Summer is so much more than the excessive heat it exudes; it ignites camaraderie through lounging by the pool or beach, fun days at the waterpark, tubing on the lake, and of course, cookouts. Few things compare to hanging out with your closest friends and family members on the back deck of your home while grilling burgers and hotdogs.

But before you fire up your trusty propane grill, there are a few things you need to do to ensure it operates safely and at optimal level so that you aren’t left with a bunch of “hangry” people.

How to Get Your Propane Grill Ready for Summer

1. Inspect the Propane Tank

The first item on your checklist you’ll want to complete is an inspection of your propane tank. These tanks have a pretty long shelf life, but if your tank is older than 12 years or you notice that it’s beginning to rust, give the propane experts at Boulden Brothers a call, and we’ll fix you up with a new one.

During your inspection, check to see how much propane you have. If you don’t have a fuel gauge, this is a cool trick we found online to approximately determine how much propane is left in your tank:

Having to tell your friends and family that the cookout has reached a halt due to low propane is the last thing you want to do.

If you need your propane tank refilled, take it to one of our 6 convenient Delaware and Maryland propane refill stations:

• 263 E. Chestnut Hill Road • Newark, DE
• 1005 Elk Mills Road • Elkton MD
• 1800 Foulk Road • Wilmington, DE
• 540 Old Barksdale Road • Newark, DE
• 199 Old Chestnut Road • Elkton, MD
• 2007 Newport Gap Pike • Wilmington, DE

When you replace a propane tank with a new one, you only get 15 pounds of propane instead of the 20 pounds that they are able to hold. This cuts your cooking time about 25%, or 4 hours.

Refilling your propane tank is the economical and environmental choice.

2. Inspect the Gas Hoses and Other Parts

Once you have completed your inspection of the tank itself, take a good look at the hoses and other parts that connect the tank to the propane grill. Specifically, check to see that the hose isn’t frayed or worn. If these parts appear to be in poor condition, have them replaced before you decide to host a cookout. Otherwise, you could be putting yourself and your friends and family in danger. Don’t risk a hazard! Talk with an expert.

3. Clean the Grill

Only when you are 100% sure that your propane tank is in tip-top shape do you then begin the cleaning process. You’re now a few steps closer to having an unforgettable night with friends and family! Begin the process by cleaning off your cooking surfaces (cooking grates and burner covers) with warm water and a scouring pad, wire brush, or even aluminum foil, whatever suits your taste.

An often forgotten aspect of your propane grill is the carbonized residue that has built up on the inside of your grill over time. Did you know that this buildup of carbonized residue can actually affect the taste of your food? To ensure a tasty burger or hotdog, clean the inside of your grill as well. As an added measure of protection, loosely cover your food with aluminum foil when grilling.

You’re ready to grill! Now that your propane grill is ready to be fired up, invite your friends and family over for a night filled with good food and lots of laughter.

There are hundreds of propane grilling accidents every year! Don’t forget to go over some propane grilling safety tips that we’ve provided here.

Make Boulden Brothers your trusted propane provider. To keep your propane tank, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system operating at peak efficiency, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more useful information and handy tips!

Sadly, home fires are a big concern in the United States, where there are over 350,000 of them. There is a home structure fire every minute and 15 seconds. And these fires don’t just result in injuries and property loss. The price is often higher than that.

Fires are fatal

• U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,240,000 fires
• These fires resulted in 3,240 civilian fire fatalities
• Home fires caused 2,755, or 85%, of the civilian fire deaths
• 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke detectors or without working smoke detectors
• The trend of reported deaths for 1,000 reported home fires has not changed since 1977.

(NFPA, “Trends and Patterns of U.S. Fire Losses in 2013“)

You can find a wealth of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) resources online.

Source: NFPA Home Fact Sheet

The leading cause of home fires is cooking equipment, followed by heating equipment and electrical malfunctions. To help prevent these disastrous fires, here are 8 home fire safety tips that you can start implementing today.

8 Home Fire Safety Tips

1. Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors alert you if there is a fire in your home in time for you to escape. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area. Smoke detectors last for about 10 years, but need periodic battery checks, about twice every year.

2. Plan An Escape

Prepare for a fire emergency by creating an escape plan. Be sure that everyone knows at least two exits – doors and windows – from every room. If you live in an apartment building, do not include elevators in your escape plan. Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet. Once you have a plan in place, practice the plan. This will make the escape route easier to remember in the event of an emergency.

3. Cook Carefully

Never EVER leave the kitchen while you’re cooking. Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can’t bump them and children can’t grab them. Enforce a three feet “No-Kids-Allowed Zone” around your kitchen stove. If grease catches fire, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Never use water to put out a grease fire. Leave the lid on until the pan is cool.

5. Keep Space Around Space Heaters

Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.

6. Use Electricity Safely

If an electrical appliance or outlet smokes or has an unusual smell, shut off power at the breaker box immediately and call your local electrician. Replace any electrical cord that’s cracked or frayed. Don’t overload extension cords or run them under rugs. Don’t mess with your fuse box or use the wrong size fuses. Have GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) and AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupters) installed throughout your home. Always call a professional electrician for all electrical work.

7. Get Low

Smoke inhalation is actually the primary cause of death for victims of indoor fires. If you encounter smoke while you are attempting to escape a fire, try to use an alternative escape route. If you absolutely must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor.

8. Stop, Drop, and Roll

We all learned this in elementary school, but quick refreshers never hurt. Remember, if your clothes catch fire, don’t run. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to smother the flames.

Here some more Fire Safety for Summer:

Source: usfa.fema.gov

For more information on fire safety in and around your home, read our other blogs on the topic:

• Propane Grilling Do’s and Don’ts
• Propane Safety
• New Year’s Resolutions for the Home
• Protect Your Home While Away

If you have any questions about home fire safety or would like to know how you can better protect your home and family, give the Boulden Brothers Home Service experts a call at (302) 368-3848. We have many different options available to you, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, GFCI and AFCI outlets, annual maintenance plans, and much more!

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you might have.

You can also fill out an online form or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter.

Everyone here at Boulden Brothers wishes you a safe, happy, and long summer!

We often place more importance on outdoor air pollution, but being that we spend a majority of our time indoors, we mustn’t glaze over indoor air pollution. Did you know that indoor air is 3 to 5 times, and sometimes more than 100 times, more polluted than outdoor air? Not to say that outdoor air pollution isn’t a driver of poor health as well, but indoor air quality is arguably much more important to your overall health.

Poor indoor air quality is caused by a variety of factors such as:

• Molds
• Pollen
• Dander
• Dust, dirt and debris on your shoes
• Bacteria
• Formaldehyde
• Paint
• CO2 from fuel burning stoves and furnaces, fireplaces, heaters, etc.
• Humidity

Find out more about Indoor Air Pollutants here.

Unfortunately, that’s just a small sample of the large amount of pollutants that attribute to poor indoor air quality. You may be wondering, “How do they get into my home?” The truth is, these pollutants can enter your home through a variety of ways, including poor ventilation, cracks in walls, doors and windows, cleaning products, tobacco products, and even furnishings like brand new carpet.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Breathe cleaner air by working to improve indoor air quality in your home. Though air cannot be seen, it can be cleaned, here’s how you can improve the quality of you air:

Test for pollutants

Have a certified IAQ technician test your home for harmful pollutants. Boulden Brother’s licensed, trained technicians will conduct a comprehensive and thorough IAQ test on your home, and offer advice on what to do next. We offer a variety of products and services that will drastically improve your indoor air! Let us restore your peace of mind, give us a call today!

Cut back on chemical cleaners

It might seem like a paradox, but many household cleaners contain toxic chemicals. The Environmental Working Group gathered a list of the most toxic household cleaners, titling it as “The Hall of Shame.” This list includes well-known products such as Simple Green, Scrubbing Bubbles, and Easy-Off. Check out this list before you buy your next cleaning products.

This shouldn’t discourage you from cleaning though! Vacuum and damp-mop regularly to keep dust and other pollutants at bay.

Control moisture levels

It’s important that your home remain dry. Keep your home’s humidity levels at less than 60 percent. Excessive moisture can lead to mold growth. If your home has experienced recent flooding, dry all materials. Any materials that cannot be dried properly, remove from the premises. Call Boulden Brothers to inspect your home for the proper moisture levels and install whole home humidification systems to improve indoor air quality.

Improve ventilation

Seal and caulk any leaks or cracks in your windows and doors. Take control of the air that enters into your home. After any major insulation project, have a qualified professional inspect your home for proper ventilation. Although insulation helps save you money and energy on heating and cooling costs, it can also pose a ventilation problem by not allowing enough air to circulate throughout your home.

If the air is stuffy, try opening a window or two to get some fresh air back into your home. You don’t want the same stale being recirculated over and over again. A little outdoor breeze will do wonders.

Read our blog on How to Lower Utility Costs for a more in-depth guide on sealing and insulating your home.

Change your air filter

After a while, your HVAC air filters gets pretty gross, covered in dirt, dust, and debris. If you don’t change your air filters regularly, all of that stuff goes right into your home. We recommend changing your air filters every 1-3 months. As a reminder, write the date on the new filter so you know when to change it again. Also, set reminders on your phone and calendar.

For more tips to improve indoor air quality in your home, keep in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Trust the air you breathe in by giving the experts at Boulden Brothers a call today.

Taking good care of your air conditioning system extends its life and saves you money. System maintenance goes beyond your air conditioner itself. Air filter maintenance is critical to your system and your wallet. A clogged filter, or the wrong one, can easily cause your system to run inefficiently, driving up your cooling costs in the process.

Air filter maintenance: which filter is right?

Just as air conditioners have a SEER rating, air filters have a MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. The higher ratings, the greater filtration. But, for the good of your system, don’t exceed a rating of 12. We created a video explaining your filter options. See how easy saving money on your utility bills can be with a little air filter maintenance.

https://boulden-brothers.wistia.com/medias/qc1f30j66x?embedType=seo&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=930

For a while, parts of the U.S. wondered if they’d ever experience sunshine again after all the recent storms. Down south, Texas and Oklahoma experienced record-breaking rainfall with thousands out of power, and now California is at risk for a tsunami. While meteorologists do have the technology to predict weather, there are instances when there just isn’t enough time to evacuate to a safer place.

In such cases, the best thing you can do is to prepare ahead of time. That means getting a plan together now, before the next big storm hits your home! And what better way to prepare for severe weather than by purchasing a backup generator. With severe weather always to comes the possibility of power outages. Do you think if the next big storm hit your area this summer you’d be prepared with all the necessary items – food, water, light, etc.? If you don’t have a backup generator, then the answer is likely “no.”

The most common cop-out for not purchasing a backup generator is “It can’t happen to me.” We all think this, but in reality a power outage can happen to anyone, and that “anyone” could be you during the next big storm. After a historic winter and record-breaking storms and hurricanes, it more important than ever to have a backup home generators in place. Home generators have gone from extravagance to essential. Will you have the lights on this summer?

So don’t be left in the dark! Purchase a backup generator. Every home should have at least one small backup generator available for emergencies.

How to Choose a Backup Home Generator

Check the Wattage

When it comes to backup generators, ask yourself if you want portable or permanent. The important aspect is that both can power your home, however, there is a difference in the amount of power each offers. You can calculate how much power you will need by adding up the wattage of all the appliances and electrical devices in your home that you will use at the same time. You also have to take into consideration the startup wattage for devices in your home such as your sump pump and heating and air conditioning system. Compare your total needed wattage, including electric water heaters, with the listed wattage on your generator. The home generator’s wattage must be higher than what you plan to use at one time.

Portable Generators

If you want power to only the basics such as your refrigerator and freezer, sump pump, sewer pump toaster oven or microwave, etc. then a portable generator is right for you. This is the most affordable option if price is a concern. However, if you want to have your whole home running, including heating and air conditioning and hot water, you will most likely need a permanent standby generator.

Our portable generators can help restore comfort and peace of mind back into your home at a time that would otherwise be chaotic. Our generators will also protect your home from dangerous power surges, which can fry your appliances and electronics even if they are powered off. Remember to always have generators running in an open air space. Home generators emit carbon monoxide, a lethal gas, when running. A good rule to have is to keep your home generator at least ten feet from your home and never use a regular extension cord. Purchase a heavy-duty, weatherproof extension cord to hook up

Even if you have done your wattage calculation and decide on a portable generator for your needs, talk to a professional to make sure you’ve calculated correctly.

Price: $1500-$3500

Standby Generators

Permanently installed backup generators are safer than portable generators since they run on clean-burning propane or natural gas, as opposed to regular gasoline. You’ll want to budget for fuel whether it be gasoline or propane. Boulden Brothers offers refill stations and propane delivery service! You can even earn free gas by referring your friend. We can install wireless tank monitors that notify us when you are below 30% so you never have to fear running out of fuel again.

These systems also have strict specifications and building code requirements, so it is absolutely necessary that you consult with a certified electrician for professional installation.

Our background checked and drug tested technicians can repair, maintain, and install the best home generator that fits your electrical capacity needs and budget. When the next power outage hits your area, you’ll be glad you made the investment.

Protect your home, family, and expensive electronics by having Boulden Brothers install a backup home generator today!

Boulder Brothers is available to answer any electrical and home generator questions you may have. Your safety and comfort are out highest priorities. Feel free to give us a call; we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also keep in touch with us through Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Every home is equipped with expensive electronic devices and appliances, from iPhones, to Plasma TVs, to computers and refrigerators. All of these appliances or electronics listed require the use of your home’s circuit board.

Does You Really Need Home Surge Protection?

We’ve all scoffed at the idea one time or another, but the answer to this question is a definite “yes!” And by surge protection we don’t mean a power strip that doubles as an extension cord. A surge protector is so much more than a piece of equipment that allows you to charge your laptop, phone charger and tablet all at the same time. In fact, a surge protector is what protects these devices.

Protect from what, exactly?

From power surges! A power surge occurs when an electrical charge is boosted somewhere in the power lines. This then increases the electrical potential energy, which, in turn increases the current flowing to your outlets. It’s always moving from one end of a wire to the other.

We can measure electrical potential energy in terms of voltage. When the voltage goes beyond the norm for at least 3 nanoseconds, it is called a surge. A surge that is really high has the potential to damage or even destroy your most prized electronics.

Boiled down, a surge is simply a spike in the voltage.

As a homeowner, it’s important to know that surges are not just a one-time occurrence; they happen quite often, actually. In fact, your home receives hundreds of power surges a day.

Common Types of Surges:

Internal: These are surges that happen within your home. Internal surges occur when a motored device shuts on or off, redirecting electricity to and from other appliances.
When it comes to internal surges, the biggest offenders are refrigerators and air conditioners, though smaller appliances like a hair dryer or vacuum can be a problem too.

External: Occurring outside your home, external surges are most often caused by a fallen power line or a lighting strike. It is important to note that even after power returns to your home, surges can travel through phone lines or cable TV lines.

How, then, can I protect my devices?

With whole home surge protection, of course! Whole home surge protection is directly installed on the main and subpanels of your home or business. This provides security against power surges for the whole electrical system, including your lights, HVAC system, telephone wires, and cables.

We all have expensive electronic devices that we’d like to see last a long time. We may have already thrown out a TV or stereo because of a power surge and not even realized it. A good whole home surge protector will last you 20 years or more.

You could purchase a bunch of surge protector strips (make sure they are rated UL), but these will only protect the devices they are connected to. You probably don’t have surge protectors for your washer, dryer, heating and air conditioning system, refrigerator, and other expensive electronics and appliances.

In the meantime, for a good guide on purchasing surge protection strips, see this LifeHacker surge protection guide.

If there is an electrical disturbance in an one area of the home, it could cause disruption in a different area. Remember, our electrical system is interactive.

Watch this video for more information on whole home surge protection:

While home surge protection may seem like a costly endeavor, it’s far more expensive to replace costly electronics and appliances. When it comes to all things surge protection related, give Boulden Brothers a call. Our trusted professionals can help determine the best home surge protection solution based on your budget and needs.

Boulden Brothers is available to answer any electrical and home surge protection questions you may have. Your safety is important to us. Feel free to give us a call; we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also keep in touch with us through Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Vacationing is the highlight of the summer for many families. Before leaving for an extended trip out of town, most people pack their bags and make arrangements for someone to get the mail. Another thing you must do is maintain your air conditioner while you are away. Taking a few moments to get the air conditioner ready could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unexpected repair bills.

Maintain Your Air Conditioner (General Maintenance)

Before leaving on vacation, learning how to maintain your air conditioner will go a long way in protecting your whole HVAC system. To help ensure a healthy air conditioner over the summer:

• Check and replace air conditioning filters every 30 days. Write the date on the filter itself and set reminders on your calendar so you never forget.
• Turn the thermostat up, but do not turn the air conditioning off completely. The heat buildup in your home can damage things like art, wooden floors, doors, and more. In addition, your refrigerator will have to work extra hard and you could make things very uncomfortable for any pets that you may have. Instead of turning the system off, turn the thermostat up to 85 degrees while away on vacation (or any significant period of time). This also applies in the winter; set your thermostat back, but do not turn it off completely.
• Check around your outdoor A/C unit for encroaching landscaping and debris. Clear away anything near the outdoor unit to maintain a clearance of 3 feet minimum. This will ensure proper airflow.
• Use the garden hose to wash off the condenser unit’s coils. Clean coils are better able to dissipate heat and could save you a lot of money on your air conditioning bill. Here is a video that shows you how to do it:
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuN0T0iwvmE
• Arrange for a professional air conditioning tune-up. A qualified service technician will perform a thorough inspection of the system to detect any potential problems. Give Boulden Brothers a call for 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our services.

Preparing for Storms

While you’re away from home, it is possible that severe weather conditions could affect your home and air conditioner. When severe weather arrives, so does the possibility of a power outage or lightning strike that could cause damage to the air conditioning system. Preparing for this possibility could prevent the need for system replacement due to catastrophic damage.

• If severe weather is likely during your absence from home, you should unplug or at least turn off your air conditioning.
• Remove any items from the yard that could become airborne during high winds. These items could hit the outdoor unit and damage it.
• Ask a trusted technician to check on the system after a severe weather event occurs.
• Install whole home surge protection by a professional electrician to protect all of your electronics and appliances. Your whole home surge protector diverts the electrical surge to a grounding wire.

In addition to air conditioning maintenance and replacement, Boulden Brothers also offers quite a number of other related products and services: surge protectors, ultra violet lights, filters, humidifiers, thermostats, and air cleaning systems.

Learning how to maintain your air conditioner over summer will not only reduces utility costs while you’re away, but it also help to ensure that there will be no unpleasant surprises when you return from your trip. For more ideas on getting your air conditioner ready for summer weather, call us now!

All of our home services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

For more information on air conditioning maintenance or other home maintenance such as propane, plumbing, and electrical, call the home experts at (302) 368-3848.

See more answers to common heating and air conditioning questions in our answer man video library. Have a question you’d like Dan the Answer Man to answer? Send it to us right here.

Don’t forget to keep in touch with us through our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Keep your HVAC unit running smoothly, use less energy, and stay cool this summer with a routine HVAC maintenance and air conditioning tune-up.

Schedule an Air Conditioning Tune-Up in 3 Easy Steps

1. Contact us. Don’t try  conducting your own air conditioning tune-up no matter how many Youtube videos you’ve seen! Give us a call and schedule your annual HVAC maintenance check-up before the hottest days of summer come. A professional is needed to prevent damaging your air conditioner and to ensure that it’s properly maintained.
2. Always schedule for spring. We highly recommend you schedule your HVAC tune-up in the spring. You’ll avoid a major breakdown during the summer, when the temperature is at its peak. Like any other complicated machine, routine maintenance will keep your system running more efficient for longer.
3. Know your basics. Here’s a quick checklist to go over with your HVAC contractor when they arrive:

• Check for proper refrigerant levels

• Check all electrical components and controls

• Clean evaporator and condenser coils

• Check oil motors

• Calibrate thermostat

• Check the condenser

• Check, clean and/or replace furnace filters

Just like a car, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance. Your service technician will clean what he finds dirty, such as your coils, and perform any needed repairs. Regular tune-ups can save hundreds of dollars in repairs annually.

For some quick air conditioning tune-up tips:

• Change your air filter every month to help unit run at peak efficiency.
• Keep thermostat away from any heat sources for accurate measurements.
• Set thermostat as high as possible. For every 1 degree you raise the thermostat, energy and costs decrease by about 3%.
• Keep windows, drapes, and shades closed while the sun is out to reduce solar heat gain.

For even more air conditioning tips and tricks, see our other blog posts:

SPRING AIR CONDITIONING TUNE-UP TIPS

TIPS FOR BUYING AN AIR CONDITIONER (ANSWER MAN VIDEOS)

Propane Grilling Safety

You know it’s springtime when you start to smell backyard barbecues. Not too hot, not too cold, spring is a great time to get outside and enjoy a tasty grilled meal.

Outdoor grilling is a spring and summer must-have. But, you don’t want to make it memorable for the wrong reasons.

According the NFPA propane grilling safety (National Fire Protection Association):

• In 2012, 16,900 patients went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.
• One of every six (16%) home structure fires in which grills were involved in ignition, something that could catch fire was too close to the grill.
• Overall, leaks or breaks were factors in one of every five reported grill fires.
• Gas grills contribute to a higher number of home fires overall than their charcoal counterparts.
• July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by May, June, and August.
• 8,800 home fires are started by grills each year, on average.

Propane Gas Grill Do’s and Don’ts         

In order to avoid a barbecue blaze, follow these propane grilling do’s and don’ts:

Propane Grilling Do’s

• Always use the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Always follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and keep written materials and manuals in a safe, accessible place.
• Make sure the grill burner controls are turned off and keep the cylinder valve fully closed when not in use.
• Make sure the gas grill is shut off and completely cooled before covering it after use.
• Always use or store cylinders in an upright, vertical position. Be sure to store them outdoors away from sources of ignition (i.e. heat, matches, or lighters).
• When a cylinder is refilled, have your Delaware Propane Supplier check for dents, damage, rust, or leaks.
• After filling, take the cylinder home immediately. While transporting, keep the vehicle ventilated with the cylinder valve closed and plugged or capped.
• When a grill is not in use, cover disconnected hose-end fittings and burner air intakes with small plastic bags, or obtain protective fitting caps from the propane gas retailer to keep out dirt, insects, and moisture.
• Before lighting a propane gas grill burner, test the gas fittings for leaks. The NFPA provides this leak detection solution:

Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

Propane Grilling Don’ts 

• Do not bring cylinders indoors or into an enclosed space such as a garage.
• Do not smoke while handling the propane cylinder.
• Do not leave the cylinder in a vehicle.
• Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
• Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.
• Do not use, store, or transport a cylinder where it could be exposed to high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders under or near the grill).

Source: montclairnjusa.org – Propane Grilling Safety Tips

For a couple more propane grilling safety tips, take a look at the NFPA‘s safety tips on grilling:

For more information on propane grilling safety, read the CPSC’s (Consumer Product Safety Commission) latest propane safety standards and our own Propane Safety Page.

We also wanted to share this great trick for estimating how much propane you have left in your tank:

Propane isn’t just for grilling in the spring and summer. If you are interested in a clean and energy-efficient energy source for hot water and home heating, call Boulden Brothers Propane at (800) 296-2553. You can also read our propane blog archives for more information.

We are continuing our tradition of supporting The Ronald McDonald House by giving a penny per gallon sold to the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, where we personally witnessed the love and support they give to family members of ill children. In fact, with your help, we recently gave them a check for over $5,900.

The average lifespan of a properly maintained air conditioner is between 10 and 12 years. A number of factors play into its lifespan, but regular air conditioning maintenance is by far the biggest one. By following these guidelines, you can rest assured your unit has a better chance of survival.

Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips