This spring, why not give yourself a reward for getting through the toughest year of our lifetime? Visit our appliance showroom in Tunkhannock and check out our complete selection of appliances from top brands, including Amana, KitchenAid, Maytag and Whirlpool.

Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ranges, cooktops and wall ovens — you name it, and we have the appliance you want in stock.

Once you choose your appliance, you can rest easy knowing that our expert technicians will install it properly so that you can enjoy it for years to come.

Please visit AceRobbinsAppliances.com to see all that we have in store for you. And if you mention this article at the time of purchase, we’ll waive our standard delivery fee!

Both American-made Bioheat fuel and propane remain abundant, keep you comfortable and saves you money. And there are no blackouts that cut off your supply of energy.

Test case: 80% reduction in emissions

Just two heating oil retailers in the Northeast displaced nearly 1.5 million gallons of heating oil with approved Bioheat fuel in the first half of 2020.* Doing this resulted in an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared to traditional heating oil.

That’s because Bioheat fuel burns more cleanly and more efficiently than conventional heating oil. You will use less heat to get the same amount of warmth, and your heating system will last longer. You’ll also likely find that you need fewer repairs on your system. All of this amounts to savings!

Bioheat fuel is readily available now and it requires no modifications to your existing system. The continued growth of Bioheat fuel puts us well on our way along the road to a low carbon future!

*Source: Diversified Energy Specialists APS Program Research, December 2020.

Where does Bioheat fuel come from?

Biodiesel (also known as biofuel) is a gallon-forgallon substitute for petroleum-based fuels, which have a higher carbon intensity. By 2030, it’s estimated that biodiesel will displace 529 million gallons of heating oil.

Biodiesel is a nontoxic, biodegradable renewable liquid fuel. The biofuel that’s blended with heating oil to create Bioheat fuel is generally produced by agricultural byproducts, including used cooking oil (also known as yellow grease), animal fats, inedible corn oil, soybean oil and canola oil.

This puts excess oil and fats to good use. Food is never sacrificed for fuel in the production of Bioheat fuel. Bioheat fuel is also sourced and produced right here in the United States, supporting local farmers, local industries and local economies.

The clear, clean choice

Because propane has such a low carbon content, it produces next to zero greenhouse gas emissions, making it a cleaner-burning energy source that can reliably fuel homes, heat water and even power vehicles.

Propane generates more Btu’s than an equivalent amount of electricity, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat energy. Also, cleaner-burning propane appliances are efficient, because they waste very little fuel in the combustion process, unlike electric-powered appliances.

That’s why, hands down, propane is better for the environment and for your home. Visit Propane.com/environment to learn more about propane and the environment. And be sure to check out RenewablePropaneGas.com to learn how the propane industry is reducing its carbon footprint.

Turn your backyard into a summer vacation

New propane appliances can turn a backyard into a summer vacation. Propane can do that — from gas grills to fire pits to stylish lighting and much more.

Propane grills

These days, you can get so much more than just the grill. You can elevate your grilling game with all kinds of features, like side burners, rotisseries, multiple levels of cooking surfaces, smoker boxes and more!

If you cook on a gas stove inside your home, you know how terrific its precise control of heat can be. By just turning the dial, you can instantly add or reduce heat.

Take that control outside when you grill with propane. Do you want to make one side direct grilling and one side indirect? Propane can do that! You can decide just how hot you need it, and make adjustments on the spot. When you want to go from medium heat for corn on the cob to high heat for a quick-searing steak, you’re in control. Charcoal can’t do that.

Fire pits

Bring friends or family together with the warmth of a propane-fueled fire pit and never worry about feeding a wood fire or cleaning up ashes afterward. A large fire pit can be used as a centerpiece for your yard, or you can set up a series of small ones at the entry of your home to wow your guests. Many models have ignition systems that can be turned on and off with a smartphone or tablet.

Propane lighting

When it comes to backyard lighting, nothing holds a candle to propane! Using outdoor lighting will dramatically enhance and accentuate the visual appeal of your property. Popular choices include stunning solid cast brass, black cast aluminum or white cast aluminum styles, with post, pedestal or wall mounts. Gas lights cost pennies per hour to operate and the brightness of these lights is comparable to a 70‑watt light bulb.

Pool heaters

A propane pool heater can maintain a comfortable water temperature any time of day, in any weather, in any season — all for an affordable price. A propane pool heater simply burns gas to warm water from the pool pump then cycles the water back into the pool.

Please contact us to learn more about all you can do with propane in your backyard.

Having a little more predictability in your life — and saving some money — is sure to make you smile. Please consider taking advantage of these convenient options.

• Start making automatic payments. We’ll reward you with a $25 fuel credit when you enroll for the first time. Your monthly payments will automatically be deducted from your bank account through an electronic funds transfer (EFT). Save checks, stamps and time. No more searching about the house for misplaced invoices!
• Combine our automatic delivery service with a wireless tank monitor to have complete confidence that you won’t run out of oil or propane.

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Customer service representative Liz Wilcox is happy to answer any questions you might have about our programs.

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Call or contact us through our website for more information or to enroll in any of these programs.

Tired of looking at the same old stuff around your home? Spring is the perfect time to clean house, and we can help with our Prohauling service. We’ll provide you with the perfect size of residential drop-off/pick-up dumpster. The dumpsters range in volume from 10 to 40 yards — large enough to rid yourself of just about anything.

Please visit the Prohauling page on our website and then contact us to reserve your dumpster.

Annual air conditioning maintenance is very important! Every equipment manufacturer requires regular maintenance to keep warranties valid. That’s because regular tune-ups prevent a wide range of problems that can lead to expensive repairs.

Your tune-up also keeps your home cooling equipment running efficiently and reliably for many years. This saves money on energy costs.

Our technician will give your cooling equipment a full assessment, checking every critical component and verifying that all controls and parts are working as intended to ensure safe operation.

Maintaining your air conditioning becomes easier and repairs much less expensive when you enroll in our Cooling Maintenance Plan. This plan covers the cost of your tune-up, provides an automatic 20% discount on all covered repairs and guarantees you priority service.

Call or contact us through our website to schedule a tune-up or to request enrollment in our Cooling Maintenance Plan.

Did you know that major power outages occur 10 TIMES more frequently today than they did in the 1980s, and more than twice as often as they did less than 20 years ago?

Those are some scary statistics – and with many states (including Pennsylvania) pushing for increased electric use for home eating (something that will cost you in a big way – more on that in a future blog), those outage numbers are sure to rise even more in the coming years.

The problem with power outages, of course, is that they are more than an inconvenience – they can be costly or even dangerous for a homeowner in PA. Without power, your sump pump and even home emergency medical equipment won’t work – not to mention your heating system, refrigerator, and other critical appliances.

The good news is that a backup generator can help keep the power on and keep your family safe during an outage. But not all power generators are created equal: when shopping for a generator, you need to choose one with a wattage output equal to what you need to power.

Let’s take a closer look at generator choices for your Pennsylvania home.

Portable vs. Standby Generators: Pros and Cons

Portable Generators

Portable generators are standalone units that are typically powered by gasoline – although they can also be powered by diesel or propane. They connect manually to your circuit breaker, and you have to start them yourself.

Pros

• Less expensive – Smaller portable generators cost between $500 and $1,500 – far less than standby generators. They also don’t need professional installation to work effectively. Low up-front costs are the primary reason why many homeowners choose a portable generator. But as we’ll see, up-front costs aren’t the only factor to consider when choosing a generator.
• Smaller – Portable generators aren’t connected to your home, so they don’t need to take up space unless they’re in use.

Cons

• Manual operation – Portable generators are easy to use, but require manual operation and close monitoring. This is an important difference to consider: if you leave for vacation the day before a power outage, for example, you could return to headaches ranging from a flooded basement (due to a failed sump pump) to a refrigerator full of rotten food. This won’t happen with a standby generator, which turns on automatically when grid power shuts down.
• Less power – Portable generators provide enough energy to back up a few appliances (think microwave, lighting, TV, etc.) for a shorter period of time. But its power is limited: if you want a generator that will keep your home heating and cooling system running, you’ll need a standby generator.
• Noisy – A portable generator sounds a bit like a slightly quieter lawn mower, so if you’re sensitive to loud noises, it may not be the choice for you.

Standby Generators

Standby generators (also called backup or whole-house generators) are permanently-installed units that can be powered by gasoline, diesel or propane. They must be professionally installed and integrated with your home HVAC and electrical systems. A generator unit is about the size of your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit.

Pros

• Whole-house power – A standby generator can power just about any appliance your family wants to use, including your home HVAC equipment, home security system, emergency medical equipment, and more (as long as the generator is sized correctly – one big reason to have your generator installed by a pro).
• Extreme convenience – Standby generators turn on immediately as soon as power from the grid is interrupted, whether or not you’re home. They operate quietly and consistently, as long as they’re properly maintained and filled with propane. Once power is restored, your standby generator shuts down.
• Durable value – Standby generators last about 15 years, and they typically add enough to the resale value of your home to recoup much of the cost of installation if you intend to sell. Refrigerator

Cons

• Costly to install – You don’t have to lift a finger to operate your standby generator, but that convenience doesn’t come cheap. Including professional consultation—critical to sizing your generator – and installation, a standby generator can cost $10,000 or more. However, when you consider that the average amount of damage from a flood is about $4,000, it can quickly make itself a great value for your family – especially if you intend to sell your home in the next 10 years.

Whatever You Choose, Power It With Propane

Whether you choose a portable or stationary standby whole house generator, be sure to power it with propane gas. Propane provides consistent, clean-burning power that works reliably in any weather, including the low temperatures we often see in Pennsylvania in January and February. It’s also cheaper per gallon than gasoline or diesel, which can really add up during a lengthy outage.

Considering installing a propane standby generator? We can help! Contact Ace-Robbins today to learn more about propane generator installations in Wyoming County, PA. Need a propane delivery for your current generator? We can help there, too – contact us today for propane deliveries in eastern Pennsylvania!

If you have a propane grill or propane patio heater, chances are you power it from a 20-pound propane cylinder. Since propane is a flammable gas, it needs to be stored safely outdoors; by using the proper storage techniques, you can keep your cylinder working well for years to come.

Here are six things to keep in mind if you want to store your propane cylinder safely.

1. Don’t leave your tank in an enclosed space. If a propane gas leaks indoors, it could make the area dangerous to be near, let alone in. The spark of a light switch could be enough to cause a terrible accident. Always store propane tanks outside. Mark the area where your tanks are with flags during snow season so you can easily find them in the event of accumulation. Consider storing them with a waterproof cover, or inside a tank box certified for that purpose, to minimize rust and tank damage.
2. Store the tank upright on a flat surface. Always store a tank upright, since the over-pressure vent must be in contact with the propane vapor, not the liquid, to work effectively. Make sure that the area is flat so the tank doesn’t tip over or roll away.
3. Avoid temperature extremes. Keep your tank above −40 °F (−40 °C) in cold months. As the temperature drops, the pressure in your tank will decrease. During cold months, make sure the propane tank is in a sunlit area so that it can absorb radiant heat every day. During summer, avoid exposing your tank to temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C). As the temperature rises, the pressure inside your tank rises, too. Never leave your tank in the sunlight during the hottest months! Look for a shady spot instead.
4. Keep your tank away from flammable materials. This includes open flames or any appliance that generates heat, including space heaters. Keep it away from your grill, too – if a fire breaks out, you’ll have two problems on your hands.
5. Keep your tank away from the vents and windows. Propane gas is heavier than air, so it will sink closer to the ground and may go into vents or basement windows. In the event of a leak, you don’t want to place tanks in an area where propane gas can enter you home. Never store your propane tank near air conditioners or heat vents, which could draw the gas into your home. If propane leaks into your home, evacuate the area immediately and call your local officials.
6. Attach your tank to your grill for an easy storage option. Turn the valve off (on top of your tank), and turn all grill valves to the “off” positions. Use a grill cover to protect it from the elements and direct sunlight. This makes it easier for you to use the grill at any time of the year.

Always practice safety in your propane-powered home! To learn more about propane safety, or to find out more about how we work hard every day to deliver your propane safely, contact the pros at Ace-Robbins today.

Your washer and dryer work hard to keep your clothes clean – but there are things that you can do to make them work a little less hard with the same great results.

Here are six things you can do to keep your washer and dryer running in top form:

Washing Machine Tips

1. Take steps to prevent mold and mildew – Mildew is the enemy of a clean wash! Take steps to prevent it: remove finished loads immediately after washing and leaving the washer door ajar when the machine is empty to avoid mildew and mold formation. Clean out the washer door’s rubber seal periodically with water and vinegar – trapped hair and fabric can also encourage mold and mildew build up.
2. Clean your machine – If your washer doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle, pour distilled white vinegar instead of laundry detergent into the dispenser and add a cup of baking soda to the drum about once every month, running the machine on its hottest cycle. This will neutralize pH in the machine and scrub the interior.
3. Check your hoses – Regularly check your washing machine’s water hoses for signs of wear or weakness. If you find cracks or blistering, replace the hose; damaged hoses can leak or burst, causing flood damage. Replace hoses every five years or so.

Dryer Tips

1. Keep the vent hose as short as possible – Shortening your dryer’s vent hose can reduce drying times by 20 percent or more, cutting down energy use and saving you time and money.
2. Pre-dry loads – Drying clothes on an indoor drying rack can cut drying time by 25 percent or more.  If you don’t like air-dry stiffness, just put your clothes in the dryer for with a dryer sheet for 2-3 minutes to soften them. 
3. Use a dry towel – If you need to dry wet clothes fast, toss in a clean, dry cotton towel with your load. The towel will soak up moisture, speeding your dry time.

Time to upgrade your washer, dryer, or any other home appliance? We can help. Ace-Robbins features dozens of options from top brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid and more. To learn more, check out our appliances page, or visit us at our Tunkhannock. PA showroom!

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, getting one is a smart move: if you use it correctly, it will often pay for itself in the first year you own it.

If you plan to invest in a programmable thermostat, it’s helpful to know what kind of features are available. Let’s take a look at the basics.

Thermostat Programming Types

One feature that distinguishes one programmable thermostat from another is programming flexibility: some models allow a more sophisticated combination of settings, others a more limited one.

Typical models, ranked in order here from most to least flexible, offer:

• 7-day programming, which lets you program a different heating/cooling schedule for each day of the week;
• 5-1-1 programming, which allows one heating/cooling schedule for the week, plus separate ones for Saturday and Sunday;
• 5-2 programming, which lets you program on heating/cooling schedule for the week and one for the weekend; and
• 1-week programming, Daily program

Models with more features tend to have prices to match; choose the model that best fits with your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Re-Setting Your Programmable Thermostat

No matter which of these options you own, you’ll want to change the default or factory settings, since most programmable thermostats are pre-programmed for the “typical American family.” You want settings that work with your family in your home.

The settings you can control on virtually all types of programmable thermostats are:

• Wake time
• Sleep time
• Leave time
• Return time

The U.S Department of Energy suggests the following settings for an optimum balance of comfort and savings:

Summer months:

• When you’re home and awake, program air conditioning to 78°F.
• Program the AC to shut off during the hours you’re out of the house.

Winter months:

• When you’re home and awake, set the thermostat for 68°F.
• Lower temperatures by 10° for the hours you’re asleep or out of the house.

In general,

• Program heat or A/C to shut off 20-30 minutes before you leave home each day; return them to normal comfort levels 20 to 30 minutes before you come home.
• Program reductions in heating or cooling to begin 60 minutes before you go to sleep; return them to normal comfort levels 30 minutes before you awaken.

Smart Thermostats

One type of programmable that has become increasingly popular in recent years is a WiFi, or smart thermostat.

With a WiFi thermostat, you have the same ability to change temperatures at certain times a day, but you can also control your HVAC equipment from a distance via your smart phone. This makes this WiFi thermostats an ideal solution for a second home, or for a busy family that spends a lot of time on the road.

Save 10 percent on your annual energy bill without sacrificing comfort by installing a programmable thermostat and using it correctly. Contact Ace-Robbins today to learn more about programmable thermostat installations in Wyoming County, PA!

The propane tank is the heart of a propane-powered home, pumping gas to appliances that keep us warm, heat our water, cook our food, and more.

But choosing the tank size you need to power those appliances isn’t always easy to understand. How big a tank will you need to store propane for your furnace or outdoor living appliances? How much space will you need to place the tank? Do I need a horizontal tank or a vertical propane cylinder?

Propane Tanks 101

Here’s a short guide to propane tanks, including their capacity, dimensions, and typical uses for propane appliances around the home.

• 20-pound tank (portable) – If you have a portable propane grill, you’re probably familiar with the 20-pound propane tank. At about 1.5 feet tall and one foot wide, they hold about five gallons of propane – enough to work well for grills, patio heaters, and mosquito catchers. These tanks are typically brought in to a supplier to be exchanged rather than refilled.
• 100-pound tank (portable) – A step up in size from the common 20-pound tank, a 100-pound tank is great for use with a single appliance, such as a fireplace, stove, or clothes dryer. Like the 20-pound tank, these tanks are typically exchanged rather than refilled. A 100-pound tank must be placed at least three feet from doors or windows and five feet from an ignition source.
• 120-gallon and 250-gallon tanks (stationary) – Permanently installed at your home or work site, these intermediate propane tank sizes are good for most propane equipment applications except whole-house heating. Equipment may include stoves, clothes dryers, water heaters, space heaters, generators or fireplaces.
  Typical sizes are:
  • 120 gallon: 4’6″ high and 30″ in diameter (cylinder)
  • 250 gallon: 7’10” long and 30″ in diameter (“torpedo” type)
• 325-gallon or 500-gallon tanks (stationary) – Another permanently installed tank, these larger tanks are typically installed in households that use 100–200 gallons a month; a 500-gallon propane tank will be appropriate to heat most houses ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 square feet.
  Typical sizes are:
  • 350 gallon: 9’11” long and 30″ in diameter
  • 500 gallon: 9’11” long and 37.5″ in diameter
• 1,000-gallon tanks (stationary) – These tanks are used for large residential applications (4,500+ square feet) or commercial and industrial applications.
  Typical size is:
  • 1,000 gallon: 16’1.5″ long and 41″ in diameter

Need propane tank installation in Wyoming County? We can help. Contact the pros at Ace-Robbins today to learn more!