Winter-Ready Tips from Superior Propane

Getting your home & heating system ready for winter now can ensure an affordable, comfortable season

TORONTO, Oct. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - With temperatures dropping, furnaces switching on and early snowstorms already hitting parts of the country Superior Propane is helping customers prepare their homes for what the Old Farmers Almanac predicts will be another fierce winter.

"Last winter, extreme weather and an unprecedented demand for propane for grain drying in Canada & the US, led to temporary price surges and strained the nation's transportation infrastructure impacting propane supply to many Canadians across the country." said Greg McCamus, President, Superior Propane. "With the largest retail storage capacity for propane in the country, Superior is uniquely positioned to ensure consistent, reliable supply to our customers. As the only truly national provider of propane in Canada, our customer's comfort is our number one priority and we make every effort to continuously improve our service and delivery performance to meet customers' needs from coast to coast.

"We also want to make sure homeowners and families know that propane is a more affordable heating option compared to some others, and by filling tanks early, locking in prices for the season and ensuring your home is winter-ready, propane customers can have a comfortable and safe winter with no surprises" he added.

Here are 10 steps to ensuring affordable comfort and safety in your home this winter. 

The Winter-Ready Checklist:

1. Check that your heating system and appliances are running efficiently. Have your furnace serviced along with your appliances and propane system. When appliances are running as efficiently as possible, you conserve fuel and save money.
   
   
2. Fill propane tanks now and take advantage of fixed price programs for the winter.
   
   
3. Make arrangements for automatic propane fills. This will help avoid running empty if inaccessible roads delay deliveries.
   
   
4. Sign up for the one of a kind Superior SMART* Tank notification system so you can be notified by email or text of your tank level and be informed when fills have happened.
   
   
5. Set a programmable thermostat. You could save up to 10 percent per year on heating costs by using a programmable thermostat, and by resetting it when you are asleep or away from home.
   
   
6. Reduce energy for water heating. Water heating is a large energy expense, accounting for about 14 to 18 percent of most home utility bills. By taking low-cost steps such as making sure your water heater is set to no higher than 50 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) and installing low-flow showerheads or temperature sensitive shower valves, you can reduce your water heating bills.
   
   
7. Make sure the attic floor is well insulated.  This will minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.
   
   
8. Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
   
   
9. Consider purchasing a propane generator. In bad winter weather power outages are not uncommon.   When other power sources fail, a propane generator can keep your house operating without interruption until the power is restored
   
   
10. Use sunlight to your advantage. During winter months, you can take advantage of sunlight by opening your curtains during the day to allow the sun to naturally heat your home.

Make your winter Superior.  For more information on winter preparedness with propane and tips customers can follow to stay comfortable and safe this winter, visit http://www.superiorpropane.com/winterready/ and follow @SuperiorPropane  #SuperiorWinter

SOURCE: Superior Propane

For further information: Samantha Molenda, [e-mail], 416-260-5562 ext. 2013