4 Tips For Safely Heating Your Home With Propane

With the cooler months already arriving, it is time to start thinking about how you want to heat your home. If you depend upon propane to heat your home, there are a few safety tips you are going to want to keep in mind so that you stay warm and safe at the same time.

Tip #1: Give Your Tank Space

First, you are going to want to give your propane tank space. You shouldn't allow any flammable materials to be stored anywhere near your tank. You should also clean up any falling leaves that may pile up near your tank in the fall. You want to have clean and clear access to your tank and eliminate any nearby fire hazards.

A clear tank area will also make it easier for your propane supply company to come out and refill your tank.

Tip #2: Go for Monitored Delivery

Second, you want to avoid getting to the end of your tank, as that can cause issues with your pipes and gas delivery system. Instead, you will want to refill your tank whenever it gets to about a quarter full. The best way to do this is to sign up for monitored delivery. Your propane delivery service will install a device that measures your propane usage and gas levels; when the level gets to a certain point, they will automatically schedule a delivery for you to ensure you never run out of gas and never put your system at risk by having an empty tank.

Tip #3: Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Third, when you are using gas as a fuel source, you should always protect yourself by installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home. They are a great way to ensure that you are not exposed to carbon monoxide, which is both odorless and colorless, so it is not something you can sense yourself. You should have detectors installed near the devices that use gas in your home, as well as near sleeping areas. If you have a multi-level home, you should have detectors installed on each level of your home.

Propane gas is designed to smell like rotten eggs so that you can detect it if it is leaking. If you ever smell gas, you will want to turn off any gas-powered devices, put out any flames, and get out of your home until you can get someone to identify and fix where the leak is coming from.

Tip #4: Get Your Tank Serviced

Fourth, it is essential to get your tanked serviced at least once a year. Your propane supply company should also offer inspection services and may even have service agreements you can sign up for, making them responsible not just for filling up your tank but taking care of it as well. They can inspect your tank, let you know if there are any issues, and schedule repairs as needed.

If you depend upon propane to heat your home for safety and access reasons, keep the space around the tank clear. Sign up for automatic delivery to keep your tank from running dry. Get your tank serviced and inspected at least once a year. Put carbon monoxide monitors in your home.

Reach out to a company like Apollo Propane Inc for more information.