There have been a great number of changes in our lives over the last 30 years. The advent of the internet that gave us online commerce, social media, streaming entertainment, and more has transformed the way we live, work, and play.
Something else that has undergone a radical change in that time is the heating oil we use to keep our homes warm, safe, and comfortable in the winter. Thanks to technological advances, today’s heating oil is dramatically different than what was delivered just a generation ago!
Let’s get familiar with some of the changes.
ULSHO is not some top-secret spy agency. It’s one of the top reasons why today’s heating oil is so dramatically better than what it used to be!
ULSHO stands for ultra-low sulfur heating oil and has been the only heating oil allowed to be delivered in Connecticut since 2018. ULSHO standards require that heating oil contains 15 parts per million (ppm) of sulfur or less, a reduction of 99% from the amount present 30 years ago.
This virtual elimination of sulfur from heating oil has resulted in a reduction of more than 70% in greenhouse gases when compared to traditional heating oil.
ULSHO not only lowers emissions, but it also benefits your oil-fired heating system by reducing sulfur accumulation. Sulfur is a common cause of failure in furnaces and boilers. ULSHO not only reduces the number of required service calls but also extends the life of your home’s oil-fired heating system. In addition, it improves the efficiency and performance of the system.
ULSHO doesn’t require you to replace or change your heating system to get these benefits.
With ULSHO and super-efficient oil heating systems, you’ll be able to cut your heating costs while maintaining your home’s comfort.
USHSO is only the beginning when it comes to making heating oil more sustainable. As the number of states that require the use of biodiesels in heating oil rises, so does the use of bioheat fuel—also known as Bioheat® fuel, which Santa Energy delivers. The biodiesels used in Bioheat® fuel are produced from a variety of plant oils (sunflower, rapeseed, soybean, and more), recycled restaurant cooking oils, algae, and animal fats.
Switching to biodiesels for heating oil would drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions. If we manage to get most people using biodiesels by 2030, we could cut emissions by 1.5 million tons. This is the equivalent of taking 320,000 cars off the road! The increase in biodiesel use in heating oil will also help the heating oil industry achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Santa Energy can’t be beat when it comes to dependable heating oil delivery for Southwestern Connecticut homes and businesses.
Propane outdoor appliances help make your backyard better in many ways, and you can enjoy them with dependable propane delivery from Santa Energy! Here are some ideas for using propane to get the most out of summer. Grilling is typically the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to propane and outdoor living. There’s a reason for that: nothing beats propane when it comes to grilling! Grilling using propane is quick, simple, and allows the tastes of your meal to come through instead of being overpowered by smoke. You can also use your grill whenever you want by connecting it to your home’s propane tank. If you want to get the most out of your pool and spa, consider using propane. Propane heaters are much more energy efficient than electric ones, which means they’ll save you money in the long run. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, propane pool heaters have efficiencies as high as 95%. That means that for every dollar you spend on propane for heating your pool, 95 cents of it will go directly into heating. With a propane pool and spa heater, you can heat your water considerably faster so that you can use your pool and spa longer and more often. Spending time in your backyard with friends and family is the perfect way to unwind. But why stop there? With propane, you can turn your backyard into an oasis – a place where you can relax and recharge, both with company or solo. You can still dine outside even when the temperature drops at night, thanks to propane patio heaters. Propane firepits are great for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores with the kids or enjoying a glass of wine with friends. Propane fireplaces are perfect for relaxing with a good book and a cup of tea. Mosquitoes can bring good times in your back yard to a screeching halt. A propane-powered insect trap simulates human breath to lure in mosquitoes, capture them, and keep them away from you.Make Your Outdoors Great With Propane From Santa Energy
With Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and summer right around the corner, we have a lot of fun to look forward to here in Southwestern Connecticut!Create your perfect outdoor kitchen
Enjoy a swim or a soak
Turn your back yard into a destination
Say “bye-bye!” to bugs
Become a Santa Energy customer to get the most reliable propane delivery in Southwestern Connecticut!
While we’re spending more time outdoors lately, keeping the air inside our homes clean and healthy remains essential.
You can do that with indoor air quality equipment installed and serviced by the skilled service technicians at Santa Energy!
Why might you need indoor air quality equipment? Because your home’s HVAC system isn’t enough. Most HVAC air filters will trap some of the dust, dirt, pollen, and pet dander circulating through it. But it doesn’t get everything. And they don’t stop airborne viruses, germs, mold bacteria, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Our Honeywell electronic air cleaner uses a three-stage filtration system to trap virtually all airborne particles as they pass through. Not only is your air cleaner and safer, but smells from cooking and other things are also gone.
Indoor air quality isn’t just about cleanliness. The humidity levels in your home matter as well. If the air in your home is too humid, mold and mildew can form, and the house will smell musty. Air that is too dry can damage wood flooring, furniture, trim, art, and electronics. It can also make you more susceptible to colds. These are why we also sell, install, and service whole-house humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
Pay attention to your air filter. Check your HVAC system’s air filter once a month and change it as needed. If you have pets, check the filter more frequently.
Keep the floors clean. Everyone’s feet bring a lot of dirt, dust, and allergens into your house. That’s especially true this time of year. Vacuum and/or mop on a regular basis and remove your shoes as soon as you walk in the door.
Add plants. Houseplants not only improve air quality by filtering toxins but also give back clean oxygen.
Have your ductwork cleaned. When ductwork is not properly cleaned and maintained, pollutants may settle and accumulate in the ductwork. Turning on your home’s central air conditioning system may stir up those pollutants and send them into your living areas, resulting in or exacerbating respiratory issues.
Do some decluttering. The papers and other assorted stuff accumulating on tables, counters, and other surfaces attract dust, which hurts your indoor air quality. Clear out the clutter regularly.
Contact the equipment experts at Santa Energy to get started on improving the indoor air quality in your home!
With spring arriving here in Southwestern Connecticut, we are already planning our warm-weather fun. But there’s one thing you need to do before you swap out your sweaters for sandals: Schedule a tune-up of your home’s furnace or boiler with Santa Energy!
You may believe that heating system maintenance is something you can put off until fall, but there are several good reasons why you should get it done now.
One reason is convenience. In the HVAC sector, this period of time is known as a “shoulder season.” Heating season has come to an end, and air conditioning season hasn’t begun yet. Spring is quieter for HVAC service professionals, so you’re more likely to score a tune-up appointment for a day and time that works best for you. We will be able to do any needed repairs faster and easier than in the winter.
By scheduling your furnace or boiler maintenance right now, it will be ready to go when you need it in the fall. A spring heating system tune-up makes life simpler in the long run!
Protect your investment. Did you know that four out of five HVAC system breakdowns could have been prevented with regular, professional maintenance? Because Santa Energy service technicians not only do a tune-up, they also conduct a thorough examination of your heating system. They can spot and address issues before they get worse and result in a potentially costly breakdown. That can lead to a much longer life expectancy for your furnace or boiler.
Lower your heating costs. When your heating equipment is properly maintained, it will operate at peak efficiency, utilizing the least amount of energy possible while keeping your home warm and comfortable. This can save you a lot of money on your energy costs.
Protect the warranty. Annual maintenance by a professional service technician is required by several warranties for furnaces and boilers. If you don’t get your equipment serviced on a regular basis, it may invalidate your warranty, leaving you responsible for future repair expenses.
It’s also the time to top off your heating oil tank if you use heating oil to heat your house. During warmer weather, condensation forms on the bare walls inside a heating oil tank. That moisture eventually drips down and sinks to the bottom of the tank. There, it creates sediment and bacteria which could lead to the development of sludge and corrosion.
Filling your tank now allows you to be ready whenever cold weather hits next fall. You won’t have to worry about having enough heating oil to get through the first cold snap.
Contact Santa Energy today to schedule your furnace or boiler tune-up!
Your water heater probably doesn’t get a lot of attention. It sits in your basement or equipment closet providing you with hot water for bathing, cleaning, cooking, and other tasks.
However, you should be paying it some attention because if it fails, you could be facing a lot of hassle and costs for cleanup, fixing damage to your home, and replacement.
Knowing when you need to replace your water heater gives you time to research your options and plan the replacement, rather than having to rush through the process as you would need to do if your water heater fails.
Santa Energy is here for you with a selection of top-quality water heaters! We sell, install, and service both gas and oil-fired water heaters, and offer conventional storage tank, indirect, and tankless water heaters.
You’ll get an honest and FREE quote for a new water heater, and we’ll give you expert installation from our skilled, experienced team of service technicians.
Here are five signs that it’s time to contact us to upgrade to a new, high-efficiency water heater.
If you use hot water and your faucet produces rusty water, the likely cause is the buildup of sediment inside the water heater tank. That could mean you facing a tank failure soon. Contact us right away.
When the water in your tank is being heated and you hear banging or rumbling, there’s a good chance that there has been a buildup and solidification of sediment at the bottom of the tank. Unfortunately, this likely means that your water heater is beyond repair and needs to be replaced.
The average life expectancy of a storage-type water heater is 10 to 12 years. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s time to get started planning to replace it. If you do not know your water heater’s age, use the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker to find out. 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 G092738598, “G” is the seventh letter in the alphabet and corresponds to July, the seventh month of the year. The “09” stands for the year. That indicates that the water heater was manufactured in July of 2009.
Even tiny leaks can cause a tiny puddle or damp floor around your water heater over time, despite the fact that they are not easy to see. Get in touch with us right away to have it looked at.
Approximately 20% of the energy consumed in a home is used to heat water. It’s possible that any rise in your power bills is due to an inefficient, aging water heater. A new, high-efficiency tankless water heater may save you 40% on your water heating energy costs!
Don’t wait for your water heater to fail before replacing it! Get in touch with Santa Energy to get started on upgrading to a reliable and efficient water heater.
Everyone thinks you have to plan a major vacation to have fun in the summer, but what if we told you that you could escape right in your own backyard?
With another awesome Connecticut summer on the way, we’re all looking forward to getting outside and enjoying it. Propane can help you do that with outdoor propane appliances that turn your backyard into a hub for fun and relaxation.
You can enjoy a wonderful summer at home with reliable propane delivery from Santa Energy!
Here are some ideas for using propane to get the most out of summer.
When it comes to propane and outdoor living, grilling is usually the first thing that springs to mind. There’s a reason for that: nothing beats propane when it comes to grilling! Grilling with propane is fast and easy and allows the taste of your meal to shine rather than being obscured by smoke. You can also connect your propane BBQ grill to your home’s propane tank for grilling whenever you want without worrying about an empty cylinder.
Your pool and spa are significant investments in your home as well as your fun and relaxation. Propane makes it possible for you to enjoy them even more. That’s because propane gas pool heaters and spas are far more energy efficient and cost-effective than electric ones. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, propane pool heaters have efficiencies as high as 95%. That means that for every dollar you spend on propane for heating your pool, 95 cents of it will go directly into heating. Propane pool and spa heaters heat water considerably faster than electric pool and spa heaters. You’ll be able to use your pool and spa more often.
Your backyard is where you spend quality time with your friends and family. Propane allows you to set up areas to enjoy alone or with others. Even if it gets chilly after dark, propane patio heaters allow you to dine outside. The ideal location to socialize with your friends over wine or chill out with the family is a propane firepit. Propane fireplaces are ideal for relaxing with a good book and a cup of tea.
Mosquitoes can ruin your time outside in the yard. Mosquitoes are attracted to human breath, which is why a propane-powered insect trap imitates it to capture them and keep them away from you.
Become a Santa Energy customer for propane delivery and comfort you can count on!
You can count on the experienced, skilled service technicians at Santa Energy to take good care of your home’s air conditioning system to keep it running at its peak efficiency.
Our annual maintenance tune-ups allow us to discover any problems with your A/C and address them before they become a problem. That can help you save money on both repair bills and cooling costs.
You can help take care of your air conditioning system and protect yourself against big repair bills with a Santa Energy air conditioning service plan. An annual maintenance tune-up is included in all of our service plans.
If you detect one of the following issues with your air conditioner, get in touch with us right away to request a service call.
If the air coming from your vents is warm, it’s usually one of the signs that the A/C is low on refrigerant. If there isn’t enough air coming from the vents, it could also be an issue with the compressor.
Do you have a central air conditioning system that cycles on and off for short periods? It’s possible that the thermostat is faulty. Another issue could be a system that is either too large or too small for the space it’s in.
If there’s an electrical odor, it usually indicates that the wire insulation in the air conditioning system has burned out. Is there a musty scent coming from the air flowing through the air conditioning system? That might be mold in the ductwork.
If the air conditioner is squealing, grinding, or scraping while on, there’s a good chance that a part is loose or failing inside. Don’t put off having the system serviced. This might turn into an even bigger problem with higher repair costs.
Need A/C service? Get in touch with us to schedule a tune-up or service call. Don’t forget to ask about our affordable service plans for your home’s cooling system!
Whether you have a new air conditioning system in Ansonia or an older furnace in Fairfield, taking good care of your home’s HVAC equipment is essential.
Santa Energy helps with that in multiple ways. First, our team of service technicians are trained and experienced, so your HVAC system will be maintained properly. Second, our affordable service plans include an annual maintenance tune-up.
We offer service plans for oil-fired and propane-fired furnaces and boilers, as well as for air conditioning systems. Not only do these plans cover the annual tune-up, but you are also protected for many parts and labor costs for repairs if something does go wrong.
You get many benefits with regular, professional maintenance of your HVAC system. Here are some of them.
Prevent heating system breakdowns. Four out of five HVAC system repair jobs may have been prevented with routine, professional maintenance. When our experts are performing your HVAC system’s tune-up, they’re also doing a complete inspection. This gives them the opportunity to detect problems and repair them before they get worse, sparing you a costly repair bill.
Cut your energy costs. A well-maintained HVAC system runs at its peak efficiency, meaning you’ll use the least amount of fuel possible to keep your home comfortable. You’ll save money on your heating and cooling bills!
Protect your investment. The HVAC system in your house is a major investment in the value and comfort of your home. When you maintain it correctly, it works more efficiently and has fewer breakdowns. As a result, your home’s HVAC system may live much longer if you take care of it than if you don’t.
Preserve your HVAC system warranty. In order to keep your HVAC system’s warranty in force, many manufacturers demand yearly professional maintenance tune-ups. If you don’t get a tune-up each year, you risk spending a lot of money on repairs later when your warranty is canceled.
Santa Energy keeps homes in Stratford, Ridgefield, Monroe, and all-around Southwestern Connecticut comfortable with top-notch equipment service and service plans. Contact us today to learn more!
Heating oil tanks are made to be durable. However, they will eventually need to be replaced.
If your heating oil tank is more than 20 years old, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it. You don’t want to be caught off guard by a tank failure, or the stress, expense, and inconvenience that go with it.
You can trust that Santa Energy will install your heating oil tank meeting all regulations and codes, get any required permits, will handle disposing of your old heating oil tank, and will make you aware of any municipal or state fees for tank disposal.
Before you go shopping for a new heating oil tank, there are a few things to consider.
Two figures matter here: The capacity of your heating oil tank (measured in gallons) and the dimensions of the tank (height, length, and width).
The capacity is commonly found stamped on the tank. If your tank doesn’t have this figure, you’ll have to estimate using the dimensions.
A typical home heating oil tank size is 275 gallons and comes in either a vertical (275V) or horizontal (275H) orientation. There are other tank sizes, depending on it they are installed above ground or underground. Other aboveground tank sizes are 288, 340, 420, 500, 550, 675, and 1,000 gallons.
The most crucial step is to measure the area where your new heating oil tank will be installed so you can be sure it will fit.
When it comes to heating oil, be sure to talk about your needs now and in the future Santa Energy’s heating oil experts. If you’re planning on expanding your family or having elderly parents move in, you’ll need more heating oil, so you may want a larger tank than your current one.
Santa Energy offers ProGuard heating oil tank insurance, which provides $50,000 of coverage for tank replacement and cleanup costs in the event of a heating oil tank failure.
Whether you are in Norwalk, Newtown, or anywhere in southwestern Connecticut, Santa Energy provides reliable, complete heating oil services. Become a customer today!
Are you one of the many who have purchased a home in towns such as Fairfield, Weston, Newtown, and Stamford recently? Perhaps you moved up from New York City or decided to go from renting to buying for more space to accommodate remote work?
Whatever the reason, welcome to Southwestern Connecticut!
Santa Energy is the region’s leader for HVAC and comfort equipment installation, maintenance, and repair, as well as heating oil and propane delivery. We’ll help you keep your new home safe and comfortable all year-round.
You may have questions about your home’s equipment, especially if you’re new to home ownership. Here is a quick checklist of some key things you need to do to keep your equipment running efficiently. These thing will help prevent breakdowns and avoid repair bills – giving you peace of mind.
Home heating systems need annual maintenance to provide peak efficiency. Doing this insures you will use the least amount of fuel possible to heat your home – which can save you money on energy costs. Santa Energy service technicians will perform a tune-up and thoroughly inspect your heating system. Thi will allow tem to detect and fix problems before they get worse.
Unless there is documentation of prior service, it is best to assume your heating system isn’t tuned up. Which means you should schedule a service appointment as soon as possible.
If you own a furnace, you need to check your air filter once a month and change as needed. A clogged air filter reduces your furnace’s efficiency and performance and can cause breakdowns.
Homes with ductwork for HVAC systems need to have the ductwork cleaned every three to five years.
Central air conditioners need an annual tune-up that includes cleaning the condenser coils, cleaning and lubricating moving parts, checking the coolant level and adding more if needed, as well as a calibration of the thermostat, an inspection of electrical connections and tightening if needed, and an inspection and evaluation of the blower motor and blower belt.
Early spring or fall is an optimal time to get your A/C tuned up for convenient scheduling. Also, check the filter once a month and change as needed.
Water heaters need attention, too. You should check on it regularly, looking for signs of tank damage such as damp floor around the tank or rust on the tank.
An annual tune-up is recommended for all water heaters. It includes a checklist of its own: a inspection as well as draining and flushing the tank to prevent sediment build-up, checking the sacrificial anode rod and replacing as needed, testing the temperature-pressure release valve, inspecting and cleaning the burner assembly, inspecting the ventilation, and inspecting the gas valve if your water heater is run on propane or natural gas.
Santa Energy provides comfort you can count on. Contact us for all your heating, cooling, and comfort needs for your new home!