If you’ve never heard of heat traps, it may be because your water heater already has them. Heat traps are small devices that help prevent heat loss in tank-style water heaters, improving efficiency and reducing energy waste. They keep hot water from escaping through the pipes when the heater isn’t actively in use. Heat traps are a great efficiency feature, and they are standard on most new water heaters.
If you have an older water heater, it may not have a heat trap. Here’s how you can check:
If your water heater doesn’t have a heat trap and is still working well, you can have one added during a routine maintenance check for a cost-effective upgrade.
If you decide to add a heat trap to your current water heater, you will reap some real benefits. But upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater might be a better long-term solution. Newer models not only include heat traps but also have improved insulation, advanced burner technology, and better energy efficiency overall.
If you want to take efficiency a step further, consider switching to a tankless water heater. Unlike traditional storage-type water heaters, tankless units heat water on demand, eliminating standby heat loss. Key benefits include:
Heat traps are a valuable efficiency feature and easy to add to an older model. But if your water heater is outdated, upgrading to a new high-efficiency or tankless model is the best way to improve performance and reduce energy costs. Investing in a modern water heater ensures reliable hot water while saving money in the long run.
The pros at Pico can help you choose the best option for your needs, install it correctly, and provide maintenance and repairs. Enjoy energy efficiency and all the hot water you need with a new water heater! Contact us today to get started.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or looking to invest in some updates and improvements to your forever home, you have a lot of options. A fresh coat of paint, new bathroom fixtures, and similar projects are all easy ways to freshen up the look of your home. While it’s not usually featured on home makeover shows because it’s not “eye candy,” improving the systems that run your home can be an important way to add a lot of value while improving efficiency, comfort, and convenience. If you’ve never lived in a propane-fueled home before, you might be surprised to know all the benefits.
One of the cleanest, most versatile, and efficient fuels around, propane adds value and comfort in almost every room—and even your outdoor living spaces. It provides exceptional performance and efficiency in a wide range of home appliances, as well as heating and water-heating equipment, at a much lower cost than electricity. Here are five ways propane can make your house a dream home.
There’s a reason professional chefs prefer a gas range. An electric range will never provide the same control as cooking with gas. Think about why you opt for a propane grill instead of charcoal: You can adjust your flame with the turn of a knob. An electric burner just doesn’t respond as quickly, which means it takes more time to reduce or increase the heat. That means you can heat up a pot of soup quickly without it boiling over, and you can keep a delicate sauce at a subtle simmer without scorching.
Speaking of grills, adding a built-in propane grill to your deck or patio takes your outdoor entertainment space to the next level. It means you never have to think about having a spare propane cylinder on hand, and it opens up the possibility of a full outdoor kitchen.
Propane also enhances your outdoor living spaces in other ways. It can power outdoor lighting and firepits, as well as patio heaters that let you enjoy these areas into the evening—and earlier and later in the season. Propane also fuels effective mosquito zappers—eliminating annoying uninvited guests.
The heating power of propane makes it an efficient option for spa and pool heaters, too.
A propane fireplace brings all the cozy charm and warmth of a wood-burning fireplace to almost any room, without the mess, smoke, and ash. And unlike a traditional fireplace, you can install a propane-fueled fireplace just about anywhere—no chimney required.
A gas log or gas stove is also much safer. No more playing with matches and waiting for tricky kindling to catch—you can turn on and adjust the flame with a wall switch or even a remote control, and turn it off when you are done. No waiting for embers to burn out or worrying that they will flare up again.
Because propane is so efficient, you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. That means propane water heaters generate much more hot water at a cheaper cost per gallon. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174.
Combine that power with the super efficiency of a tankless water heater and you can enjoy virtually endless hot water. Tankless units heat water instantly, on demand, rather than running all the time to keep a tank of water hot.
The same technology that makes propane ideal for water heaters makes it a smarter choice than electricity to power all kinds of appliances that use hot water or heat, like dishwashers and laundry equipment.
Another benefit of having propane for your home: When storms knock out power, a propane-fueled backup generator will keep your lights and everything else running until the utility company can make repairs. There’s no need to line up for gasoline, and no need to wrangle equipment outside, maybe in the dark, during a storm.
Having reliable access to backup power can be a lifesaver, and it can add significant value to your home and even lower your insurance premiums.
Whether you’re refurbishing your existing home or building your dream house, propane provides great value. The Pico expert team is always happy to answer your questions and can help make adding propane to your home easy—from tank and appliance installation to great services like automatic delivery, tank monitoring, and so much more.
Contact us today for more information.
As the seasons change, so do your propane usage needs. But keeping deliveries safe, easy and efficient is important any time. Here’s what you need to know!
Winter weather in our area can run the gamut, from relatively mild to fierce cold, ice and snow. But you know it only takes a little ice or frozen slush to make the walkway to your front door treacherous. Now imagine navigating a path while maneuvering a heavy hose to deliver propane. No thanks! Winter weather means extra challenges for our drivers. Our guys can make wrangling a delivery hose look easy, but they can lose their footing on slippery surfaces and even sustain injuries.
Here’s how you can make deliveries safer for our drivers when winter temps fall and even a little slush, mud or ice can make getting to your propane tank more challenging.
Shovel or use snowmelt to keep your driveway clear after snow. Remember that our trucks need a 9- to 10-foot-wide path to maneuver safely—and we cannot deliver fuel if your driveway isn’t clear. If you have a steep drive, be sure it’s ploughed or put down sand. Remember, just because you can get your car down your driveway doesn’t mean our 15-ton fuel truck can make it too.
Be sure the path to your tank is free of debris and branches, and shoveled if we’ve had a big snowfall. Mark the fill pipe for your underground tank with a flag so it’s easy to spot.
Don’t forget to check around exterior vents. Be sure they aren’t blocked by snow, ice, or fallen leaves. Your heating system won’t work effectively. It also increases the risk of carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
Propane deliveries in summer are always easier. But it’s still important to make sure the path to your tank is clear of branches and debris. Also keep an eye on your tank and vents and remove any nest made by insects or critters.
While snow and ice are not a problem in summer, you still need to be sure your driveway is clear and accessible. When you’re expecting a delivery, put away bikes and trikes, wagons and play equipment. Also, while we love your pets, we ask that you make sure they’re inside or penned when our drivers arrive. Even if they are friendly, your pets underfoot can make hauling a hose to your tank more challenging for our drivers.
One big factor with propane use from season to season is that your usage can change—a lot! If you use propane for heat, or for a propane-fueled fireplace, as well as for other appliances and water heating, you may use more propane in the winter than in the summer. If not, you may find your propane use is steady and predictable.
Checking your propane tank gauge is one way to make sure you always have enough propane to meet your day-to-day needs. Or, you can take advantage of our convenient wireless propane tank monitor service. With or without our automatic delivery service, it helps you track your usage and know when you need a delivery—avoiding the inconvenience and expense of a propane runout.
Want to learn more about all the convenient propane services we offer for your northern North Carolina and southern Virginia home or business? Contact us for more information and to become a customer today!
Once people learn that propane can do more than fire up your barbecue grill, or power the generator for their RV, they start to have a lot more questions. When they find out propane is an efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile option for heating and other appliances in their homes, they want to learn more. Are you curious about propane gas and all the ways you can use it to keep your family comfortable and manage energy costs? Pico’s pros have the answers to all your questions.
Good question! When it comes to using propane, it’s not very different from natural gas. That is, any way you can use natural gas in your home, you can use propane. But propane has some distinct differences—and benefits.
To use natural gas, you need to live close enough to the infrastructure and be able to connect to the underground system of pipes that deliver gas to your home. You have to deal with a utility company, and don’t get a choice in where you order your fuel.
Propane is a byproduct of natural gas. As natural gas is processed, the liquid components are recovered, to prevent condensation from forming in natural gas pipelines. One of those components is propane gas.
Also, propane is delivered to your home and stored in a tank. You can select the dealer you choose, based on price alone, or based on the quality and reliability of the service.
It can be confusing, and we get it: on your invoice, we bill you per gallon. And the fact is, when we deliver it to you, propane is in its liquid form. To make propane easier to store and transport, it is compressed, which converts the gas to a liquid state. As it is released into the gas lines in your home, it expands into a gas. That’s why propane is also often referred to as Liquid Petroleum Gas, or LPG.
People are often surprised at how versatile propane is. Because it can be stored in portable tanks, people see it primarily as the fuel they use when they’re camping. But propane can be used for heating, water heating, and running appliances that use heat and hot water, like laundry equipment. Propane is ideal for cooking, and is the top choice of professional chefs, because a gas range offers more precise control than you can get with an electric range.
Ever wished for a fireplace but don’t have a chimney? Propane lets you add a hearth that delivers loads of cozy charm without the soot, ash or mess—no chimney needed.
Propane will also power a backup generator that will automatically go on when the power goes down. That means you’ll have heat, lights, security systems and more without waiting for the utility trucks to come make repairs.
Propane generates more Btus of heat energy than an equivalent amount of electricity, and it delivers more than twice the Btus of natural gas, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. Propane appliances are also very efficient, meaning they waste very little fuel in the combustion process. (On the other hand, about two-thirds of the energy used by a power plant to generate and transmit electricity is wasted.)
Propane water heaters generate much more hot water at a cheaper cost per gallon. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174.
Propane is one of the cleanest fuels around. It produces minimal emissions. Propane also doesn’t harm soil or groundwater – an important factor when it comes to determining whether a fuel is “green.” Additionally, propane is a domestically sourced alternative fuel that can provide steady, reliable heat for a range of appliances at an affordable price.
Propane is very safe. Propane has very low combustibility, which means when it’s combined with air, the source of ignition must be at least 940°— twice as hot as what is required to ignite gasoline. While it’s a highly flammable gas under certain conditions, leaks are rare. Propane also has a distinct rotten-egg smell to help you quickly notice leaking gas. And, propane is nontoxic, posing no threat to soil and water, so installing propane tanks (above or below ground) is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The team at Pico Propane has the knowledge and resources to answer all your questions about the benefits of propane for your North Carolina home. Converting a home to propane is a straightforward, easy process that will leave you with lower energy bills and support a cleaner environment. The average conversion takes about two days, with little disruption to your life or comfort.
We’re here to help you get started, with the right size propane tank for your needs, reliable propane delivery, convenient pricing and billing options, and more. Contact us for more information today.
Propane is so versatile and so efficient, it makes a great choice for a wide range of appliances for your home. But you can’t just plug in a gas appliance and turn it on. That said, if you already have propane running in your home, adding appliances is not complicated—although it does require a pro.
The primary reason to work with a professional is safety. Incorrectly installed gas appliances can result in propane leaks, which can be dangerous. Another reason you should have a pro perform installation work is that it could void the manufacturer’s warranty.
When you work with the expert team at Pico, the process is easy and quick. We will make sure your new appliance is installed correctly and safely, and we’ll have your back if you need a repair.
While every propane appliance is different, there are a few basic steps that will apply across the board. Here are the general steps and what you can expect for the installation process for most propane appliances.
Time: Installations are usually quick and easy if you already have propane in use in your home.
The typical installations take an hour or two for most appliances.
Venting: It may be necessary to install or connect an exhaust pipe or flue based on your current system’s configuration. While codes regulating ventilation can vary depending on the location and situation, improper venting can lead to poor performance and the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
Pressure: The propane in your storage tank is under high pressure, and the regulator lowers the pressure before the gas enters your home. It’s important to adjust the regulator correctly for propane because it has different settings than natural gas. Failure to do so could lead to a hazardous gas leak. The regulator is also responsible for ensuring the proper combination of propane and air for efficient combustion. Different appliances may require different pressure levels for optimal operation and efficiency. Any alterations done by someone with insufficient knowledge can disturb this ratio and result in the production of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, or a leak.
Testing: No installation is complete without testing to ensure all components are working properly, any pilots are lit, and there are no leaks.
Many propane appliances will be installed inside your home—laundry equipment, space heaters and fireplaces, cooking ranges, and the like. But some appliances designed for outdoor use can be connected to your main propane storage tank as well.
The most common of these are propane grills, but can also include outdoor fire pits, as well as pool and spa heaters. The process is similar: We will set up a connection between the equipment and your propane storage tank, ensure the pressure and regulator is correctly adjusted, and the appliance is operating correctly and without leaks. The main differences are that venting is often not necessary for outdoor installations (as long as the grill or fireplace is not covered or enclosed in any way), and also some excavation may be required to bury propane lines: We can help you navigate the regulations and local codes.
There’s a reason people trust Pico for propane appliance installations and repairs, along with dependable propane deliveries to keep everything running. Our expert technicians will work with you to make sure work is done right. In addition to propane heating and water heating systems, we can help you with a variety of appliances and equipment including log sets, firepits, patio heaters and more.
Contact us today!
No matter what type of business you are in these days, you are always walking a tightrope, delivering a great product or service and while keeping your eye on efficiency, cost and value—especially when it comes to energy costs. And while there’s a lot of pushing for businesses to convert more of their systems to electric, the cost of electricity keeps going up as utilities are struggling to beef up infrastructure to meet demand.
If only there was another option that was cleaner burning than diesel or heating oil, that was domestically sourced and delivered powerful and consistent heat.
But there is!
You may know how great propane is for heat, hot water and cooking at home. But when it comes to commercial, industrial and agricultural uses, commercial propane can do even more. It’s used for heating, for operating machinery, and running vehicles. What’s more, propane is better for the environment—and your bottom line. Compared to other heating fuels, including electricity, propane has a lot to offer.
Propane heats quickly and burns cleanly, and leaves a smaller carbon footprint than other fuels.
It costs on average 2.5 times less per Btu than heating with electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. And, propane is extremely safe, with a very narrow range of flammability
Those are all reasons why commercial propane is used in manufacturing, construction, warehousing, agriculture, landscaping, hospitality, and a broad range of other industries. And whether you need bulk propane for your business, or a cylinder exchange program, Pico can help you make the most of propane for your North Carolina business.
For consistent heat required for warming livestock barns, hatcheries, greenhouses, propane can’t be beat. It’s also nontoxic, and can’t harm soil or groundwater. What’s more, clean-burning propane can power much of your landscaping and agricultural equipment, from commercial mowers to irrigation engines. Propane puts less wear on equipment, keeping it out of the shop and keeping your operations running smoothly.
Warehouse management, construction, and industrial facilities rely on forklifts. Let our team show you why propane fueled forklifts will keep your operation running smoothly with less downtime.
Propane-powered forklifts offer some distinct advantages.
Unlike electric forklifts, propane-powered forklifts can be used outdoors in wet conditions, unlike electric-powered forklifts. Propane forklifts will operate at 100% power as long as there’s propane in the cylinder. Compare that to electric forklifts, that lose power as the battery drains.
Replaceable cylinders make refueling quick and easy, too. On the other hand, recharging an electric forklift takes equipment out of service for up to eight hours—a whole shift—slowing down operations. And when it comes to power, propane forklifts handle heavy loads better and are more capable when it comes to inclines compared to the electric option.
Propane’s versatility is a plus for your business or job site. In addition to forklifts, propane can be used to power a wide range of equipment, including:
Professional chefs prefer gas for cooking. Hotels, hospitals, nursing facilities all benefit from propane for cooking, water heating and space heating, as well as for industrial washers and clothes dryers, just to name a few. That’s why you’ll find restaurants, hotels, laundromats, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and more all use propane.
We’re proud of our commercial partnerships that support businesses throughout North Carolina and southern Virginia. Pico is committed to providing the same superb and attentive service to our commercial accounts as to our residential clients. We make sure our commercial clients have the most dependable commercial propane service in the area. Not only that, we have fair, transparent pricing so there are no surprises for you.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today!
Unlike people with oil tanks, most people who use propane to heat their home and their water don’t give too much thought about the state of their propane storage tank. If your tank was included when you purchased your home, you might not even know how old it is.
Generally speaking, a propane storage tank doesn’t require too much care. They’re built with safety and durability in mind, and aboveground propane tanks are designed to withstand the elements for 30 years before they need to be replaced. Some aluminum and composite storage tanks can last even longer. Underground propane tanks last between 20 to 30 years, depending on the soil type and whether the tank was installed properly—but they can be safer, as they are less exposed to impact from storm debris and flooding.
Use these simple guidelines to help you keep your tank in good shape.
The main benefit of an underground tank is that it doesn’t detract from your home’s curb appeal. It can also be safer, depending on your home’s location. But not being able to do a visual inspection means it’s a little harder to know if there are any problems emerging.
Most new underground propane tanks have a special anticorrosion coating that helps extend their lifespan. They can last up to 30 years, depending on the soil type and whether it was installed properly. Any underground propane tank should have sacrificial anodes included in installation (typically, we recommend one bag per 500 gallons). These anodes absorb natural electric currents in the ground and water that would otherwise corrode and deteriorate your tank. In addition, you should have us perform regular maintenance and check regulators.
While an above ground tank isn’t the best-looking thing in your yard, it is easy to see if it’s showing any signs of deterioration.
Keeping an eye out for signs of corrosion on the exterior of your tank, particularly rust, is the main way to know your tank is in good shape. You should also make sure that your propane tank is always sitting level to the ground—especially if your neighborhood is prone to flooding, which can cause the ground to shift.
Whether it’s above or below ground, you should avoid letting your propane tank hit empty. It’s not just a hassle: it’s a safety issue. When your tank falls empty, the pressure change in lines can lead to damage and potential leaks. You should also make sure to get professional maintenance performed on all propane appliances so connectors can be checked regularly.
Whether you’re new to propane or just need to replace your tank, we can answer all your questions about propane, propane storage tanks, and propane deliveries for your North Carolina home or business. Our team can help you choose the best size tank for your needs. We can also help identify the best location for your tank, including whether underground or above ground is best, and we’ll make sure it’s installed safely.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today.
If you’ve purchased a new gas appliance, congratulations! Because it’s so efficient, propane is a smarter choice than electricity for a wide variety of appliances. Foodies love the power and control it gives for cooking but it’s also ideal for any equipment that uses hot water or heat, such as washers and dryers, dishwashers, outdoor lighting, patio heaters, space heaters, pool and spa heaters, outdoor grills and more.
There’s a little bit more to installing a gas appliance than just plugging it in and turning it on. Here’s what you can expect on installation day, and what you can do to get ready.
When you hire a pro to handle your new propane appliance installation, the process should be easy. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Timewise, typical installations take an hour or two for most appliances.
Depending on what kind of appliance we’re installing, it may be necessary to install or connect an exhaust pipe or flue based on your current system’s configuration. Examples include heaters or fireplaces and clothes dryers. The codes regulating ventilation can vary depending on the location and situation, and not having proper venting can lead to poor performance and the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
We will also make sure to adjust the regulator correctly. The propane in your storage tank is under high pressure, and the regulator lowers the pressure before the gas enters your home. It’s important to adjust the regulator correctly for propane because it has different settings than natural gas. Failure to do so could lead to a hazardous gas leak. The regulator is responsible for not only regulating pressure but also for ensuring the proper combination of propane and air for efficient combustion. Any alterations done by someone with insufficient knowledge can disturb this ratio and result in the production of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
There’s a reason people trust Pico for propane appliance installations and repairs, along with dependable propane deliveries to keep everything running. Our expert technicians will work with you to make sure work is done right. In addition to propane heating and water heating systems, we can help you with a variety of appliances and equipment including log sets, firepits, patio heaters and more. Contact us today!
With a “heat dome” blanketing the country for nearly a week before the end of June, and ocean temps already warmer than usual, it’s not a matter of “if” we’ll see a few hurricanes this season, but how powerful they could be. The North Carolina coast is no stranger to the “cone of probability” for tropical storms and hurricanes. Of course, it doesn’t take a Cat 5 storm to down lines and knock out electricity, leaving you without power for days. With more frequent extreme and unpredictable weather, it’s more important than ever to be prepared.
Flashlights and batteries, fresh water, backup medications are all good to have on hand. But a backup propane generator is hands-down the best ways to protect your home and property. These units come on within seconds of a power failure to keep your lights on and your refrigerator, furnace and a/c running until the utilities get the lines back up.
And if you’re away from home when the power fails, you get peace of mind knowing your standby propane generator will keep security systems on as well.
Propane generators are quiet, extremely efficient and clean-burning, with low emissions. They are also less expensive (and less stinky) to run than gas-powered portable options—which won’t run your whole home, either. (Just keeping a portable generator full of gas during an extended outage will get expensive quickly, not to mention potentially having to wait on long lines for more fuel.)
There are a wide variety of size options, from “essential power” models that will run key equipment such as your refrigerator, heat and lights, to true whole-house generators that can manage the demands of most extra-large homes, even during extended outages. Talk to one of the pros on our team to determine the best size generator for your home and needs. Here are some key points to consider:
Of course, there are other factors to consider as you make your choice. You may not feel the need to power your whole house during an emergency. Ask yourself what you need to have running to keep your home safe and comfortable. Does anyone in your home require power for medical equipment?
One of the key benefits of a propane backup generator is that you have the fuel to run it already on hand in your propane storage tank. Plus, there’s no need to wrestle a portable generator out of the garage and get it set up and started, while messing with fuel, possibly in the dark or in treacherous conditions.
Have questions about how a whole-house generator can provide peace of mind through hurricane season and beyond? We sell and install generators from Kohler and Generac and can answer all your questions about how you can safely and comfortably weather storms and power outages. Contact us for more information today!
You might not think that a stock market tip might also apply to how you power your home, but it’s true. When it comes to riding out a volatile market, the best advice is to diversify. The idea is that by spreading your investments across different areas, you can better ride out the bumps. The same is true with the energy you use to run your home.
Sure, turning off lights, easing up on the AC, and using less hot water is one approach to control energy costs. But who wants to sit in the dark, feeling less than comfortable. Reevaluating the kind of energy you use—and diversifying rather than going all-electric—can help too. Electric is necessary to run a lot of things—lights, phones, some appliances. But it’s not the smartest choice for all your appliances and systems. Propane is a versatile and efficient choice, and the benefits to your home, comfort—and, yes, your bottom line—might surprise you.
As you can see, propane delivers higher energy value, with lower environmental impact. It’s a win-win for homeowners who care about the environment, but also want to keep costs under control.
Talk to the team at Pico North Carolina. We have the knowledge and the experience to answer all your questions about the benefits of a propane for your home. Contact us today to learn more.
