There’s a lot of information – and misinformation – out there when it comes to choosing between natural gas and propane – two clean-burning home energy alternatives that offer good value for your money.
While aggressive marketing paints a picture of natural gas being the clearly better of the two options, the truth much more complicated – in fact, propane offers several advantages over natural gas that could tip the scale in its favor, depending on your priorities.
Here are five key reasons to consider choosing (or sticking with) propane rather than switching to natural gas for your Pennsylvania home:

1. Propane delivery is safer – Propane can easily be compressed for safe transport, where it is handled by highly trained technicians using equipment and procedures that are heavily regulated by authorities at federal, state, and local levels. Natural gas, on the other hand, is difficult to compress, which means it must be delivered via pipeline. If there are no pipelines near your home, you can’t use natural gas; if there are pipelines near your home, you run the risk of a potentially disastrous pipeline failure.
2. Propane is more flexible to use – In most cases, a propane line can enter the home wherever you want it to, as long as there’s a tank nearby (while there are some requirements for distance from the home for a propane tank, they are not overly restrictive). This may not be true with a natural gas line.
3. Propane produces more energy – Propane contains double the amount of usable energy content per cubic foot as natural gas – about 2,490 BTUs versus 1,030.
4. Propane burns cleaner – While both fuels are considered to be “clean,” natural gas is a fossil fuel that releases methane when burned; propane combustion produces almost no greenhouse gas.
5. As a fuel, propane is also safer – Propane has a much narrower range of flammability (minimum and maximum burn temperatures) than natural gas; propane will not ignite when combined with air unless the ignition source reaches at least 920 degrees F.

When it comes down to it, you will probably pay a little more for propane than you will for natural gas, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice for you. At Ace-Robbins, we connect natural gas systems and install propane equipment every day – if you’re trying to decide between these two options, give us a call today.
Expert propane and natural gas installations – just one more way Ace-Robbins puts customers like you first. To learn more about our professional heating appliance installations, contact us today.
Ace-Robbins ­– Serving our neighbors in Scranton, Tunkhannock, Laceyville, Montrose, Clarks Summit, and Dallas since 1961!

May is a big month for outdoor grilling aficionados: for one thing, it’s National Barbecue Month, and for another, it includes Memorial Day – traditionally one of the biggest grilling weekends of the year.
If you’re planning an outdoor cook-a-thon this Memorial Day, there’s a pretty good chance that beef (or chicken…or turkey…or veggie) patties will be on the menu. Don’t make those hamburgers humdrum – here are 10 tips for making the perfect Memorial Day burger.

1. Keep the grill clean. Clean your propane grill with a wire brush before you start cooking your burgers; burn off whatever bits of food are left from the last cook.
2. Oil the grates before cooking. Apply a thin layer of olive oil to your grill grates. This will give your burgers a good, clean sear.
3. Don’t salt your ground meat. Salt will dry out chop meat, so avoid putting it in your ground meat mixture. Instead, sprinkle your burgers with salt before you put them on the grill.
4. Choose the right cooking method. Different burger meats need different cooking treatments. For a chicken burger, use medium flame and light oil. For a beef burger, use a blend of short loin, chuck and brisket with an 85/15 or 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio and cook for 5 (medium rare), 6 (medium) or 7 (medium well) minutes on each side. For a veggie burger, use ether potato or sweet potato to bind the patty. For tofu, rubbing grates with olive oil before grilling.
5. Cook on direct heat. Unlike hot dogs, burgers cook best over direct heat. Keep them right over those flames!
6. Keep the juices in. Don’t push down your burger – you’ll press out all the natural juices (and all the flavor with it).
7. Flip it once. Flip your burgers only once, and avoid doing it too soon (see above or some guidelines on grill times for beef burgers). If your burger sticks, it’s not ready to flip: your burger will release from the grate if it’s cooked on that side.
8. Close the lid. One of the things that makes a propane grill so great for cooking is that you can control temperatures within a few degrees; all of that goes out the window when you’re constantly opening and closing your grill.
9. Let it settle. Give your burger a few minutes to settle before serving it; this will drive the juices to the center of the burger.
10. Get creative. The internet is filled with great burger recipes. Check out some of these sites for creative ways to avoid a burger fail:
    • All recipes
    • Simply Recipes
    • Food Network
    • Epicurious
    • Serious Eats

Memorial Day is coming – fill your propane barbecue cylinders for your big burger bash! Contact Ace-Robbins today learn more.

Front-loading washing machines can be an efficient, ergonomic, and convenient clothes-cleaning option for your Pennsylvania home.
But maintaining a front loading machine is a bit different than maintaining a machine that loads on top; if you want to avoid long-term trouble with your front-loader, here are six quick and easy tips to keep in mind:

1. Use the right detergent. If your front-loading washing machine is a high efficiency (HE) model (many are), always use the suggested amount of a detergent designed for that equipment (they are typically labeled “HE Compatible” or something similar). Using regular detergents (or too much of either type) will over-sud your washing machine, creating a soapy film that will either damage the machine or lead to an accumulation of mold. Go easy on the liquid fabric softeners and bleach, too.
2. Remove finished loads immediately. Leaving damp clothes in a closed washing machine provides “perfect storm” conditions for mold growth. Also remember to leave the door of the washer ajar when not in use to keep fresh air circulating.
3. Clean rubber seals regularly. Clean the washing machine door’s rubber seal regularly using a microfiber rag and a 50-50 vinegar/water solution (you can use Q-tips for hard-to-reach areas). Don’t forget to wipe the inside of the drum, too.
4. Run a “refresh” cycle about once every two months. Run your washing machine on its hottest setting without clothes or detergent; instead, fill the dispenser with distilled white vinegar and add a cup of baking soda directly into the drum to neutralize pH and give it a nice surface scrub.
5. Check your settings regularly. Make sure the spin speed you select is appropriate for the load you are washing—higher spin speeds may mean drier clothes for your dryer, but they also cause extra wear and tear on the machine’s inner parts, potentially shortening its lifespan.
6. Don’t overload the machine. Use the appropriate amount of water for the size of the load. Wash heavy or bulky items in small loads since these are harder on the equipment.

Have you followed these tips and still ended up with a broken washing machine? It could be time for an upgrade from the pros at Ace-Robbins. Check out our full line of front-load washers and other high efficiency appliance options at our convenient Tunkhannock showroom today!

You have probably heard (perhaps on this very blog) that ductless cooling systems (also called mini-split systems) are incredibly efficient.
The question is why is this the case?
In general – assuming professional A/C installation and size matching – ductless air conditioners are much more efficient than window A/Cs, and could even be more efficient than a conventional central air conditioning system.
There are three main reasons for this:

1. Central air conditioning ducts can develop substantial air leaks; in fact, up to 20 percent of the air you paid to cool may never even reach your living space. Because ductless cooling systems are…well, ductless…all the cool air goes where it belongs.
2. Air handlers (the indoor component in a ductless system) use less power than the single large air handler in an A/C connected to ducts – which means you’ll spend less money on energy to run them.
3. With a ductless system, it’s easier to set up super-efficient cooling zones – air handlers can be sized to meet the cooling load of a specific space, and each can be controlled with a separate thermostat. With this set-up, you can “spend” your conditioned air in rooms that need it most rather than evenly throughout your home.

Great for supplemental cooling, too

Of course, ductless cooling systems aren’t ideal for every home: if you already have ductwork installed, you’re probably best off sticking with a high efficiency central air unit. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of some of the unique benefits of a ductless system as a supplemental cooling solution in problem rooms, home additions, shops, and more.
Not sure what the best way to cool your home might be? We can help. Contact the cooling experts at Ace-Robbins today to get a FREE, no obligation estimate on a new, high efficiency Mitsubishi ductless or central air conditioning system for your Tunkhannock, PA-area home.

The spring grilling season has begun here in Pennsylvania, and if you’ve love the taste of barbecue as much as we do, you’re probably going to need to refill that propane tank sooner than later.
When that time comes, be sure to disconnect your propane cylinder safely! Here’s how:

1. Make sure your propane grill is turned off.
2. Find your propane cylinder; it may be behind a door (depending on the design of your grill)
3. There are two parts of your grill that you will need to be concerned with: the propane cylinder’s tank valve and the barbecue’s pressure regulator (see illustration).
   
4. Before you disconnect the pressure regulator, close the tank valve (turn it all the way to the right, or clockwise).
5. Once the valve is shut, twist off the threaded pressure regulator.
6. Remove the tank (on some propane grills, the tank is attached to the barbecue by a restraining bolt or screw; simply loosen this to remove the tank).
7. When transporting your tank, put it in a secure, well-ventilated location in your vehicle. Place it upright and take it directly to the refilling location. Do not leave the tank unaccompanied in the vehicle.
8. Reverse the process to reconnect your propane tank, making sure the tank valve is closed when reconnecting the pressure regulator. Replacement propane cylinders often come with a plastic safety cap over the tank valve assembly – simply remove this.

That’s it – happy grilling!
For safe, reliable propane tank refills in our Pennsylvania service area, trust the pros at Ace-Robbins. Contact us today to learn more!

Each April 22, people gather in streets and parks around the world to celebrate Earth Day – a chance to come together and express a passion for creating a more healthy and sustainable planet.
The question is, how can we continue to live in the spirit of Earth Day the rest of the year?
While steps like recycling paper and biking to work will certainly shrink your carbon footprint, there are few actions that will create a bigger overall impact on the planet than changing the way you power your home comfort equipment, and the choices you make about your home comfort appliances.
By using propane rather than coal-fired electricity to power your home heating system, for example, you can cut greenhouse gas emissions in half. Propane gas-powered appliances are often more efficient than electric-powered models, too – a tankless propane water heater, for example, can reduce energy use by 50 percent compared to a similar unit powered by electricity, according to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
Of course your furnace, boiler, and water heater are not the only energy consuming appliances in your Pennsylvania home: by choosing high efficiency air conditioners, cooking equipment, dishwashers, and other appliances, you will take an even bigger bite out of your energy use – and your monthly bills as a result.
The bottom line: If you aspire to becoming more Earth–friendly, pay close attention to the way you heat, cool, and power your home every day. Choose high efficiency appliances, maintain them regularly, and follow sensible energy savings practices like the ones you’ll find on this blog!
Need a reliable propane supplier – or ENERGYSTAR® rated home appliances – anywhere in our PA service area? Ace-Robbins has you covered. Visit our Tunkhannock showroom for great, eco-friendly options today!

If you’ve read our blog in the past, you know where we stand on getting preventative maintenance for your HVAC system (hint: we’re big fans of preventive maintenance).
There are many reasons to give your home heating and cooling systems a little TLC every year – and all of them lead back to your wallet. Consider these benefits of getting regular maintenance for your home HVAC system:

• Better efficiency – Dust or grime on your condenser and evaporator coils can hamper heat transfer – a problem that will reduce airflow and efficiency; a thorough cleaning – part of every preventative service visit – will take care of the problem. Keeping coolant levels in a healthy range is critical, too – if it’s too high or too low, it can cause long term or even permanent damage your system. Problems like these force your system to run harder to do their job, wasting energy and leading to premature repairs and breakdowns. The good news? All of these issues and more are addressed in routine annual maintenance.
• Lower energy bills – On average, home HVAC equipment loses about five percent efficiency for every year it’s not maintained – which means that an annual investment in a tune-up will often pay for itself in energy savings alone. As a side bonus, you’ll also prevent costly long-term repairs (see below) and get better heating and cooling performance throughout your home.
• Improved air quality – Many of the adjustments a technician makes to your system during a preventive maintenance visit will result in better airflow; this can have a dramatic your indoor air quality – especially if you add a whole house air cleaner or UV light to your system.
• Fewer repairs – Preventing problems before they happen is perhaps the greatest benefit of routine maintenance. By catching small problems before they snowball into costly HVAC repairs, you could save your self hundreds if not thousands of dollars on a replacement fan motor or compressor.

Ace-Robbins Service Plans – a high value maintenance solution

Want to know the best way to take care of annual maintenance for your HVAC equipment? Sign up for an Ace-Robbins Service Plan, which includes an annual tune-up, repair discounts, priority service, and more. We have plans for your heating oil or propane-fired equipment and your central air conditioner, with all work performed by our licensed, bonded, and highly-trained HVAC technicians.
Enjoy worry-free comfort whenever you need it in the months to come: sign up for an HVAC service plan from Ace-Robbins today. Contact us now to get started!

If your Pennsylvania home doesn’t have ductwork (pretty common in older homes), chances are you are using window air conditioners to cool it. But there’s a much option if central air isn’t possible for you: a ductless air conditioning system.
Ductless systems (also called “mini-splits”) are quieter, more efficient, and less obtrusive to your living space than window A/Cs – and you don’t have to risk a hernia pulling them in and out of the basement or attic every year.
Here are some great advantages of a ductless system compared to window (and even central) air conditioners:

1. Higher efficiency – Ductless systems are extremely efficient, with many models from Mitsubishi having SEER ratings of 18 or more – well more than the 14 or 15 rating of most window models.
2. Better air quality – In a central air system, your ductwork creates the perfect conditions for growing mold and other harmful microorganisms. Since a mini-split doesn’t need ductwork, it avoids those problems altogether.
3. More flexible placement – Mini-split air handlers (the indoor component in a ductless system) vary in size and can be installed in basements, attics, and even rooms with no windows to create flexible cooling zones in your home.
4. Easier installation – Installing a ductless system usually takes about a day – much shorter than a central air system. And once it’s in, it’s in – unlike a window A/C that has to be removed and re-installed every year. With a mini-split, all you need is a wall and one or two 2- to 3-inch holes to connect the air handlers to the outdoor condenser.
5. Better environmental performance – Not only is a mini-split much more efficient than a window A/C, it also typically uses a more ozone-friendly refrigerant (R410A) than a typical window unit. That means fewer toxins and fewer carbon emissions for every hour you run your unit.

Curious about the benefits of a Mitsubishi ductless system for your PA home? Contact us today for a FREE, no obligation estimate and learn how affordable one of these great systems can be!

If you use electricity for your home comfort systems – whether to power your furnace, your water heater, or your appliances – you’re missing out on the many benefits that clean, green propane provides.
Compared to electricity, propane is more:

• Versatile: Both propane and electricity can power just about any of your home comfort equipment, but propane bests electricity by giving you the capability to add a beautiful, no-hassle fireplace to your living room – or an off-the-grid propane backup generator, which could save you thousands of dollars in property and food damage during a power outage.
• Efficient: Propane provides far more BTUs per dollar than electric – which means you will stay warm and comfortable for less money every month. It also means most propane appliances will run more efficiently than their electric-powered counterparts.
• Reliable: Propane has one of the industry’s best records for reliability, with decades of safe and effective use in heating and home appliance applications all over the world.
• Eco-friendly: Much of the electricity produced today is generated in coal-fired plants; when you choose clean-burning propane, you will significantly shrink your home’s carbon footprint.
• Safe: Propane gas and propane-powered equipment are heavily regulated by federal, state, and local safety laws, and highly trained propane technicians have to know every one of them.

If you want to explore these propane benefits for yourself, contact us today – we’re happy to discuss propane equipment options with you. And if you’re already a propane user but want the most reliable service provider in our Tunkhannock service area, we can help you there, too: become an Ace-Robbins customer today.
Contact Ace-Robbins today for the most reliable, comprehensive propane delivery and propane services in the area!
Ace-Robbins: Serving our neighbors in and around Scranton, Tunkhannock, Laceyville, Montrose, Clarks Summit, and Dallas, PA.

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of heating oil and propane here at Ace-Robbins – a big reason why we’re one of the most reliable suppliers of both of these residential fuels in our Northeastern PA service area, and why we offer such an amazing range of boilers, furnaces, water heaters, and other appliances that are powered by these tried and tested fuels.
But we also understand that heating oil and propane aren’t for everyone – particularly when natural gas companies and utilities have been so aggressive in marketing their fuel and service to Pennsylvania homeowners.
That’s why we also offer expert natural gas installations and hookups for our customers.
If you need to connect your home to a local natural gas pipeline, or install a natural gas-powered furnace, boiler, water heater, or combination appliance (including the Energy Kinetics System 2000 – a personal favorite of ours), our expert technicians will take care of everything for you quickly, safely, and in compliance with all fire and building codes.
Expert natural gas installations – just one more way Ace-Robbins puts customers like you first. To learn more about our professional heating appliance installations, contact us today.
Ace-Robbins ­– Serving our neighbors in Scranton, Tunkhannock, Laceyville, Montrose, Clarks Summit, and Dallas since 1961!