are fueled with propane produce much fewer emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide than gasoline engines. The same is true with the use of propane in Massachusetts for heating homes and fueling home appliances. This is yet another reason why many homeowners choose to use liquid propane over other home energy sources.

Are Propane Appliances Energy Efficient?

Liquid propane appliances are designed to be extremely reliable and efficient compared to other types of fuel sources. Propane can be used to power all of your home appliances, including the dryer, the stove, the fireplace, hot water heater, and the furnace. Using propane appliances minimizes the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions from your home on the very first day you install and use them.

Propane gas equipment uses much less energy to run compared to other alternative fuel sources, saving you money on your monthly utility bill. Columbus Energies sells and installs a variety of high-efficiency gas furnaces to its customers throughout the South Coast region and they are becoming very popular. Propane has quickly become the top heating fuel source for new homes in the northeastern states due to a combination of erratic oil prices and the super efficiency of propane-fueled appliances.

Columbus Energies Makes It Easy to Get and Use Propane

With a wide variety of propane products, services and installations available to customers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, Columbus Energies can help you get switched from another energy source to propane fuel. We can help you get the right size tank to supply your fuel needs, set you up with a delivery service program that fits your schedule and budget, help you choose appliances that will maximize the efficiency of your new propane fuel source and get you on a preventative maintenance program to help keep things running smoothly.

Columbus Energies is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving customers in New England for over 50 years. For more information about all of the services, products, appliances, and installations available, please contact us direct at 1-877-674-1492.

HVAC expert checking home central AC unit

Seven HVAC Tips For A Smooth Transition From Winter To Spring

April 15, 2024

$HVAC units play a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and safety of modern building environments. Yet, these indispensable systems are not immune to the challenges of power surges. Such surges, frequently resulting from events like lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the electrical grid, can unleash a rapid influx of electrical current. This sudden surge can inflict severe damage on vital components of the HVAC system, including the compressor, fan motor, and control board. The repercussions of such damage can range from expensive repairs to the necessity of replacing the entire HVAC unit. Given these risks, implementing surge protectors and adhering to electrical safety best practices to safeguard HVAC systems effectively is paramount. Is Your HVAC System Secured Against Power Surges? Pondering over protecting your HVAC system against power surges often indicates a need for proactive measures. Seek the expertise of a seasoned HVAC technician who is ready to evaluate and enhance your system's resilience against power surges. Their guidance and recommendations will ensure that your HVAC system is well-prepared to withstand the challenges posed by unexpected power surges and outages. Understanding Power Surges: What Are They? A power surge represents an abrupt spike in electrical voltage, surpassing the standard levels within a power supply system. These surges can manifest for various reasons, including sudden disruptions in the electrical current flow. Common triggers for these surges include events like lightning strikes, power outages, or the switching on and off of large electrical appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and elevators. Power surges, often lasting merely a fraction of a second, can nonetheless wreak significant havoc on electrical devices and appliances. The surge's excessive electrical energy overburdens and damages the sensitive electronic components within these devices, potentially leading to malfunctions or total failures. Differentiating Power Surge, Power Outage, and Brownout While power surges, power outages, and brownouts all stem from electrical power supply disturbances, they each describe distinct phenomena: Power Surge: This is a brief, intense increase in electrical voltage, due to lightning strikes, outages, or high-powered equipment. A power surge can potentially damage electronic devices and appliances hence surge protectors are essential to safeguard them from potential damage. Power Outage: This event happens when there's an interruption in the electrical power supply to a location, leading to a total loss of power. Numerous factors, such as severe weather conditions and electrical equipment failure, can trigger power outages or even planned maintenance activities. Brownout: Characterized by a reduction in voltage within the electrical power supply, a brownout manifests as dimming or flickering lights and reduced power to appliances. Causes range from high demand on the power grid to equipment malfunctions or issues within the electrical system of a specific building or area. Don't let power surges damage your HVAC system. Contact Columbus Energies now for professional surge protection solutions and ensure your system's longevity and performance! HVAC Components Vulnerable to Power Surges Here are several parts affected by power surges: HVAC Control Board Often referred to as the system's "brain," the HVAC control board is critical for communication with the thermostat. A power surge can damage this component, disrupting its function. Such damage impairs the HVAC system's ability to regulate temperature effectively, leading to insufficient heating or cooling. This can result in discomfort, especially during periods of extreme temperatures. HVAC Compressor Motor This crucial part of your HVAC system, recognizable as a box with wires protruding, plays a pivotal role in refrigerant compression. It converts low-pressure, cool refrigerant into a high-pressure, heated state. The motor, integral to the compressor, is prone to power surge damage. It consists of numerous wires that transform electrical energy into kinetic energy. A surge can cause these wires to overheat, potentially leading to combustion. Furthermore, a compromised motor affects the compressor's performance, hindering its ability to function efficiently. HVAC Capacitor This essential component, typically oval-shaped, serves as a storage unit for electrical charge, crucial for powering the electrical components in your HVAC system. Vulnerable to power surges, the capacitor can sustain damage when exposed to such events. This damage may result in operational difficulties for your HVAC system. HVAC Relay Switch This switch plays a crucial role in your HVAC system, acting to turn on or off components that require high-voltage power. A key feature of most relay switches is an electrical contactor surrounded by a coil. In the event of a voltage exceeding a specific threshold, as in a power surge, the coil is likely to burn out. This can lead to a broken circuit, causing the relay switch to malfunction. Keep your HVAC system safe from power surges with Columbus Energies' comprehensive surge protection services. Reach out to us today for peace of mind and reliable protection! Preventing Power Surge Damage to Your HVAC System Power surges pose a severe risk to HVAC systems, potentially leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Listed below are several tips to protect your HVAC system from power surge damage: Install Surge Protectors: Placing surge protectors on your HVAC unit and electrical panels offers crucial defense against unexpected power surges. These devices act as a barrier, safeguarding your system. Unplug Appliances During Storms: As a precaution, disconnect your HVAC system and other appliances during thunderstorms or severe weather. This simple action can prevent potential damage from lightning-induced surges. Utilize High-Quality Wiring: Implementing top-tier wiring and components is crucial in safeguarding your HVAC system against power surge damage. For optimal safety and efficiency, it's advisable to have these elements installed by a skilled electrician. Regular HVAC Maintenance: Consistently maintaining your HVAC system is a proactive way to prevent surge-related damage. Key practices include cleaning and replacing air filters, ensuring proper refrigerant levels, and inspecting electrical connections. Install a Whole-House Surge Protector: Consider a whole-house surge protector for comprehensive protection. Installed at your main electrical panel, it shields your entire home, HVAC system included, from power surges, thus securing all your appliances. Ensure your HVAC system's safety and longevity with Columbus Energies' top-notch surge protection services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your investment! HVAC Power Surge Damage & Warranty Limitations Warranties from HVAC manufacturers typically exclude coverage for power surge damage. Relying on homeowners' insurance can be complex, as proving surge-related damage is often difficult, especially when it accumulates over time. Consequently, homeowners might find themselves responsible for expensive HVAC repairs arising from incidents like lightning strikes, overloaded electrical circuits, or appliance-related issues. Conclusion HVAC systems represent a significant investment crucial for home comfort. Proactive prevention is vital to avoid incurring high costs from power surge damages. Investing in protective measures is a wise choice compared to facing the expense of repairs or replacements. Consult trusted HVAC professionals to ensure your system is well-protected and maintained. Contact Columbus Energies for All Your HVAC Needs Columbus Energies is a premier heating and cooling service provider in Southeastern Massachusetts and the Rhode Island region. Our professionally certified technicians are highly skilled in various HVAC services, including tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Rely on our expertise for accurate and efficient servicing of your system. As a highly sought-after service provider in the region, we are always prepared to meet your HVAC needs. We pride ourselves on offering the area's most affordable heating and cooling solutions. Columbus Energies is synonymous with quality service and cost-effectiveness. lightening storm and hvac surge protection$