When winter temperatures drop across Ohio Michigan and Indiana, your home's heating system starts working overtime. If your home relies on propane for heat, you may notice your tank level dropping faster as the weather gets colder.
While increased propane consumption is a normal part of winter, there are several ways to help your fuel last longer without sacrificing the comfort of your home.
At Baker's Propane, we believe that helping our customers use propane efficiently is just as important as keeping their tanks filled. Here are 10 practical ways to get more out of every gallon this winter.
1. Lower Your Thermostat Just a Few Degrees
One of the easiest ways to reduce propane consumption is to make a small adjustment to your thermostat.
Even lowering the temperature by a couple of degrees can reduce the amount of time your furnace needs to operate.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends starting around 68°F to 70°F while you're home and awake, then adjusting based on your comfort.
Try these simple adjustments:
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Lower the temperature when everyone is sleeping.
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Turn the thermostat down while you're away from home.
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Use a programmable or smart thermostat to make automatic adjustments.
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Avoid overheating rooms that don't need to be quite as warm.
According to the Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by 7°F to 10°F for eight hours a day can save as much as 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.
Just remember to maintain a safe indoor temperature to protect your plumbing, pets, and anyone remaining at home.
2. Stop Heat From Escaping Through Windows and Doors
Your furnace can only do so much if warm air is constantly escaping your home.
Small gaps around windows, doors, and other openings allow cold air inside while letting heated air escape. This forces your propane furnace to run longer to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Fortunately, many of these problems are inexpensive to correct.
Simple ways to reduce heat loss include:
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Install weatherstripping around exterior doors.
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Apply caulk to gaps around window frames.
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Use draft stoppers along the bottoms of doors.
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Close curtains or blinds at night to reduce heat loss.
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Open curtains on sunny days to take advantage of natural warmth.
You don't need to completely remodel your home to see a difference. Addressing even a few drafty areas can make your living space more comfortable and reduce unnecessary heating.
3. Keep Your Furnace Filter Clean
A dirty furnace filter may seem like a minor issue, but it can have a noticeable impact on heating performance.
When a filter becomes clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris, airflow through your heating system becomes restricted.
This can make your system work harder to heat your home and may contribute to higher energy consumption.
Check your furnace filter monthly during the heating season and replace it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
It's a simple maintenance task that can help your heating system operate as intended.
4. Let Your Home's Airflow Work for You
Keeping warm air circulating throughout your home can improve comfort without constantly increasing the thermostat.
Make sure furniture, rugs, and curtains aren't blocking heating registers or return air vents.
If you have ceiling fans, consider using their winter setting. Many fans have a reverse function that runs the blades clockwise at a low speed, helping redistribute warm air that collects near the ceiling.
The goal isn't to create a breeze. It's to distribute heated air more evenly throughout your living space.
When your home feels consistently comfortable, you may find you don't need to keep the thermostat set quite as high.
5. Use Your Propane Water Heater More Efficiently
Your furnace may be the largest propane consumer in your home, but it might not be the only one.
Many households also use propane to heat water for showers, laundry, dishes, and everyday cleaning.
Making small changes to your hot water habits can reduce the amount of propane you use.
Consider these water-saving habits:
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Take slightly shorter showers.
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Repair dripping hot water faucets.
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Install water-efficient showerheads.
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Wash laundry in cold water whenever practical.
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Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
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Check that your water heater temperature is set appropriately.
For many homes, a water heater setting of 120°F provides a reasonable balance between comfort and energy efficiency. However, some households and water heater systems require different settings for safety or sanitation. Follow your manufacturer's guidance.
Reducing unnecessary hot water use can help lower propane consumption throughout the year, not just during winter.
6. Take Advantage of Natural Sunlight
Sunlight is a free source of warmth, even during the coldest months.
On sunny winter days, open curtains and blinds on windows that receive direct sunlight.
Allowing the sun to warm your floors, furniture, and living spaces can help offset some of your heating needs.
As the sun sets, close those curtains again to help reduce heat loss through the windows.
This works especially well in rooms with large south-facing windows.
It's a small habit, but when combined with other efficiency improvements, every little bit helps.
7. Pay Attention to How Often Your Furnace Runs
Your furnace will naturally run more frequently during extremely cold weather.
However, if you notice unusually long heating cycles, frequent starts and stops, or rooms that never seem to reach the desired temperature, your heating system may need attention.
Possible causes include:
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Restricted airflow
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Thermostat problems
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Ductwork leaks
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Improper system sizing
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Aging or malfunctioning heating components
Rather than simply raising the thermostat, consider having a qualified HVAC technician evaluate the problem.
A properly functioning heating system is important for both efficient propane use and household safety.
8. Improve Insulation Where It Matters Most
Heat naturally moves from warmer spaces toward colder ones. During winter, that means the warmth inside your home is constantly trying to escape.
Insulation slows that process.
Your attic, exterior walls, basement, and crawl spaces can all affect how much energy your home needs to maintain a comfortable temperature.
If certain rooms are consistently colder than others, or your heating bills seem unusually high, inadequate insulation may be part of the problem.
Adding attic insulation, sealing accessible air leaks, and insulating exposed areas where appropriate can help your home retain heat longer.
These improvements require an initial investment, but they can provide energy savings for years to come.
9. Know Which Appliances Are Using Propane
Many homeowners think of propane primarily as a heating fuel, but it can power several different appliances throughout a home.
Depending on your setup, your propane supply may also serve:
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Water heaters
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Kitchen ranges and ovens
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Clothes dryers
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Fireplaces
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Garage or workshop heaters
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Other propane-powered equipment
During winter, multiple appliances may be consuming propane throughout the day.
Understanding which appliances use propane can help explain changes in your tank level.
For example, heating a detached garage or frequently running a propane fireplace can add to your overall consumption.
You don't necessarily need to stop using these appliances. Simply being mindful of when and how often you use them can help your propane supply last longer.
10. Monitor Your Propane Usage Throughout Winter
One of the best ways to manage propane consumption is to understand how quickly your household uses it.
Checking your propane tank gauge regularly can help you recognize usage patterns.
You might notice that your tank level drops slowly during mild weather but decreases more rapidly during extended periods of freezing temperatures.
Keep in mind that propane tank gauges generally show the percentage of the tank's rated capacity occupied by liquid propane, not the number of gallons remaining.
For example, a 500-gallon propane tank is typically filled to approximately 80% of its capacity, or around 400 gallons, to allow room for propane expansion.
Tracking your tank level alongside outdoor temperatures can help you better anticipate your household's propane needs.
If you notice a sudden, unexplained change in consumption, contact your propane supplier or a qualified service professional. Never attempt to repair propane equipment or connections yourself.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
You don't need to make major renovations or keep your house uncomfortably cold to reduce propane consumption.
Often, the best results come from combining several small improvements.
A slightly lower thermostat setting, better airflow, fewer drafts, and more efficient hot water usage can all contribute to reducing the amount of propane your household needs.
And when winter temperatures plunge, these improvements can help your heating system keep up while using fuel more efficiently.
Stay Comfortable This Winter With Baker's Propane
At Baker's Propane, we understand how important dependable heat is during the winter months.
Whether you use propane to heat your home, provide hot water, or power other household appliances, we're here to help you manage your propane needs throughout the heating season.
Making your propane last longer starts with smarter energy habits. Having a dependable local propane supplier helps you stay prepared for whatever winter brings.
Have questions about your propane usage or need to arrange a delivery?
Visit Baker's Propane to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your home comfortable this winter.
