Spring is here, and soon warmer weather will be at your front door in Pennsylvania. Is your home ready for spring? We made it through a long, cold winter, and you’re probably preparing your budget for the next warm season. We’re here to bring you some spring energy-saving tips from Eshenaurs.

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Spring Energy-Saving Tips for PA:

1. Get a Programmable Thermostat.

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat in your home and you’re still using a manual thermostat, you could be missing out on savings. A programmable thermostat can help you save on energy bills. All you have to do is set it to raise the temperature when you’re not home or sleeping.

2. Use a Ceiling Fan.

Using a ceiling fan with your A/C system lets you raise your thermostat’s setting by 4°F without a reduction in comfort. Make sure you remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room.

3. Schedule Your A/C Tune-Up.

Getting annual maintenance on your air conditioner can do wonders for your energy bills. A tune-up from a certified technician from Eshenaurs will keep your A/C running at its peak efficiency and your home cool with less energy.

4. Turn on Bathroom Fans.

When you shower, remember to turn on your bathroom fan to draw out the heat and humidity in the room.

5. Start Grilling.

Cooking in your oven creates quite a bit of extra heat in your home. If you can, move your cooking outdoors and start grilling on a propane grill instead.

6. Use Window Treatments to Your Advantage.

When the sun is shining, open your window treatments to let in natural light instead of using electricity. When it’s hot or too warm outside, close your blinds or curtains to keep the extra heat out of your home, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work any harder.

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Contact Eshenaurs for Your PA Home Comfort Needs

We hope these spring energy-saving tips help you save all season long. When you’re ready for your annual tune-up or if you have any questions about saving energy for spring, contact us. Eshenaurs is proud to provide Central Pennsylvania with heating oil delivery, propane delivery, heating services, air conditioning services, residential plumbing, fuel pricing plans, HVAC financing, and much more. You can count on Eshenaurs to be there whenever you need us. We look forward to hearing from you.

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With Pennsylvania’s climate, homeowners and business owners alike need a reliable source of fuel to power their heat and hot water appliances. Propane gas and heating oil are the two top choices for energy around here because of their powerful nature, abundant supply, and affordable pricing. So what are the real differences between these two competing fuels? At Eshenaurs, we’re experts on both heating oil and propane supply and usage—so we’ll outline the differences and let you decide on which one ranks supreme.

Heating Oil vs. Propane: What’s the Difference?

Oil vs. Propane’s Creation & Supply

Heating oil comes from two supply chains: domestic and imported. Domestic heating oil is created right here in the Northeast, while imported oil can supplement demand during the coldest months of the year. Propane, on the other hand, primarily comes from Texas, which produces more than enough liquified petroleum gas to go around.

Oil vs. Propane’s Chemical Composition

Think back to your high school chemistry class where you learned about states of matter. Oil is both stored and used as a liquid fuel, while propane is stored compressed as a liquid and used as a gas fuel.

Oil vs. Propane’s Energy Capacity

Heating oil has an energy capacity of 139,000 BTUs, compared to 91,502 BTUs for propane. This means that more energy is produced from heating oil—but the margin is small. Both fuels are plenty efficient and powerful enough for any household and commercial applications.

Oil vs. Propane’s Service Requirements

Since propane is burned as a gas, appliances can sometimes go longer periods without needing to be cleaned and serviced. Still, it’s recommended that both oil and propane heating appliances have tune-ups annually to reduce the unexpected when it comes to service needs.

Related Post: Top Benefits of Annual A/C Tune-Ups

Oil vs. Propane’s Recent Advancements

Heating oil is being engineered to create lower-sulfur variants, including ULS oil and biofuels. Propane has always produced very few emissions, meaning that both fuels are competitive in their eco-friendliness when compared to one another.

Here’s the Great News: You Can’t Make a Bad Decision

While some of this information may surprise you, there’s no need to worry. You really can’t make a bad choice when it comes to choosing heating oil or propane for your home’s or business’s supply of energy. Both fuel choices are safe, economical, and abundant in Pennsylvania and beyond. Eshenaurs provides oil heating installations, oil heating maintenance, propane heating installations, and propane heating maintenance throughout the Harrisburg, PA area. We also perform heating oil delivery and propane deliveries. Contact the Eshenaur’s team today if you’d like to place an order for heating oil or propane to power your Pennsylvania property!

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Winter in Pennsylvania can be hard. On top of frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, ice, and wind, we also have to deal with viruses and other uncomfortable health symptoms caused by cold weather like dry skin, sore throats, and itchy eyes. Now that we are all spending more time at home, it’s more important than ever to make sure your home’s indoor air is healthy and comfortable.

Here are some easy things you can do to improve your home’s indoor air quality during the coldest months of the year in Central Pennsylvania.

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Top 4 Indoor Air Quality Improvement Tips for PA

1. Add houseplants.

Did you know that some houseplants are known to reduce airborne toxins? Air-filtering plants such as Peace Lilies and English Ivy can be a great addition to naturally improve your air and brighten your living space. Just be mindful if you have pets and ask your veterinarian which plants are safe for your four-legged buddies.

2. Invest in an indoor air purifier.

Indoor air quality technology is more advanced than ever before. There are several kinds of air quality systems that can help your family breathe easier. In-duct air purifiers can be added to homes with forced-air heating and A/C systems that use ductwork. These provide quiet and invisible air treatment cleaning your air of pollutants, allergens, and airborne particles as air circulates through your home. If your home doesn’t have ductwork, you can use a ductless air filtration system. These systems are sleek and unobtrusive and work to clean the air throughout your home.

Related Post: 5 Tips for Winterizing Your Home in Pennsylvania

3. Stay on top of chores.

Dusting and vacuuming on a regular basis will help to reduce mold, dust, pollen, and dander. It’s also a good idea to steam clean rugs and wash window treatments seasonally.

4. Check humidity levels.

When your heating system is running regularly, your home’s air gets dried out. This is what causes itchy eyes, dry skin, scratchy throats, and other problems. Using a humidifier can help reduce these issues, but just make sure you don’t go overboard and make the air too moist. Too much moisture will cause mold and other allergens to grow. We recommend keeping your home at a 30%–35% humidity level.

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W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc.: Central PA’s Indoor Air Quality Specialists

Need help with your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ)? W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. is pleased to install in-duct and ductless air purifiers and filtration systems for homes and businesses in Central Pennsylvania. We also offer humidifiers and dehumidifiers and are available to help assess which equipment would be best for your specific property. Contact us online to get a free indoor air quality consultation or call (717) 236-5031 today!

 

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Cold weather is coming! Since we are all spending more time at home this winter, why not spend a little extra time winterizing your home? This quick checklist from W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. will make sure your home is prepped to keep you safe and help you save energy.

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Checklist for Prepping Your Home for Winter in Central PA

Tip #1: Clear your gutters.

Ice dams can cause serious damage to your gutters and your home! Make sure your gutters are clear of any lingering fall leaves or debris. You can also install gutter guards for added protection.

Tip #2: Protect your pipes.

Frozen or burst pipes are a serious safety hazard that you want to avoid at all costs. Check your pipes to see if any are at risk for freezing. Problem pipes can be protected with extra insulation, and it is important to always keep your heat at least on low to prevent freezing. You should also disconnect all outdoor hoses from their water sources to prevent freezing and expansion. Contact your local plumber for assistance winterizing your pipes.

Tip #3:  Seal leaks & drafts.

Pesky drafts and leaks can cause significant heat loss. When hot air escapes outside, you end up wasting fuel! Check windows and doors for any air leaks or drafts, and seal them up with caulk or weather stripping.

Tip #4: Prepare for snow removal.

Here in Pennsylvania, we get plenty of ice and snow. It is important to make sure your walkways and driveway are properly cleared. This is for the safety of your household and also to make sure your heating oil or propane gas delivery drivers can access your property.

Tip #5: Test your detectors.

Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors each season. Make sure they are working properly and check to see if they need new batteries.

Related Post: Crucial Winter Safety Tips for PA Homeowners in 2020

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Your Local Fuel & HVAC Experts in Central PA

W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. is proud to be the leading full-service fuel delivery and HVAC company in Central PA that is here to help with all of your home comfort needs. From heating and fuel delivery to plumbing and generator services, our team is at your service. If you have any questions or need any assistance completing theses tasks, give us a call.

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Does your home still have an electric hot water heater? You might be happy enough with it, but what if you could have more readily available hot water with lower hot water bills? Say goodbye to lukewarm showers and high electric bills! A propane hot water heater can deliver the steady supply of hot water you need without the high price tag. Read on to see how a propane hot water heater can make this happen.

Pull the Plug on Your Electric Hot Water Heater

Propane gas is a versatile energy option that can power all sorts of appliances in your home. It is one of the lightest and cleanest-burning fuels. If you already use propane gas for home heating or cooking, you can easily add a propane gas hot water heater to your home. Here are the main benefits of switching from an electric hot water heater to a propane hot water heater:

Safety

Propane gas is highly regulated and propane equipment adheres to strict safety codes to keep your property safe.

Efficiency

Propane is a favorite for hot water heating because it is extremely efficient. Pair the natural efficiency of the fuel itself with the advanced technology of a new high-efficiency hot water heater and you’ll get consistently lower energy bills compared to electric hot water heating.

Longevity

The average lifespan of a hot water heater is 10 years. How old is your current hot water heater? If it is approaching the 10-year mark, it’s a good idea to upgrade now. This will prevent your current hot water heater from getting so old that it has a major breakdown.

Savings

On average, a typical household can save $500 to $1,000 annually by switching from electricity to a propane hot water heater. Increased operating efficiency means lower operating costs, which translates to direct savings for you.

Dependability

Customers who have a propane hot water heater in their home in Central Pennsylvania can count on W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. to provide a reliable supply of propane gas. We are proud to be one of the leading propane delivery companies in the region and have set ourselves apart by providing timely deliveries, expert service, and competitive prices.

Related Blog: Things to Consider When Installing a New Boiler or Furnace in PA

W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc.: Central PA’s Top Propane Hot Water Heater Supplier

So, what are you waiting for? W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. provides free, no-obligation quotes for propane hot water heater installations. Call or contact us online to talk about your current hot water heater and how we can make the switch to a propane hot water heater quick and simple.

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Have you heard spooky noises coming from your basement lately? Before you let fears of ghosts and goblins give you the creeps, check out your heating system. If your boiler or furnace is getting up there in years, that’s probably the culprit. Strange noises, like bumps or thuds, are one of the tell-tale signs that your old heating system should be replaced. Read our blog post to learn more about warning signs that it’s time to replace your heating system in Central Pennsylvania.

5 Signs It Might Be Time to Replace an Old Heating System

Strange Noises or Smells

We all expect to hear some mystery noises now and again from the basement, especially during the spooky season here in PA, but if you start to hear out-of-the-ordinary humming, banging, or clunking coming from your heating system, it could be time for a replacement. Abnormal odors can be another red flag.

2. Increased Repair Frequency

Like any piece of machinery, your heating equipment will suffer from more breakdowns as years of wear and tear go by. Look back on your recent service history. Instead of spending your money on recurring repair visits, you will get more bang for your buck investing in a new high-efficiency system.

3. Higher Energy Bills

As your heating system ages, its efficiency will start to decline, requiring more oil or propane to operate. Consistently climbing heating costs, without extreme weather or household size increase, is a clear symptom of decreased fuel economy. New high-efficiency models can reach efficiency ratings of up to 95, which means significantly reduced heating expenses.

4. Uneven Heating

Do you feel exceptionally warm in some rooms of your house and unnaturally cold in others? If your thermostat reads a typical temperature, but heat is not reaching all areas of your home equally, that can indicate the decline of your equipment’s operation capabilities.

5. Dusty or Dry Air

Assess your home’s indoor air quality. Excess amounts of dust or drastic changes in air humidity can be a result of an ineffective heating system. Regular maintenance will improve indoor air quality, but over time, a replacement is the only sure-fire solution.

Get a Free Quote on a New Heating System in Central PA

Does your current Pennsylvania home’s boiler or furnace exhibit any or all of these symptoms? W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. installs oil heating systems, propane gas heating systems, and natural gas heating systems from the best brands available. Contact W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. to get a free estimate on a new high-efficiency heating system before winter weather is here to stay.

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October 8, 2020

Letter from the President

Dear Valued Customer,

We and other Pennsylvania residents and business owners statewide have learned to navigate the COVID-19 climate, making adjustments each day to help safeguard the health of our families, employees, and of course our valued customers. We want to thank you for continuing to trust W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. with your home comfort and safety, even amidst difficult times. We take this responsibility very seriously and will continue to employ safety measures as long as it is necessary.

Fall is upon us once more, but the season looks a little different than normal. One major change is that many local children are learning from home and adults are working remotely. If you are enrolled in our convenient automatic fuel delivery program, please be sure to let us know if your family is learning or working remotely so we can update your annual fuel usage, which might be higher than past years. If you are not yet on automatic delivery, please let us know if you’d like to enroll in this service and take one to-do off your mind this season.

If you’re interested in increasing your peace of mind while spending more time at home, we want to remind you that we provide installations and service for emergency generators. During a recent storm in Pennsylvania, hundreds of homes were left without power for several days. Though power failure is always inconvenient, residents who rely on their power to work and learn remotely had to scramble to accommodate their jobs and schooling.

And finally, please remember that we provide high-efficiency water heater upgrades. If your teenagers or college students are spending more time at home these days, chances are you’ll want plenty of warm water on hand for additional showers! As always, please let us know if we can help you in any way.

Sincerely,
W.C. Eshenaur & Son

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5 Fail-Safe Ways to Prep for Winter

Keep this checklist handy for your fall to-do list and winter preparations!

Need help with your fall and winter preparations? Get in touch with the W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. team today!

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Now’s the Time to Create Your Backyard Propane Oasis

Chances are with everything going on, you and your family saved money this year by staying home, canceling travel plans, and eating at home more frequently. You’ve done the legwork, now reward yourself with maximum home comfort from a propane oasis right in your backyard.

Propane Can Extend Summer Fun

• Install a pool heater or hot tub
• Get an outdoor fireplace or kitchen
• Soak up the fall with a patio heater

Contact us for all your propane outdoor living needs!

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Score MAJOR Savings on System Upgrades

If you could make your home safer and more comfortable for your family, wouldn’t you do it? Now’s the time, because Pennsylvania homeowners are spending more time at their houses than ever this year. Here are the most recent savings opportunities that are currently available to valued customers like YOU!

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Want an easy chance to win a $100 Visa gift card? You could spend it on daily needs, holiday shopping, or something special for yourself! Here’s how to enter:

1. Write us an honest Google review between 10/1 and 10/31
2. You will be automatically entered to win the gift card
3. We will reach out to the winner. Good luck!

Need help writing a Google review? Just give us a call and our friendly customer service representatives will walk you through the simple steps!

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Home Comfort Trivia:
How Well Do You Know Your Heat?

Fill in the blank with the correct percentage! According to Energy.gov, approximately _____ of US households reported an average age for home heating systems of 5 years or more in 2009.

a. 98%  b. 74%  c. 11%  d. 27%

Answer: b. 74%

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Pennsylvania weather can change at the drop of a hat, and you can expect the cold nights are going to come on unpredictably this fall. We’re in the transitional period between the warm seasons and cold seasons, so you know you’ll be turning on your heater soon, and you may already be wondering what the best way to heat your home will be this year. Read this blog post to learn about the supplementary heating option that homeowners in Central PA are using to keep comfortable as the seasons change.

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What Is a Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump?

A ductless mini-split system works with one outdoor unit and one or more indoor units to keep the temperature of your home regulated. Ductless mini-splits with a heat pump can provide extra heat during the spring and fall, and offset your central heating equipment in the dead of winter.

What Are the Benefits of Ductless Mini-Splits?

Ductless Mini-Splits Can Help You Save Money
These ductless systems heat and cool by zones, so you can choose not to heat unoccupied rooms. Plus, they don’t use ductwork, so heat doesn’t have to travel, using less energy. Most ductless models are ENERGY STAR® rated and are much more efficient than traditional space heaters.

They Are Easy to use
Ductless mini-split heat pump and air conditioning systems are extremely easy to use. When you have one of these systems, you can switch from heating to cooling without effort, controlling the temperature of each room in your home.

Ductless Systems Are Easy to Install
Because ductless mini-splits require no ductwork, professional installations are fast and easy. They can be affixed to any interior wall and have a sleek, unobtrusive design.

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Get A Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Installation in PA

Ductless mini-split heat pumps have many benefits. If you’re looking for the perfect solution to changing autumn weather, add an energy-efficiency ductless system this season. Contact W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. for a free installation estimate for your Harrisburg, PA area home today.

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It’s the middle of summer, and we hope you’re taking full advantage of the weather! With the season in full swing, how are you making the most of your outdoor living space? Homeowners across Pennsylvania have been firing up their grills for weekend cookouts, but did you know you can use propane to fuel a lot more summer fun in your backyard? Customers love propane’s year-round versatility, and when the warm season hits, you can count on propane to power your home comfort needs without a costly bill. Make the most of your summer with these propane appliances!

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Outdoor Propane Uses in Pennsylvania

Keep the Water Temperature Perfect

Keep the water at the perfect temperature, so you can jump in anytime without the shivers. A propane-fired heater will improve your water temperature, and a high-efficiency system can help reduce energy usage and costs. If you’re ready to dive in, contact us to set up a propane delivery, so you can get the most out of your pool this summer.

Have a Cookout with Your Gas Grill

Summer isn’t complete without a cookout or a family BBQ party. How are you powering your grill? A propane grill will deliver delicious food, and gas grills are an affordable way to dine outdoors and lower your indoor energy bills.

Get the Yard in Tip-Top Shape

Propane powers all types of lawn equipment, including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and more. If you want to show off your green thumb and make your garden flourish, use propane to power your equipment. It’s clean burning, and your tools won’t require charging.

Prepare Meals in Your Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens are a great way to take your cooking and dining experience to the next level! You can reduce your seasonal indoor energy costs by preparing meals outside. An outdoor kitchen offers the same benefits as a gas grill with a wider range of cooking options. Don’t make your A/C work overtime by heating the house from cooking inside. Try a meal outdoors.

Stay Toasty with a Heating Source

Whether you prefer a fire pit or a patio heater, there’s no doubt that even the hottest days can turn into cool, breezy evenings. Don’t let the cold run you inside. Propane gas fire pits and patio space heaters are a cost-effective way to keep your outdoor space comfortable all the time. Give us a call to help you get set up today.

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Propane is a clean-burning, versatile fuel. If you want to learn more about how propane gas can power your outdoor living space, we’d be happy to talk to you! If you’re ready to make the most of this Pennsylvania summer, contact us to set up a propane delivery.

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Ductless Mini-Split vs. Central Air Conditioning: Which Ranks Better?

When the summer heat hits, ensuring that your home stays cool and comfortable is a top priority. At W.C. Eshenaur & Son, we offer a variety of high-efficiency air conditioning systems to meet your home’s specific needs. From homes with central ductwork to those without. Whether you’re interested in central air conditioning or a ductless mini-split system, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your home’s cooling needs.

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How to Choose Between Central A/C and Ductless Systems

When deciding between a central air system and a ductless mini-split, the main factor is often the presence of existing ductwork in your home. Central A/C is ideal for homes with ducts and existing heating systems, while ductless mini-split systems provide flexibility and can be added to homes without ducts.

If you’re unsure which system would be best for your home, don’t hesitate to contact our team. Our HVAC professionals will assess your current setup and cooling needs to recommend the most efficient and cost-effective solution. We’re always happy to provide free consultations to help you make an informed decision.

High-Efficiency A/C Equipment That Will Last for Years

The biggest distinction between the two models of Pennsylvania air conditioners is that one requires central ductwork and one doesn’t. Both operate efficiently, provide instant cool air, and work quietly in your home. If your home uses a furnace and air vents to heat, a central unit may be the better choice for your home. If you use a radiant heater, one or more ductless mini-splits could be your best friend.

If you’re on the fence, contact our HVAC installation team for a no-obligation consultation. They’ll be more than happy to speak with you about your home, your cooling goals, and any existing equipment that could make a central A/C or a ductless unit preferable. You can contact us online or by phone anytime.

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We’ll Take Care of Your Family with Your Air Conditioning System of Choice

At W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc., our goal is to keep your family safe and comfortable. Now more than ever, people are spending more time in their homes because of social distancing guidelines. If you’ve never had an air conditioner, this year may be the perfect time to invest in one; we even offer financing. You’ll increase the comfort of your home, keep your family safe and cool, and enjoy a higher resell value when you next decide to move. Get in touch with our team today if you’d like to request a free quote on an A/C system of your choice. If you have any questions for us, we’ll happily answer those too. Thank you for trusting W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. with your home comfort!

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