The volatile fluctuations in gasoline prices in recent years have been a significant source of worry for both consumers and businesses alike.
Despite its higher price point, diesel fuel often goes unnoticed. However, it plays a crucial role in our economy, supporting fleets that transport goods and serving as a staple in various industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. Municipalities heavily rely on diesel to power an array of vehicles and equipment, from school buses to snowplows. Even our own propane and heating oil delivery trucks depend on the power of diesel.
If your business relies on diesel fuels, you are likely feeling the strain of high diesel prices. While these increased costs aren’t easy, there’s no getting around the day-to-day expense of using diesel fuel.
Harness the power of Kimlin Energy’s top-tier diesel fuel services to take control of your business expenses. Our comprehensive on-road and off-road diesel solutions provide the ideal solution for cost management, ensuring maximum efficiency and savings.
Production costs: Since 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented increasingly stringent sulfur regulations for diesel fuel to reduce emissions. This phase-in was completed by 2014. According to the new standards, diesel fuel must now contain no more than 15 parts per million of sulfur, a significant decrease from the previous 5,000 ppm. While this change is highly beneficial for air quality and the environment, it has also impacted the refining costs of diesel fuel.
Demand: Diesel serves as a vital fuel source for various industries, including transportation and construction. However, it is worth noting that the production output of diesel is relatively lower compared to gasoline. While approximately 19 to 20 gallons of gasoline can be obtained from a barrel of crude oil, only 11 to 12 gallons of diesel can be extracted. Despite this disparity, the demand for diesel remains consistently high across all sectors.
Taxes: In the United States, the disparity in taxes between diesel and gasoline fuel is evident. While gasoline is subject to a federal excise tax of 18.4 cents per gallon, diesel fuel bears a significantly higher tax rate of 24.4 cents per gallon. Furthermore, individual states impose their own taxes on diesel fuel.
If you oversee a fleet of diesel-powered vehicles and equipment, you understand the critical role it plays in your budget. Ensuring the successful execution of all tasks leaves no room for subpar or unreliable diesel fuel delivery and service.
Although Kimlin Energy cannot control production costs, taxes, and diesel demand that influence pricing, our cost-effective diesel fuel services can enhance your business’s efficiency and productivity, helping it thrive. Ultimately, this will have a positive impact on your bottom line.
At our company, we highly cherish our partnerships and believe in offering more than just competitive prices. Our commitment is to deliver real value to our commercial customers. With our hassle-free service, we provide bulk diesel fuel delivery directly to your business premises or job site. Experience convenience and reliability, all in one package.
As a local business, we are dedicated to providing personalized and efficient diesel fuel services, setting us apart from larger national companies. Whether you need an emergency delivery to meet demand or simply want to adjust your delivery schedule, you can rely on us for prompt and reliable service.
With diesel fuel services from Kimlin Energy, your business will always have the diesel fuel it needs. Contact us today for a consultation.
Your home’s boiler — like your water heater, roof, refrigerator and automobile — is built to last for a long time, but it won’t last forever. And as with those other essential items, a failing boiler can seriously impact your life. You can’t get by without one for very long.
With over 40 years of ensuring the comfort of households in the Hudson Valley, the Kimlin Energy team knows a thing or two about boiler maintenance and when a boiler has reached the end of its service life.
Today’s boilers typically last around 15 years with proper maintenance. If you take especially good care of your boiler, it might last over 20 years. Older boilers can last longer. In fact, our technicians have seen cast iron boilers that have been in operation for 50 years.
That’s pretty impressive — but there comes a time when you should consider replacing an older boiler.
The longer your boiler has been in service, the more its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) will have deteriorated. The AFUE rating tells you how much of the fuel your boiler consumes goes to heating your home. It’s comparable to your car’s miles-per-gallon metric.
If your boiler is over 20 years old, you might get an AFUE of 60% or lower. Roughly half of every dollar you spend on oil or propane is going right out your flue or chimney!
Now, consider that today’s high-efficiency boilers have AFUE ratings close to 90% for heating oil and approaching 100% for gas. Improving your fuel efficiency that much will considerably lower your annual energy costs, quickly defraying the upgrade expense.
You also need to account for your older equipment’s increasing maintenance and repair costs. Eventually, the expense of keeping your old system running will approach a boiler replacement cost.
As long as you arrange annual boiler maintenance, you can be confident that your system is operating safely. A licensed HVAC technician like a Kimlin team member will ensure your boiler is burning fuel and venting combustion products safely.
That’s not to say you can’t get more peace of mind with a boiler update. Today’s boilers have safety features that automatically shut down their burners if there’s a safety issue. Older products may not have these mechanisms.
One way to safeguard the efficiency, safety and reliability of your boiler is with a Preferred Oil & Propane Plan. Our service plans include complimentary annual maintenance, discounts on parts and repairs, and 24/7 priority emergency service. In short, this coverage limits your liability in case of a breakdown while also ensuring your equipment gets the care and attention it needs to work efficiently for years to come.
If you’re interested in enrolling in a Kimlin Preferred Plan or need to arrange maintenance for your boiler, please contact our team.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to replace your home’s water heater, you might be pondering over the best choice for your needs.
Energy efficiency is a critical factor to consider as you’re shopping for a new water heater for your Hudson Valley home. At Kimlin Energy, we specialize in the expert propane water heater installation and service. Trust us to provide you with top-notch solutions that prioritize both performance and sustainability.
First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge that propane provides a significantly higher heating capacity in comparison to electricity. A single gallon of propane can generate an impressive 91,500 Btu’s of heat energy. Now, how does this translate to the production of hot water?
A smaller propane unit can provide an equal amount of hot water compared with an electric water heater. For instance, a 40-gallon propane water heater can produce 70 gallons of water within the first hour of use, whereas a 50-gallon electric water heater would be required to achieve the same outcome.
Propane water heaters have experienced significant advancements in technology, resulting in the elimination of heat loss. The industry-leading high-efficiency condensing units now offer remarkably swift recovery times. These improvements not only enhance performance but also contribute to superior comfort.
For instance, if you have a 100,000-Btu condensing unit, your 50-gallon water heater tank will be completely heated within 20 minutes. This means that you can confidently take a shower just 10 minutes after someone else has finished, without any concerns about running out of hot water.
Although propane water heaters may come with a higher price tag compared to their electric counterparts, the cost savings associated with using propane for water heating are significant. In cold climate zones like our Hudson Valley service area, research conducted by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) reveals that propane storage tank units have annual costs that are 10% lower than electric units. This makes propane an economical and efficient choice for heating water.
A PERC study conducted a comparison between homes using electric and propane water heaters. The findings revealed that households utilizing the propane option saved more than $350 per year! This demonstrates the significant cost savings associated with choosing propane as an efficient water heating solution, and how your investment pays off over time.
When it comes to propane water heaters, you have two choices available. Whichever option you decide on for your water heater replacement, rest assured that you’ll enjoy exceptional comfort while also reaping substantial savings on your energy bills.
Tankless water heaters – Optimize your home’s comfort and energy efficiency with a propane tankless water heater. Investing in this wise choice ensures maximum coziness and cost-effectiveness. Experience ultimate comfort and enjoy the benefits of enhanced energy efficiency with this excellent option.
Upgrading to a propane tankless water heater is a fantastic way to save money. On average, 20% of your home’s energy costs are attributed to water heating, making it a significant factor in your energy bills. By investing in a propane tankless water heater, you can lower your utility bills while enjoying an endless supply of hot water whenever needed. Moreover, these models are designed to last for at least two decades! By switching to this cost-effective solution, not only will you save energy but also save money.
The propane tankless water heater, compact and highly efficient, offers an excellent solution for smaller spaces. With a size no larger than a typical suitcase, it can be easily installed in laundry rooms or closets. Discover the convenience and efficiency of this space-saving solution and elevate your experience!
Storage tank water heaters -Propane water heaters with tanks outperform their electric counterparts in terms of efficiency and offer a wide range of additional benefits.
When selecting a water heater, it is vital to consider factors such as energy efficiency and comfort. However, the budget ultimately plays the determining role. Although conventional storage water heaters are more cost-effective and simpler to install compared to tankless ones, they still provide remarkable energy efficiency and contribute to reducing your energy expenses.
Trust Kimlin Energy to keep the hot water flowing in your home! Contact us today to learn more about our water heater installation and service, along with our affordable service plans.
Time is money in construction and renovation projects. Cold weather halting work on a project can result in a domino effect of delays. The potential unavailability of tradespeople thanks to these delays exacerbates the setbacks, further impeding progress.
Temporary heating enables you to maintain your schedule by ensuring that jobs can be completed more efficiently, while also providing a safe and comfortable work environment.
Kimlin Energy is the Hudson Valley’s leader for temporary heating services. We offer comprehensive service, supplying the heaters, lines, hoses, and regulators, along with the propane to fuel them. We’ll go over the needs of your project and come up with a temporary heating plan customized to meet those needs. Our on-call and next-day service guarantees that your job sites will be consistently warm and secure.
Temporary heating provides not only comfort and safety for your employees but also invaluable support for specific projects or materials. We’ve listed below several ways in which temporary heating can facilitate the progress of your construction or renovation project, ensuring it remains on schedule. By doing so, it safeguards not only your business’s bottom line but also that of your subcontractors.
Start by assessing the precise heating needs of your construction project. Consider factors such as project size, duration, and the type of construction work involved, such as electrical, plumbing, metalwork, drywall, and painting.
Select the ideal propane heaters that best match the specific requirements of your project. Consider the following options for propane heaters:
Direct-fired propane heaters: These heaters are highly effective at warming expansive areas and are renowned for their rapid heating abilities.
Indirect-fired propane heaters: Perfect for indoor use, these heaters offer clean and dry air, making them ideal for areas with limited ventilation. It is crucial to prioritize proper ventilation to avoid the accumulation of harmful gases and ensure optimal indoor air quality.
Propane radiant heaters: Incorporating infrared heat technology, these heaters are an excellent option for targeted spot heating in specific areas.
In addition to workspaces being heated, it is crucial to provide designated warm break areas equipped with temporary heating equipment. Cold workers not only experience reduced productivity but are also at risk of cold-related illnesses. By maintaining warmer temperatures, morale remains high, and workers can focus on their tasks, minimizing downtime.
Now is the time to plan your temporary heating for your projects this winter. Contact the experts at Kimlin Energy today to set up a consultation.
If you are new to propane in your Hudson Valley home, you may be wondering how much propane it needs.
Kimlin Energy is here to help! We are the Hudson Valley’s leader in reliable propane delivery as well as propane tank installation and leasing, and propane equipment installation and service.
We’ve put together some information that will help you gain a better understanding of propane usage and how our Automatic Delivery makes life easier.
How much propane will you use over the course of a year? It depends.
Several factors contribute to your annual propane consumption, such as the size and number of appliances, your preferences for home heating and water heating, the size and insulation of your home, the severity of the winter, and more.
However, it is useful to have a reference point for “typical” propane usage when it comes to estimating how much propane your home will use. To assist you in estimating your propane consumption at home, here is a concise guide that provides a sense of how much propane you might use.
| Application | Average propane use |
|---|---|
| Whole-house heating | 800 -1200 gallons (Based on a 2,200-square-foot home) |
| Cooking only | 50 gallons |
| Cooking and clothes drying | 50 – 100 gallons |
| Water heating | 300 – 400 gallons |
| Pool and spa heating | Varies based on heating preference, pool size, weather, etc. |
Your life is busy, managing your home, your family, your work, and other interests. Managing your home’s propane supply is another important task.
Kimlin Energy’s Automatic Delivery option takes that task off your to-do list! You no longer need to go outside in the cold or wet to check your propane tank gauge levels or contact us when you need more propane. And you are set free from the worry over forgetting to do one or both of those tasks and needing an emergency propane delivery. That comes with added expense and hassle, as you are responsible for not only the added cost of an emergency delivery, but also for the costs of a mandated propane tank pressure test and a professional service technician re-lighting the pilots on all your home’s propane appliances.
Our computer algorithms analyze your propane usage history, along with current temperature and weather patterns, to accurately predict when your propane tank will reach 30% capacity. Using this data, we schedule a convenient delivery time for you, ensuring you never run out of gas. You can sit back and relax, as we take care of everything!
To ensure accurate calculation of your Automatic Delivery service, we rely on your propane usage history. It is crucial that you inform us of any factors that might affect your propane needs. For instance, if you frequently travel or extend your trips, experience changes in household occupancy, or introduce new propane appliances. Your cooperation will enable us to provide the best possible service tailored to your requirements.
With dependable propane delivery and service from Kimlin Energy, you can enjoy all the comfort, efficiency, and amenities propane has to offer your Hudson Valley home! Become a customer today.
At Kimlin Energy, we give our customers fair, competitive, and transparent heating oil prices. What we also give is value: For that price, you also get dependable heating oil delivery and expert equipment services from a local business that has been serving the Hudson Valley for more than 40 years.
We can also help you convert your home to propane for heating, water heating, gas cooking, and more!
Although heating oil prices experienced significant highs last winter, it is important to acknowledge that they are subject to fluctuation. During periods of moderate and stable prices, people are generally satisfied with lower bills. However, when prices suddenly increase, consumers become curious about the factors that influence heating oil prices and seek to understand the reasons behind these fluctuations.
Here are some things that affect how much you pay for your heating oil.
Crude oil pricing. Heating oil is derived from crude oil, and as such, the price of heating oil is greatly influenced by the price of crude oil. Since crude oil is a commodity, its value is determined by the laws of supply and demand. Consequently, any factors that impact the global economy or the supply of crude oil will ultimately affect the cost of heating your home.
Seasonal supply and demand: Heating oil prices tend to rise during the winter months when demand is high. Conversely, in the summer, heating oil prices hit their lowest point. At Kimlin Energy, we strive to procure supplies during the summer when prices are at their most favorable, allowing us to pass on those savings to you.
Operating costs. The price of heating oil is influenced by various factors, including labor costs, transportation expenses, and storage costs. Like other businesses and industries, these factors impact the overall pricing. For instance, when gasoline and diesel prices increase, it results in higher costs for the delivery of heating oil supplies, the operation of the trucks used for transportation, and our equipment service vehicles.
Weather. Did you know that the Northeast region is the largest consumer of heating oil, accounting for 90% of the nation’s usage? This means that what happens here can directly affect your heating oil prices. The primary factor influencing prices is the weather. During extremely cold winters, demand rises, leading to an increase in heating oil prices.
The common way of managing heating oil costs is to pay upon each delivery. However, this can create some big bills in the winter when you have other large expenses like the holidays, tuition payments, and tax bills.
Kimlin Energy offers several pricing and payment plans that let you manage your heating oil expenses in a way that best suits your household. Let’s go over them.
E-Z Pay Advantage: With this convenient plan, your heating oil costs are evenly distributed over 12 monthly payments. This allows you to have a clear understanding of your monthly bill, making it easier to manage your expenses and budget effectively.
Price Cap: You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the price per gallon for your heating oil remains fixed, regardless of market fluctuations. Say goodbye to worries about sudden price spikes – we’ve got you covered with Price Cap!
Prebuy: You have the opportunity to purchase your heating oil in advance of heating season when prices tend to be lower. By agreeing to buy the exact amount of gallons you’ll need for the entire heating season, you lock in that price.
If you are struggling to pay your heating oil bills, don’t let fear or pride stop you from getting help. We’ll work with you, so you don’t fall behind on payments. You can also contact your local Home Energy Assistance Program.
Get reliable heating oil delivery and great service from Kimlin Energy! Become a customer today.
Heating system problems often happen due to sludge in the heating oil tank. Sludge is a mix of dirt, rust, and old fuel that looks thick and dark. It can clog filters, making your heating system work harder to produce heat, resulting in lower efficiency and higher energy expenses.
If you don’t take care of sludge buildup in your heating system, it can cause blockages and reduce its efficiency. Eventually, it might even block the furnace or boiler supply line, which could cause your heating system to stop working and leave you without heat. It can be costly to repair.
Heating oil sludge also causes problems for your heating oil tank. Accumulated sludge in your heating oil tank can lead to corrosion and tank failure, resulting in expensive emergency tank replacements and the need for remediation of any spilled heating oil.
During the spring and summer, if you don’t fill your heating oil tank completely, moisture may condense on the exposed inner wall of the tank. This denser water will then move down to the tank’s bottom. Eventually, bacteria and microorganisms will turn the water into sediment and sludge, causing corrosion in your tank.
For proper maintenance of your tank and to avoid expensive repairs, it’s advisable to engage a waste-oil contractor for safe and efficient sludge removal. The contractor will promptly drain your tank to enhance its performance.
Nothing lasts forever, including your heating oil tank. If you are concerned about your oil tank, Kimlin Energy offers expert oil tank replacement.
Today’s heating oil tanks are dramatically different than the ones installed just a few decades ago. Many modern tanks feature weld-free construction, double walls, an interior tank made of a composite material that does not rust, and anti-corrosive coatings.
Get an annual tune-up of your oil-fired heating system. Our service plans, which are reasonably priced, offer an annual maintenance check by our proficient and knowledgeable technicians at Kimlin Energy. They perform a thorough check to identify and address any problems related to sludge and prevent any future issues. Additionally, our service plans include discounts on parts and labor costs associated with heating system repairs.
Inspect your heating oil tank regularly. To avoid problems, be vigilant for signs of wear and tear on your aging heating oil tank such as rust, minor holes, or moisture on the exterior following an oil delivery. It’s advisable to arrange for tank replacement if it’s older than 20 years.
Keep your tank full year-round. To avoid condensation, we recommend scheduling a heating oil delivery in the spring. This will not only safeguard your tank but also eliminate concerns about the amount of heating oil available in case of an unexpected cold spell in the autumn.
With dependable heating oil delivery and heating oil tank installation and service, Kimlin Energy will help you keep your home warm and comfortable. Become a customer today!
Your water heater plays not only a major role in your home’s function and comfort, but in your energy costs as well.
Heating water makes up approximately 20% of your annual energy costs. Keeping your water heater running at its peak performance and energy efficiency is good for your family, home, and bank account.
This is why regular, professional water heater maintenance from Kimlin Energy is essential.
Most homes have a conventional storage water heater with a tank. Regular maintenance is needed to help protect the tank and extend its life expectancy. Here are some tasks that are done during water heater maintenance.
Pressure relief valve test – The relief valve is designed to open automatically if there is too much pressure in the tank and close when the pressure is back to normal. A bucket is placed under the discharge pipe and the pressure relief valve is slowly opened. If it does not release water when the valve is opened, the valve needs to be replaced.
Check anode rod and change as needed – The anode rod in your tank draws minerals and other impurities to it, keeping it from the interior walls of your tank. This helps prevent tank corrosion and extends your water heater’s life expectancy. Eventually, the rod corrodes away and needs to be replaced.
Inspecting and replacing the rod if needed is a critical part of a water heater tune-up.
Insulate tank and pipes – If you have not insulated your water heater tank and pipes, now is the time to do so. This not only keeps the heat inside the tank and pipes better to improve energy efficiency, but it prevents the buildup of condensation on the outside of the tank in warmer weather, helping to prevent corrosion.
Bleed tank – Sediment frequently develops at the bottom of the water heater tank and, if left there, can lead to corrosion of the tank from the inside out. Draining the tank of a few gallons or until the water coming out runs clear helps your tank last longer and keep your water heater running efficiently.
Sometimes, a small repair may be all you need to keep your water going. However, there are also times where it’s not a good idea. Here are some things to consider.
The age of your water heater – If your water heater is older than 10 years, you should start thinking about getting a replacement since storage-type water last between 10 and 12 years. To determine the age of your water heater, use the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker. The first letter in it corresponds to its month of production. The first two numbers are the year it was made. That means if the serial number on your water heater is J134936527, “J” is the tenth letter in the alphabet and corresponds to October, the tenth month of the year. The “13” stands for the year. That indicates that the water heater was manufactured in October of 2013.
Problems with your water heater – To avoid water heater failure, it’s important to regularly check your water heater for signs of trouble. If you notice any of the following signs: contact Kimlin Energy immediately for a service call.
For expert water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement services, you can’t beat Kimlin Energy! Contact us for all your home’s water heating needs.
Kimlin Energy is a reliable provider of diesel fuel for various businesses with different fuel usage needs. They provide personal and responsive service to their clients.
We offer bulk diesel delivery for both on-road and off-road vehicles to businesses, municipalities, filling stations, and school districts across the Hudson Valley. Our fleet of delivery vehicles is extensive, and we provide quality fuel at the most competitive prices in the area.
Many businesses in the Hudson Valley depend on diesel fuel for carrying out vital tasks, such as:
We have compiled some fundamental facts about diesel fuel and its usage that may be helpful if you are a newcomer to this subject.
Diesel fuel is a type of distillate fuel. In the United States, most diesel fuel is produced from refined 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.
The name “diesel” is derived from Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the compression ignition engine during the 19th century. This invention was a gamechanger due to its exceptional thermal efficiency.
There are no chemical distinctions between the two types of diesel fuels, and the only difference lies in their usage.
On-road diesel refers to diesel fuel used in vehicles that operate on public roads, including cars, trucks, buses, and shuttles. As it falls under this classification, on-road diesel is subject to federal excise tax.
Off-road diesel is a type of fuel utilized in non-transportation machines like agricultural vehicles, backhoes, bulldozers, and diesel generators. Since it is not being used for transportation purposes, no excise tax is applicable to off-road diesel.
Off-road diesel is given a red dye to distinguish it from on-road diesel. This is done to stop people from using it in their on-road vehicles to evade the excise tax. The penalty for such misuse is hefty fines for each offense. For instance, in New York, the minimum fine is $10 per gallon or $1,000 per violation.
Diesel fuel has multiple uses beyond powering large transportation trucks.
Many hospitals, health care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutions rely on diesel-powered standby generators to provide emergency backup power. This helps ensure that lights stay on, HVAC systems keep running, and lifesaving medical equipment remains operational.
Diesel is used by municipal, regional, and state government agencies to fuel school buses, snowplows, and road maintenance vehicles.
Local farms heavily rely on diesel tractors and equipment for their agricultural operations such as preparing the land for planting and harvesting crops.
Count on Kimlin Energy for customized, dependable diesel fuel delivery and service. Get in touch with us today for a consultation.
Due to the strict regulations imposed by the government and the commitment of companies like Kimlin Energy, propane maintains an excellent safety record.
It’s important to know how to use propane safely at home, including what to do in the event of a leak, even though leaks are rare. We’ve provided some common topics to help you better understand propane safety.
Regularly scheduling maintenance with a professional service technician for all your propane appliances is vital in order to prevent propane leaks. During a tune-up, a propane service technician will conduct an extensive examination of your appliances and address any gas leak problems found.
It is advisable to increase your home’s safety by purchasing propane leak detectors and positioning them near your propane appliances such as stoves, fireplaces, and water heaters. Bear in mind that you should place the detectors at a lower level than the pillows on your bed since propane gas is denser than air.
It’s important to install both carbon monoxide detectors and propane leak detectors in your home as they cannot detect each other. Carbon monoxide detectors can’t detect propane leaks while propane leak detectors can’t detect carbon monoxide leaks.
When it comes to propane safety, this is the most important thing you should learn.
Propane doesn’t have a natural smell. To make it easier for people to detect leaks quickly, manufacturers add an odorant such as ethyl mercaptan, which creates a noticeable smell.
If you notice pungent smell reminiscent of the scent of rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray in your home, it is highly probable that this is due to a propane gas leak.
To remain calm during an emergency, it’s important to follow these safety guidelines provided below and avoid panicking. Do not attempt to locate the source of the smell by yourself; let the professionals handle the situation. Instead, prioritize your safety and that of others.
Let’s go over the steps you should take if you smell a distinct rotten-egg/skunky odor that indicates a propane leak.
Evacuate the house immediately and make sure to bring your pets along with you.
Please refrain from using any objects that may produce sparks, such as light switches, telephones, or vape pens, when exiting the house.
If you have any questions about the safe use of propane in your home, please contact Kimlin Energy and we’ll be happy to help.