Propane is an ideal fuel source to power your home or business in the Hudson Valley with its versatility, efficiency, and vast array of benefits! Not only that, but it also helps reduce environmental impact.
Don’t be intimidated by propane if you’re unfamiliar with it. We have put together some valuable material to broaden your knowledge and comprehension!
Propane’s full name is liquified petroleum gas (LPG). The chemical formula for propane is C₃H₈.
In 1864, Edmund Ronalds, a British scholar and industrial chemist, made the groundbreaking discovery of propane while researching chemicals present in crude oil from Pennsylvania.
In 1910, Walter O. Snelling made a remarkable discovery while carrying out research for the United States Bureau of Mines in Pittsburgh – that certain evaporating gases could be transformed into liquids.
After Snelling’s research revealed that propane was the most abundant of all gases, he created a way to bottle LPG. Three years later, Frank Philips. founder of Phillips Petroleum, purchased the patent from him for $50,000; equivalent to roughly $1.4 million in today’s currency!
Propane, which naturally does not have a discernible odor, needs an additive to give it scent. Utilizing ethyl mercaptan is the preferred choice for this purpose as its unmistakable smell of rotten eggs makes propane leaks easier to identify quickly. If you notice that rotten-egg smell in your home, follow these propane safety best practices:
Thanks to the growing production of shale gas, propane utilized in both Canada and U.S is mostly produced from by-products of natural gas processing. Through the process of refining natural gas, a variety of gases are produced such as propane, butane, methane, and ethane.
An overwhelming majority of our nation’s propane supply, nearly 70%, is derived through natural gas processing while the balance comes from crude oil refining.
Propane is sent in various ways such as by pipelines, tankers, ships, trains, and trucks to bulk propane distribution centers. From there, the propane is distributed to local vendors, such as Kimlin Energy.
In our Hudson Valley service area, we offer secure and dependable propane delivery with Automatic Delivery so you don’t have to stress about running out of propane. We also provide propane tank installation and leasing, as well as the installation and service of propane appliances.
Propane is an efficient and environmentally friendly source of energy that has been recognized by both the 1990 Clean Air Act and 1992 National Energy Policy as an alternative fuel. In comparison to natural gas, propane is a cleaner burning option as it does not produce methane emissions. Propane does not harm the air, soil, water, aquatic life, marine life, or plant life in the rare occurrence of a leak.
Not only is propane a cleaner source of energy, but it also boasts remarkably high levels of efficiency. Today’s high-efficiency propane appliances and heating systems boast an impressive 95% or higher ratings in terms of their efficiency. By electing to use propane, you don’t need to forfeit comfort or convenience for the sake of lessening your home’s carbon footprint.
Get reliable propane delivery and service with Kimlin Energy! Become a customer today.
When it comes to replacing your heating oil tank, early is much better and less expensive than too late.
Last year, a couple near Boston faced a six-figure bill for remediation costs after their basement heating oil tank failed.
Kimlin Energy is here to help with expert heating oil tank installation and removal services. We also offer wireless tank monitoring so you never need to worry about having enough heating oil in the winter again.
Today’s heating oil tanks that we install are light years ahead of tanks from a few decades ago. They’re double-walled, with a seamless interior tank and exterior outer tank designed to hold more than the capacity of the interior tank. These advances among others help tanks last longer while protecting your home from damage caused by tank failure.
The average life expectancy for an aboveground or basement heating oil tank is 25 years. It’s imperative to regularly inspect your heating oil tank. If you discover any irregularities, get in touch with Kimlin Energy promptly so we can review the tank and start making plans for a replacement if necessary.
To keep your heating oil tank in good condition, it is wise to keep it full during the spring and summer months. If there is too much empty space when temperatures warm up, condensation will occur which then results in sediment accumulation that corrodes the tank from within.
The answer to this depends on whether the tank is aboveground, in your basement, or underground.
Underground tanks. Before an underground oil tank is removed, any residual oil must be removed, and the interior of the tank adequately cleaned. Upon completion of those tanks, the professionals will detach the tank from its site with specialized tools before towing it away on a trailer. Subsequently, the tank will be disposed of according to state and local regulations.
Aboveground and basement tanks. The first step is to use a specialized hose to extract the remaining salvageable oil from your tank. From there, the technician cuts the tank open and carefully removes the accumulated sludge inside it. Once the oil is drained and sediment cleared, it’s time to sever the pipes. After they are taken away from their base, then the tank will either be further cut up and removed or removed whole.
Removing your home’s heating oil tank is most emphatically not a do-it-yourself project.
Local and state regulations mandate that this project is done by a trained professional. In many municipalities, not only are permits (often, building and plumbing) required for heating oil tank removal, but there is also a required inspection once the tank is removed.
Doing it yourself can lead to spills that require costly cleanups and potential fines.
Ready to replace your heating oil tank? Contact the pros at Kimlin Energy today to get started!
Is your home’s water heater on its last leg? If so, now is the time to begin planning to replace it.
Kimlin Energy is here to help with expert water heater installation, maintenance, and repairs.
Replacing your water heater also presents you with a great opportunity: upgrading to a propane tankless water heater that gives you superior energy efficiency and comfort. Our experts will go over your home’s water heating needs and make sure that you have the right size tankless water heater to meet them.
Here’s how a propane tankless water heater works. The cold water comes into the water heater from your home’s water lines. Once there, the water is instantly heated in the tankless water heater, then is sent where you need it for as long as you need it.
By removing the tank from your water heater setup, you gain a lot. A tankless water heater is truly a case of addition by subtracting!
Going tankless for your water heater replacement allows you to enjoy constant hot water on demand, as well as added comfort and convenience. Say goodbye to waiting around for the water heater tank to replenish so you can take a hot shower; now, enjoy unlimited steaming-hot showers with no delay. Is the dishwasher running? Not a problem because the tankless water heater can take care of both!
With a propane tankless water heater, you also reap long-term energy savings. Traditional storage water heaters with a tank heat and reheat the stored water constantly throughout the day and night, resulting in an excessive waste of energy that is reflected on your monthly energy bills.
By installing a propane tankless water heater, you are making an investment in long-term energy savings. The average life expectancy of a conventional storage water heater is 10 years. A tankless water heater can last 20 years or longer! That’s decades of energy savings, making it a great investment.
With water heating accounting for up to one-fifth of your home energy bills, you’ll benefit from decades of lower utility expenses with a propane tankless water heater from Kimlin Energy!
Get rid of your tank and gain peace of mind! Water heater tanks are the most frequent cause for needing to replace a water heater. But if it fails, you could be looking at serious damage from all that incoming water – your floors, furniture, and everything else in its path will not fare well.
Another benefit of losing the tank is losing the bulk that comes with it. Tankless water heaters are very compact, being about the size of a suitcase. They can be easily installed in laundry rooms, closets, and mudrooms.
Leave waiting for more hot water before taking a shower in the past! Contact Kimlin Energy today to get started on installing a propane tankless water heater in your Hudson Valley home!
The heating oil Kimlin Energy delivers to your Hudson Valley home or business is not the heating oil of our parents’ or grandparents’ times.
Today’s heating burns cleaner, making it more environmentally friendly and also better for your home’s heating system. With Kimlin Energy’s dependable heating oil delivery, you can enjoy the benefits of heating oil in your home without worry.
What makes today’s heating oil different? We’ll start with the basics on heating oil.
Heating oil and diesel fuels bear strong resemblance on the chemical level, yet they have profoundly distinct applications. Both are derived from crude oil through the distillation process and have a low viscosity.
The federal excise tax does not apply to No. 2 heating oil, so, like off-road diesel fuel, it is dyed red to distinguish it from the taxed on-road diesel fuel. People use No. 2 heating oil home heating, thus exempting it from the excise tax that applies to fuels used in on-road vehicles. To distinguish it from diesel fuels, No. 2 heating oil is usually called home heating oil or fuel oil instead of diesel fuel.
No. 2 heating oil has a winterized variety known as winter blend. This winter blend consists of a mixture of No. 2 heating oil and No. 1 heating oil, designed to be less viscous, less prone to gelling in extremely cold temperatures, and easier on your furnace or boiler. Winter blend is also sometimes referred to as kerosene mix.
The introduction of ULSHO has revolutionized the quality and performance of today’s heating oil, making it incomparably better than before.
Since 2018, the only type of home heating oil that can be delivered in New York is ULSHO, which stands for ultra-low sulfur heating oil. ULSHO standards require that heating oil contains 15 parts-per-million (ppm) or fewer of sulfur, a reduction of 99% from the amount present 30 years ago.
By removing virtually all sulfur from heating oil, we’ve seen an outstanding 70% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to traditional heating oil.
Not only will ULSHO reduce emissions, but it is also advantageous to your oil-fired heating system as it lowers sulfur accumulation. Sulfur is the most common source of breakdowns in furnace and boiler systems. ULSHO not only helps reduce breakdowns in your heating system but can also extend its life expectancy while improving its performance and efficiency.
ULSHO allows you to enjoy its advantages without having to switch or modify your heating system.
ULSHO is just the beginning when it comes to advancements in heating oil as our industry continues to strive to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2050. Fuel blends made from ULSHO and biodiesels are taking cleaner burning and efficiency to the next level. The biodiesels are made from natural resources such as plant oils, algae, animal fats, and recycled restaurant cooking oils.
You can count on Kimlin Energy for reliable heating oil delivery. Become a customer today!
On a cold, raw day in the Hudson Valley, coming home and relaxing in front of a fire in the fireplace is a little piece of Heaven.
You can enjoy that comfort, along with convenience and ease of use, with ventless gas fireplace installation from Kimlin Energy!
Enjoy the convenience of a ventless propane gas fireplace, also known as an unvented or vent-free one. It operates with propane that is supplied to its specially designed burner located inside the hearth. This type of efficient yet nearly exhaust-free system works similarly to your kitchen’s own gas stove and was created for optimal comfort in your home.
Ignite the flames and witness them move gracefully between the faux ceramic fiber logs as they create the enchanting ambiance of a real wood-burning fireplace.
The ventless gas fireplace log set is the ultimate in ease and convenience. No need for external ventilation – simply install it in your wall or open area and bask in all the warmth and ambiance of having your own hearth! With this self-contained system, you can enjoy an efficient heating solution with minimal fuss. If you want to replace an old, wood-burning fireplace without having to worry about chimney maintenance, then ventless propane gas fireplaces are the perfect option. Not only will they give your home a warm and cozy ambience, but they also don’t require any additional upkeep!
If you’re looking to maximize your heating efficiency, a ventless gas fireplace is the perfect choice for you! Unlike vented fireplaces that rely on external vents and can lose heat up the flue, ventless fireplaces keep all generated warmth within the living space. This means no wasted money on fuel. Every bit of energy ends up where it should be: in keeping your home warm.
Ventless gas fireplaces can be installed virtually anywhere in your home, making it a great option to create the perfect ambiance. Picture yourself snuggling up with your spouse next to a romantic fireplace in the bedroom or having a warm Christmas atmosphere as you hang stockings and bask in its warmth while spending quality time with family members in the living room. The possibilities for enhancing your home are endless!
Ventless propane gas fireplaces can bring you more warmth than a wood-burning fireplace. Did you know that 90% of the heat made by a traditional wooden fireplace is wasted, going up the chimney and not heating your home? Ventless propane gas fireplaces get your home warm in no time!
Propane fireplaces are incredibly safe and easy to use. With a simple switch or remote, you can instantly ignite the flame without having to mess with matches or wait for kindling to catch! To ensure your safety even further, all ventless fireplaces come equipped with built-in carbon monoxide detectors that will automatically shut off if there is an increase of CO2 in the room.
Get cozy comfort with a propane fireplace or hearth from Kimlin Energy! Contact us today to get started.
While shoveling your driveway and walkways after a winter storm or Nor’easter is far from being an enjoyable duty, it is still necessary.
This is because if our Kimlin Energy delivery truck drivers are unable to travel your driveway safely or access your propane and heating oil tank, we cannot provide you with a necessary heating oil delivery or propane delivery.
To ensure the safe delivery of fuel, we kindly request that customers clear their driveways to a width of at least 10 feet. This will allow for our delivery truck drivers to navigate your driveway safely.
Sloping driveways can be a challenge for our heavy trucks but sanding or salting it before we arrive will make the delivery much easier. This simple technique is an easy way to keep your driveway accessible and safe for all vehicles using it.
To ensure reliable access to your household’s heating oil or propane, a pathway of at least one foot wide must be cleared between the driveway and the fuel tank or fill line location. If you hire someone for snow removal, be sure to alert them about the exact location of your tank or fill line so that their plowing doesn’t create an obstruction with large piles of snow.
Make sure your delivery driver can find their way to filling your fuel tank by placing a tall, flag-topped pole or large ribbon next to your heating oil or propane tank, or fill line.
If you’re planning a winter vacation, it’s essential that you set up arrangements for snow and ice removal beforehand in the event of a required heating oil or propane delivery while away.
If you have an outdoor heating oil tank or an aboveground propane tank, use a broom after each snowfall to sweep away the accumulation of snow. Never attempt to clear it with a shovel as this might cause harm to the tank or its components.
Heavy snowfall can cause a great deal of pressure on your tank, which could result in cracks or even misalignments. This can cause leaks that could become dangerous.
Keeping your tank clear is especially important if you have propane. This is because propane starts to shrink as temperatures and the pressure in your tank may lower so that it cannot reach your home’s gas burners. Clearing away any snow or ice covering on top of the tank allows sunlight to warm up the propane inside, keeping it at a proper level of pressure. If snow accumulates on your propane tank, it can hinder the warming process and impede the flow of fuel to heat your home.
If you’re an Automatic Delivery customer and planning to escape the cold winter chill for more than just a couple of weeks, please let us know. We understand that getting away is important, but we want to make sure your fuel supply isn’t interrupted while you are away! By providing us with information that you are away, our calculations on when to deliver fuel to your home will be more accurate. This is because they are based in part on your fuel usage history. If we know you’re away, we can prevent any unnecessary deliveries while you’re gone.
Get the most reliable heating oil and propane delivery in the Hudson Valley. Become a Kimlin Energy customer today!
The average lifespan of a standard storage tank water heater is 10 to 12 years. If your own water heater is getting close to or has already reached that age, start planning to replace it now.
At Kimlin Energy, we know how to take care of your water heater so that you don’t have to. Whether you need a water heater installation, some maintenance work, or repairs, our team is always here to help for an affordable price. Plus, with one of our affordable service plans, you can rest easy knowing that your new water heater will be properly maintained and protected against potential future issues.
Let’s run through the three main types of water heaters on the market.
A tank water heater stores and heats a lot of water so it’s readily available whenever you need it. The pipe on top of the tank transports hot water to where it’s needed, like the dishwasher, shower, or washing machine.
A great way to reduce your energy expenses is by replacing an old tank water heater with a new one. Today’s tank water heaters offer great energy efficiency, and are low-cost and simple to set up, making them favored among many homeowners.
A tank water heater stores all the hot water your home uses at a given time. It has to heat and reheat the water throughout the day so that you always have access to hot water. That uses a lot of energy.
A tankless water heater heats water only when you need it, rather than heating an entire tank of water all day and night. This provides never-ending hot water without any concern for how much is in the tank.
With a tankless water heater, you could potentially lower your water heating energy costs by 40%. This would be significant since water heating usually amounts to 20% of the energy costs.
Tankless water heaters are built to last, with a lifespan of 20 years or more – twice as long as traditional tank water heaters.
These types of water heating systems use your home’s heating system to heat your water.
Though indirect water heating systems are quite energy efficient -especially during winter – they must be connected to your home’s pre-existing heating system. This makes installation more expensive than with other types of water heaters.
Rather than have your old water heater fail and potentially cause damage in your home, it’s best to proactively replace it before it fails. This gives you the opportunity to research which type of water heater would be best for your family and budget.
Checking your water heater regularly can save you from future headaches caused by water heater failure as there are often warning signs before complete malfunction. If you see any of the following, give Kimlin Energy a call so we can send someone over for a service call.
A new water heater would be a gift that keeps on giving in the form of comfort and energy efficiency. Contact Kimlin Energy today to get started!
Recently, there has been a push for using electricity as our main energy source in powering homes instead of relying on other sources. This would include using it for heating and water heating.
These people believe that all-electric homes are more environmentally friendly, but this way of thinking is inaccurate and could have negative impacts on our finances as well as our quality of life.
Kimlin Energy not only offers dependable propane delivery but also expert propane appliance installation too so that you can use propane to keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable. Let’s review some of the many advantages propane has over electricity.
Propane-powered appliances are not only more energy efficient but also cost less to operate than electric ones. A propane water heater, for example, can heat water faster and at a lower cost than an electric one. In addition, you are able to dry your laundry in 25% less time with a propane clothes dryer.
Even though people think of electricity as cleaner than propane, it actually is not. In fact, coal-fired power plants produce half of the electricity in the United States and damage the environment. They cause smog and acid rain while also being one of the leading drivers of greenhouse gas emissions in America. However, propane is much cleaner because it creates close to zero greenhouse gas emissions!
Up to 60% of electricity is wasted because power lines are not very good at conducting it. This means that, for every unit of electricity that reaches your home from the power plant, three units of source energy have been used up. Coal-fired power plants produce most of our electricity and burning coal releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Propane tanks store propane near where it will be used so there is little loss of energy as it travels from tank to appliance.
The Department of Energy reports that propane home heating is more affordable than electricity in recent years. Additionally, a propane furnace heats air hotter (between 130° and 140° Fahrenheit) than an electric one does (usually only up to 98.6°), so you’ll feel the difference in better warmth!
Propane fireplaces have several advantages over electric models. Propane flames give off a more natural and realistic appearance, they heat spaces faster and cost less to operate in the long run. These factors are important when consumers are making their decision.
Propane is a more reliable form of energy than electricity because it will never let you down. If you have a propane tank right on your property, you won’t need to worry about losing power and not being able to cook. With a whole-house backup generator fueled by propane, you’ll be able to keep the lights on and your house comfortable and secure during a power outage.
By investing in a propane furnace, you will receive a stronger return on your investment as they last 5 to 10 years longer than electric heat pumps. Additionally, propane furnaces are less expensive to maintain than heat pumps because they have fewer moving parts. Lastly, propane water heaters could save you $175 per year on average for your water heating costs.
Propane makes many appliances around your home better. Cooking with propane allows you to have more control over the temperature, so your food comes out perfect every time. Propane is also great for tankless water heaters because you’ll always have access to hot water on demand. Compared to electric models, propane pool and spa heaters heat up much faster, making them more efficient and better because you don’t have to wait to enjoy a dip.
Get the best propane delivery and service in the Hudson Valley. Become a Kimlin Energy customer today!
Many businesses in the Hudson Valley depend on diesel fuel to power their vehicles and equipment, including:
Though they utilize diesel fuel in various ways, all businesses need a dependable diesel delivery company they can put their trust into. For plenty of those businesses, that company is Kimlin Energy!
Kimlin Energy not only delivers diesel to businesses and filling stations but also to schools and local municipalities. We have a large fleet of delivery vehicles that allows us to provide prompt and responsive service to our customers as well as quality fuel at a competitive price!
If you are new to diesel fuels, we have put together some basic information about diesel and how it’s used.
In the United States, most diesel fuel is distilled from crude oil at petroleum refineries and is ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which has 15 parts per million (PPM) or less of sulfur.
The U.S. produced 1.63 billion barrels (68.35 billion gallons) of ULSD in 2021.
Rudolf Diesel invented the compression ignition engine in the 19th century. His invention was revolutionary for its superior thermal efficiency. Diesel fuel derived its name from him.
On-road and off-road diesel differ only in how they are used; there are no chemical differences.
Diesel that is used for vehicles driven on public roads, like trucks, buses, and shuttles, is classified as on-road diesel. Therefore, the federal excise tax applies to it.
Off-road diesel is a type of fuel used in non-transportation equipment, like agricultural vehicles, backhoes, and bulldozers. Since off-road diesel is not used for transportation purposes, it does not have an excise tax.
While on-road diesel is not dyed, off-road diesel is infused with a red dye to prevent it from being used for on-road vehicles. By doing this, it prevents drivers from trying to avoid the excise tax. Penalties for using off-road diesel for on-road use include steep fines for each offense. In New York, the penalty is $10 per gallon or $1,000 per violation.
Diesel fuel isn’t just for big transport trucks; it has plenty of other purposes.
In the event of a power outage, diesel-powered standby generators provide backup electricity to keep lights on and running medical equipment operational in many area hospitals, health care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutions.
Government agencies utilize diesel to power school buses, snowplows and road maintenance vehicles and equipment.
Agriculture is a major industry in the Hudson Valley, led by dairy farms, apple orchards, and vineyards. More than 15% of the land here is farmland. Diesel tractors and other equipment are vital for our local farms. They use it to help with planting and harvesting operations, as well as bring their goods to market.
Kimlin Energy is the Hudson Valley’s leader for reliable diesel fuel services. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
There’s been some lovely fall weather lately here in the Hudson Valley, but each day brings us closer to a winter that is forecast to be colder and snowier than normal.
Kimlin Energy is here to make sure that your furnace is up to the task of keeping your home warm, safe, and comfortable this winter with our expert furnace installation, maintenance, and repair services. We also like to make sure our customers are informed about how their furnace operates and offer tips that may be able to help solve common furnace problems without the expense of a furnace repair call.
It’s perfectly normal to worry if your furnace isn’t providing any heat to your home. But don’t panic. There may be a simple solution that will swiftly have the heat back in your home.
First, go to your thermostat and check that it’s on and set to “Heat.” If it is, turn the thermostat up at least five degrees from the current temperature in your house. If the furnace doesn’t kick on, go to your home’s circuit breaker, and see if the circuit for the furnace was tripped. If it was, turn it back on and see what happens. If the furnace still isn’t producing heat, contact us for a service call.
If your furnace is running but not really getting the house warm, the problem may be your air filter. A dirty, clogged air filter is a common culprit when it comes to poor furnace performance. Check it and change if needed.
From now on, check your furnace’s air filter once a month and change it when it’s dirty. Do this more frequently if you have pets, as dander and fur can accumulate in the filter.
Your furnace cycling on and off a lot is another problem where a dirty air filter may be behind the issue. If your air filter is clean, this indicates a problem with the blower. Contact us for a service call.
By the way, another indication that there’s a problem with the blower is if it keeps running even if the air is at your set temperature.
Uneven heating in rooms or your home may be a simple problem to solve. Go around your home and check the vents. Make sure that they are open. Then, check for any obstacles such as draperies, furniture, and other objects that are blocking the heated air from freely circulating. Move those and see if that helps.
This one is an easy problem to solve! Kimlin Energy offers affordable service plans for your furnace that protect your wallet in multiple ways.
Each of our service plans includes an annual maintenance tune-up for your furnace. Our skilled and experienced service technicians will thoroughly clean and tune-up your furnace so that it runs smoothly and at its best efficiency this winter. During the tune-up, the service technicians are able to spot and fix problems before they get worse and reduce your furnace’s efficiency and performance or, worse, cause a breakdown. This saves you from potentially big repair costs.
Another way service plans protect you is that they include a guaranteed 20% discount on repairs. We show up with a fully-stocked repair truck. Those repairs, which only are done with new parts and professional testing equipment, are covered by a one-year warranty. You also get priority 24/7 no-heat emergency service.
Kimlin Energy provides expert furnace services. Contact us if your furnace needs repair. Don’t forget to ask about our service plans!